Room Addition

House Plans - Selecting a Bathtub

2009-10-05T10:33:00.001-07:00

One of the most significant additions to your new home is selecting your bathtubs. Choosing the proper tub for each bathroom is an important decision. Just as you had to choose amongst everything from luxury home floor plans to traditional ranch plans, bathtub options are plentiful. Bathtubs can be built-in or freestanding, soaking tubs, shower combinations, or tubs built for two. And each style is offered in an abundance of materials, shapes and sizes.

The size of your bathroom will set the stage for your options. Keep in mind that home style often guides but certainly doesn't dictate bathroom size. Colonial houseplans, for example, may often feature smaller bathrooms. Tubs can range from 40 to 85 inches in length and 22-72 inches in width and 12-32 inches in depth. Different sizes account for different functions. A deeper tub is more suitable for soaking, or for people of larger stature. In contrast, a petite person may be uncomfortable in a deep, larger tub. Design your bathroom to meet your needs and accommodate the home's style.

Built-in and freestanding tubs are the two most common styles in most homes. Built-ins can either be alcove, drop-in or corner designs. Alcove tubs are the standard American bathtub. These frontal exposure tubs are on the shallow side, typically include a shower, and are available with limited customizable options.

Drop-in, or sunk-in, models are sunken into the floor or a tub deck and can also be described as garden tubs. The expansive deep spa tub makes them ideal for relaxing, especially in large bathrooms with a separate shower. The surrounding deck space is ideal for candles and soaking accessories for a spa-like experience. Corner models are similar, as they are situated to the corner of the bathroom with surrounds on the two sides.

Freestanding tubs include an abundance of styles, including the classic claw-foot, pedestal and other legged designs common in many country farm house plans. These models have exposed pipes so they are easier to install, require no additional framework and are often thought of as antique with a certain amount of charm. They are also typically deeper than standard built-in models to accommodate for soaking.

Bathtubs can be made from a multitude of materials. Porcelain on steel (POS) is the most common due to its resistance to corrosion, acid and abrasion. It is also lightweight and moderately priced in comparison to other materials. Fiberglass is also a popular choice because of its price. It is not the most durable of materials, but can be repaired fairly easily. Acrylic is also used, although are prone to wear and tear over time. Products are available to resurface acrylic and buff out any scratches. On the pricier side is enameled cast iron. With the high cost comes a very durable material as it is extremely resistant to chipping and scratching. Other "high-end" options include marble and granite.

With all of the options involved, it is best to visit showrooms and search sites such as House Plans and More to find a tub to suit your home. Whether you are building from colonial houseplans or country farm house plans, any plan can turn into luxury home floor plans with the right bathtub in place.

Basic Home Electrical Wiring - For the Do it Yourself Home Electrician

2009-10-05T02:17:00.001-07:00

The Green Bay Packers were one of the most successful football teams and Vince Lombardi said something to them that I will never forget," This is a football." All the football players laughed and he said that we're going to start with the basics and that's what I'm going to do, with this article.

Let's start with our electrical wire, the two most common electrical wire sizes, that will be used in most homes, will be 14 and 12 gauge electrical wire. Let's clear something up, right off the bat, the smaller the number, the larger the wire. In other words a 12 gauge electrical wire is a little bit larger and will carry more electricity, for longer distances than a 14 gauge wire.

What about electrical outlet plugs? These plugs are usually the same, except for the fact that they come in different colors. When I said that most electrical plugs are the same, I'm talking about your standard wall outlet plug. There are different electrical plugs that will be used for air conditioners and some kitchen appliances like 220 Volt electric stoves and ovens.

What about your home's light switches? Your standard two way light switch will usually turn a one light on or a group of lights on, from one location. A three way light switch will usually turn one light on or a group of lights on from two different locations. A four way light switch, will usually turn one light or a group of lights on from three different locations.

It doesn't get any more basic than that. I hope this gives you a better understanding about your home's electrical system.

If you're really interested in learning more about remodeling, new home construction, home maintenance, home repairs and really want to get the nuts and bolts of home improvement. Visit our web site and select from the best-selling home building books on the Internet.

Greg Vandenberge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a Home Buyers Guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.

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Accessibility in Bathroom Remodels

2009-10-04T19:15:00.001-07:00

If someone in your family has a disability or is aging, your bathroom remodel design will either make the remodeled bathroom more comfortable and accessible or inaccessible. Your design can easily incorporate the features and space recommendations that will make the bathroom more accessible for everyone.

The housing industry has outlined several levels of accessibility standards in bathroom design and construction ranging from barrier free to accessible to industry standard housing. The main difference is in how accessible it is for everyone with special needs. Over the last few decades, bathroom designers, architects and manufacturers of fixtures and other bathroom safety products have begun to respond to the need for greater accessibility (and safety) in bathrooms. The result is a set of standards known as universal design.

Many of these features are nice to have in any home and can be added with little or no cost when you remodel a bathroom. Regardless of your current situation, you might want to review the list and see if some of these recommendations can work in your new bathroom for the comfort of your family.

The universal design recommendations for bathrooms include:

Place electrical receptacles at 15 or 18 inches above the floor
Allow a door opening width of 34 - 36 inches
Leave a minimum of 18 inches of clear floor space beside all doors on the "pull side" to allow space to get out of the way when opening doors
Leave a turning space in the bathroom of 5 feet in diameter (for wheelchair)
Use contrasting colors between floor surfaces and trim to make them easier to see
Choose easy-to-use hardware: lever door handles, push electrical plates, loop handle pulls on drawers and cabinet doors, lever faucet handles, touch latches, keyless locks
Position light switches 35-44 inches above the floor, maximum
Pressure balanced anti-scald valves at tubs and showers
Hand-held showerheads at all tubs and showers in addition to fixed heads.
Bathing fixture requirement: minimum 5 feet long by 3 feet deep (4 feet preferred) curbless shower or tub with integral seat, waterproof floor and a floor drain
30" by 48" clear floor spaces at each fixture (spaces may overlap)
Clear space of 3 feet in front and to one side of toilet
Toilet centered 18 inches from any side wall, cabinet or tub
Broad blocking between studs in walls around toilet, tub and shower for placement and location of grab bars
Minimum lavatory counter height of 32 inches
Clear knee space 29" high under sink (may be accomplished with fold-back self-storing doors)
No pedestal sinks
Mount sink as close to front of countertop as possible.

These are the primary elements of "universal design" in bathrooms. You might, however, choose to install grab bars in tub and shower and beside and in front of the toilet simply because it is helpful for people of all ages and physical ability.

Aaron O'Hanlon has been helping contractors increase profits through exclusive website marketing and search engine optimization at Footbridge Media. See his companies latest creation: Virginia Bathroom Remodeling or contact him directly at Contractor Marketing

Do I Need a Home Inspection? - Real Estate Advice

2009-10-04T10:57:00.001-07:00

Most home inspections today run between $300 to over $1000 and sometimes you don't really get your moneys worth. There are home inspection companies that guarantee, any problems that they miss will be repaired at their expense over a desired period of time, usually a year. It seems like, most home inspection companies are just inspecting the property and have no guarantees or liability from their inspection.

It's not a good idea to buy or sell a home without getting a home inspection from a licensed home inspector. This is like having a second opinion from someone who is usually skilled in the process. I would like to point something out to unsuspecting, potential home buyers and sellers. Sometimes a home inspection company will get a little behind in their work and need to hire other home inspectors if these home inspectors don't have any experience in the construction business or have never inspected a home before. In other words there fresh out of home inspector school. You might not get a good home inspection.

You can always ask the question, how long have you been in business?... How long have you been a home inspector?... have you ever worked in the construction business or have any skills in home building and remodeling. If the answers to these questions are satisfactory, it doesn't mean, that they're telling the truth and being sincere and could lead to problems later if they are lying to you.

Let me rephrase the question now, "Do I Need a Home Inspection" from an unqualified home inspector? Absolutely not. But how can you really tell the difference and is the report going to be worth the money that you paid for it.

What would you say, if I had the solution to your problem. How about a pre-home inspection, using a home buyers checklist? What if I could give you a check list with questions, that you could ask your home inspector? Some of these questions are not going to be part a regular inspection but should always be asked and make sure you get the answers to them, before purchasing the property.

Would you be interested now? What if I told you, for under $20, you could purchase a home buyers checklist, now for the tough question, this checklist could save you thousands of dollars and prevent you from purchasing a home with major construction problems or defects, and can be used on every house you look at.

Don't buy a home without purchasing a professional home inspection checklist. These lists of questions can save you some serious headaches and stress in the future.

Greg Vandenberge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a home buyers guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.

If your looking for some more home inspection or home building ideas.

Things to Consider Before the Installation of an Electric Shower

2009-10-04T03:53:00.001-07:00

Everyone wants to have an attractive and luxurious shower in their bathroom. Electric showers have better impressions among other types of showers and are widely used because of their excellent performance. Compared to other showers, electric showers are easy to install, economical, and convenient to use. Basic requirements when installing electric showers include little plumbing from the cold water supply and appropriate electrical connection. However, few precautionary measures should be taken in order to provide a safe and economical output.

For households with only cold water pipe line available, electric shower is the only option. It is also recommended for areas with low pressure water supply. Electric showers have built-in pumps designed to maintain water pressure for the shower and sprayed through the shower head.

On the other hand, for households with both hot and cold water pipe lines, mixer showers are suitable and the best option. It is designed to mix hot and cold water to regulate the water temperature when used. Lastly, on areas provided with low pressure water supply, but with installed heater for a shower, power showers are the best option.

During installation, the shower head should be installed in an area far from the base tray to avoid contact. Installation of electric shower should also be in accordance with the water supply that should have a minimum running pressure of 1.0 bar at a flow rate of 8 liters/minute. Water supplied to electric showers should be cold and must have a dedicated line to be used exclusive for the shower to maintain water temperature.

Showers should not be installed in sections with freezing conditions, but should be placed on tiled surfaces. Before completing the water supply connection with electric shower, pipes should be cleaned and checked so that waste can be washed out and avoid obstructions for the water to flow. One isolated valve must also be fitted in the main water supply. This valve will regulate the opening and closing of the main water supply which is necessary when performing maintenance of the shower.

For electric showers, compatible cable that can carry proper voltage to the device should be chosen. A separate electric connection should be used from the unit to the shower through a double pole switch. The switch will be used to turn the heating process of water on and off. It is also suitable for turning electricity off in emergency situations. This should be installed in a secured place, away from any person taking shower to prevent any accidents brought by electrical shock. For added safety, wirings of electric shower must be connected to a switch without any plug or socket.

Making the required electrical connection for the shower may sound simple, but professional electricians are required to perform the task. All these precautions should be considered before installing electric showers. By considering these things, installing electric showers is made easy and safe. Let us all remember that one can only get the most out of it when it is installed properly and effectively.

If you are looking for more information then feel free to visit electric showers and electric power showers.

What is a Three Way Home Electrical Light Switch?

2009-10-03T20:07:00.001-07:00

A three way home electrical light switch is a special light switch that can be used in your hallways, large rooms and stairways. These light switches are specially made to operate one light or a group of lights from two different locations.

They are most commonly found in hallways and provide a homeowner with the option of turning the light on at one end of the hallway and turning it off, when they are finished walking through the hallway and are about to enter into another room.

Before three way home electrical light switches were made, people would turn the hallway light on and leave it on or they wouldn't turn the hall light on at all, because they knew that after they walked down the dark hallway, they wouldn't be able to turn the light off at the other end.

Three-way light switches are also used in stairways. It makes a lot of sense, to be able to turn your stairway light on, at the bottom of the stairs and then after you have walked up the stairway safely, you can simply turn the stair lights system off.

As homes become larger, it's not going to be uncommon to find three way light switches being used at either end of large rooms. If your living room or family room was located within the center of your home and had an entrance at each end, it wouldn't be a bad idea to install a light switch at each end, for travelers who are simply walking through these room.

Remember that three-way light switches, are used to operate lights from two different locations.

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Making a Cost Plan For a Sunroom

2009-10-03T13:05:00.001-07:00

According to National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) price of sunroom ranges from $12,000 - $70,000. NARI estimates that the sunrooms can save up to 70% of the investment cost. The cost that is incurred in the construction of a sunroom includes the material cost and the labor cost. It has been projected that on average the material of a sunroom may cost up to $10,400. Constructing the deck, may require approximately $1500 of material. For the construction of the stairs the estimate material cost can be near to $270 figure. Construction of roofing system, floor improvements and all other material costs for the construction of an average sunroom can be very near to $13,500 - $14,000.

The second main aspect that should be considered while chalking out the cost of sunroom is the labor cost. For the construction of an average sunroom the labor charges can exceed $11,000 figure. For the construction of the deck, the labor cost is estimated to be around $1650. Likewise, construction of the stairs may cost from $200 to $250.

If we merge these costs with the flooring, roofing system and the total labor cost which is not less than $12,000 we can get a big figure of around $25,000. So it is obvious that only the construction of an entire sunroom can cost up to $25000. It is commonly seen that the sunroom prices can vary because of the material used in the construction work.

Many people like the aluminum work for their sunrooms and it is also widely accepted material for sunrooms construction because it makes the sunroom very beautiful. But on the other side many people also use wooden material in the construction of the sunrooms which may reduce the beauty of the sunroom as compared to the aluminum work. An aluminum sunroom can be constructed with energy proficient exterior and interior with panes that are thermally broken. A sunroom with wooden panels can also be constructed with beams that can give your sunroom a classic touch. Sunrooms that are covered with vinyl shell are commonly used in the building of the Victorian and Georgian Art schools.

The type of fixture that is used in the sunroom can increase its total cost. The types of windows and doors that are planned to be fitted are the main factors that may increase the costs. Sliding doors with dual locking system can also be fitted that are widely used because of childproof handles. The style of the sunroom also plays an important role in increasing the cost or reducing it. There are various roof designs that are introduced for sunrooms; include cathedral, straight, curved and conservatory. The roofs of sunrooms are normally made-up of aluminum with a coating that helps in restricting the injurious ultra violet rays of the sun from entering in the room. Aluminum costs are surely more than vinyl but vinyl provides more insulation that does the aluminum. If you are building a wooden sunroom then keep in mind that it can cost very much to you because it requires the proper maintenance and care. Make sure to build a budget for this project before you select designs for your sunroom.

Andrew Caxton is a freelance writer. Learn more about sunroom addition and patio enclosures at http://www.allsunrooms.com/enclosures.html

Attic Handrail Safety - Do it Yourself Home Repair

2009-10-03T05:29:00.001-07:00

Some stairways that lead up to your attic will have a safety or guardrail to prevent people from falling down the stairs or off of them. Attic handrail safety can provide homeowners with a little peace of mind if they just follow the few simple steps. Make sure that the handrail is at least 42 inches in height. 42 inches is the minimum height for guard rails and can be found in the uniform building code.

The uniform building code is the Bible to the building industry and sets the standard for new construction and remodeling.

The 42 inches will be measured from the floor to the top of the handrail. Some older homes will have handrails that are 36 inches and some of them will be even 30 inches in height. A 30 inch handrail provides limited protection for anyone who is over five foot tall. 30 inches becomes the center point for any one over 60 inches and these people could easily fall over the short handrail.

Now for the homes that don't have any attic handrail safety systems. Some homes that were built before the 1960s won't have a handrail system at all in the stairway. Keep something in mind here, when these people were building these houses, some of them were trying to save money, some of them figured that it wasn't going to be a big deal and other builders simply forgot to install them.

It's not hard to install a working attic handrail for safety but keep in mind, that if the handrail isn't the right height, it will provide you with limited protection. Attic handrails that are lower than 30 inches can provide young children or others who are shorter than five feet with very little protection but can be a safety hazard to anyone over 5 feet tall.

If your attic doesn't have a safety handrail, use caution and be careful in these areas of your home. It wouldn't be a bad idea to install a locking doorknob if your attic access has a door that can be secured to prevent small children or other people from entering these unsafe areas.

Home Attic Repairs

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Get the Inside Story on Repair to Shower Faucet

2009-10-02T21:25:00.001-07:00

Think repair to shower faucet is a walk in the park? Well, guess what? You have just hit the nail on the head. Ask homeowners that have bravely but cautiously set sail into uncharted waters, and the response will be unanimous. This seemingly onerous task can be completed with aplomb, without the redoubtable presence of somebody listed in the yellow pages.

Do Your Homework Well

Repiaring a faulty shower faucet is sure to be mission impossible if you don't have the basic understanding of faucets and their construction. But David and Goliath should inspire you, right?

Faucets are broadly categorized into two varieties. While those that bear allegiance to the medieval period rely on washers to regulate the flow of water, the faucets that quench our thirst for high-end technology have cartridges for the same purpose.

If you are having trouble getting your head around all this technical jargon, let me put matters in a slightly nursery way. When your shower faucet begins to wreck havoc in your life, it's time to replace this supremely important part.

The Time Has Arrived

You have made sense of the science of the faucet; it's now time for artistic abilities to take over. Here's how:

Start by turning off the water supply to the faucet. This is achieved by turning the main shut-off valve of the house in the clockwise direction.
Remove the cap fixed on the faucet very gingerly. You'll now be able to see the faucet handle screw that precedes the faucet handle. You may have a hard time getting the handle out of the way, but your sustained efforts are sure to produce the desired results.
In some faucets, the handle is followed by a trim sleeve from the valve.
You have now successfully reached the valve stem, at the end of which is the faulty washer. Replace this worn-out part immediately. To do this, you'll need to get the packing nut attached to the valve stem out of the way.
In case of washerless faucets, it's the cartridge that requires replacement. In both cases, the new part must be of the same dimensions as the old one.
Put all the parts back in place. Just hope you remember the correct order.

Before you go completely delirious with anticipation, turn on the water supply and see the spectacular results yourself.

Congratulations, you have just joined the burgeoning class of homeowners that believes that shower faucet repair is indeed a tenuous contention.

Learn exactly how to generate 100's or even 1000's of positively *BRILLIANT* Bathroom Remodeling Ideas ... FAST ! And here are 25 Dirt Cheap Home Improvement Ideas that could increase the value of your home by several $1000's ...

How to Find a Excellent New Home Builder

2009-10-02T14:30:00.001-07:00

Looking for a good home builder or contractor, isn't an exact science, but hopefully, by the time you're done reading this article, you will at least have a better idea, what you will be looking for. Let's get started.

As a general contractor, the most important thing that I would be looking for any new home builder, would be experience. You can't sacrifice price for experience. If you're looking for the cheapest contractor, there's a good chance that this person will be lacking experience in home building knowledge.

How long has this person been in business? Just because you're new home builder has only been in business for five years, doesn't mean that he isn't capable of building your home. The same holds true for someone who has been in business for 30 years. Just make sure that these people have actually built homes in the past.

What is their attitude like? This is the second most important thing and I tend to focus on this more than experience, sometimes. If you don't get along with the person, you're not going to have a pleasant home building experience. If you think that there lying to you, scammers or generally don't feel comfortable with them, but they seem to have the most experience and build more homes in your area than anyone else. I wouldn't think twice about getting rid of them and finding someone else.

Last but not least, you should contact some of the people that they have worked for in the past. Talking to past clients, is going to play an important role in making your final decision. You need to find out, if these home builders, treated their clients fairly and were they generally happy with the overall outcome and performance, not only of the homebuilder, but each one of his subcontractors.

I would recommend writing out a list of questions and offering your new home builders past clients a free meal. Offer to take them out to dinner, lunch or breakfast, this way you will have their undivided attention and get the low down on your potential future home builder, it could be the best money that you ever spent.

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Greg Vandenberge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a home inspection checklist to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.

Thanks For Reading My Articles

Creating the Perfect Home Remodeling Priority List

2009-10-02T05:51:00.001-07:00

Home remodeling is one of those projects that can be fun or a pain in the -- you know what. It is best to start your home remodeling plan with one room at a time and decide on the value of each room to prioritize where to save and where to spend. This article will look at the value of each room to help you deiced the type of home remodeling project you may consider.

The big debate on what room is the most used room in the house could go on forever. Some say it is the kitchen others say it is the living room while others say the master bedroom. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and you can use some basic rules to see what the highest priority is for you.

If you have kids then you probably spend more time than you like in the kitchen cooking. If you have a smaller family maybe the kitchen is just a place where you are in and out. If you cook allot then the kitchen should get some very high consideration for your home remodeling project.

Do you like to play games and watch TV? If you find yourself or your family watching television often and you perhaps enjoy family night games then you should place the family room at the top of your list. Maybe it is time to add family room to your home remodeling ideas. Perhaps you could remodel a spare bedroom or add a new room to the house.

Do you have guest spend the night often? You may want to think about making a nice guest bathroom with all the luxuries of a five star hotel for your guest. Do not do this unless you love to have people stay awhile and come often. They are likely to really enjoy visiting you.

When planning your home remodeling ideas you will find that they become much easier with a good priority system. Once you know which rooms are the most important to you and your lifestyle then that is where the money should be spent on nicer upgrades. On rooms that are not high on the list, but still need some fixing you could use less expensive things to fix them up.

Find more helpful remodeling tips by visiting http://best-home-improvement-projects.com where you will find helpful remodeling tips, advice and resources to include Home Remodeling.

Asphalt Shingle Roofing - The Facts

2009-10-01T15:14:00.001-07:00

Is it any wonder why almost 80% of homes in North America use asphalt shingles as the roofing material of choice. The prevalence of asphalt shingles has created a vast assortment of fittings and fixtures designed to work with them. Items such as a multitude of flashing configurations, edge products, and almost every skylight manufactured has an appropriate base configuration for a weatherproof connection with asphalt shingles. All of the material that you need for a proper installation, such as the shingles, tarpaper, nails, vent boots and chimney flashing are available at any home improvement retailer.

The primary attributes of asphalt tiles are:

reasonably priced (economical),
require very little maintenance,
versatile,
provide excellent protection on steep sloped roofs,
are weather and sunlight resistant,
easy to cut,
can be nailed by hand or with powered nailers.

There are two different types of asphalt shingle base material construction - composition and fiberglass. Composition shingles use a base material termed organic felt, which is a blend of paper and wood fibers. Fiberglass, on the other hand, uses a base that is comprised of a fiberglass mat. In both cases, once the base material is produced it is soaked in an asphalt compound. In numbers sold, fiberglass leads the market. They are less expensive, weigh less because they are thinner, have a longer wear life and have a better fire rating than the composition base shingles.

Average cost of a shingle roof is $50 to $150 per square, installed. Removal of old shingles will cost between $30 and $50 per square.

Both types of asphalt shingles are manufactured with embedded mineral granules. Seeing the granules in your eaves trough (after the initial installation) is a sure sign that you need to repair or replace the shingles.

Where just a few years ago asphalt shingles were only available in simple tab configurations in blacks, grays and browns, the manufacturers have expanded their product lines to include a vast array of colors, profiles and with the use of laminate coatings have created as assortment of eye pleasing textures. Special chemicals are also being blended into the shingles to make them mold and algae resistant. Although these additional features do increase the price per square, asphalt shingles are still the most economical roofing material available.

Drawbacks:

The serviceable life of asphalt shingles is the lowest of all the roofing materials. Although they are available in numerous grades designated by the expected life, from 15 to 50 years they often need repair or replacement long before their supposed life has expired. The hotter the climate, the shorter the life of asphalt shingles. Many of the asphalt shingle problems that are encountered by homeowners are a direct result of two factors:

poor initial installation
damage due to sever weather

Poor installation usually occurs in the area of deck preparation, and not providing adequate flashing around items that are protruding through the roof such as vent pipes and chimneys. Other poor installation methods are not using the required amount of nails per shingle and nailing in the wrong area of the shingle. There are many fly-by-night roofing companies that will quote low prices, because they won't be around to stand behind the workmanship. Choose a roofing contractor carefully.

Roof Repairs:

You should inspect your shingled roof and all the flashing at least once a year and after any major storm such as a hurricane. Hurricane winds will remove entire shingles and lift others. Sun and rain can cause asphalt shingles to crack. You should also go into the attic and look up, any sign of daylight means that there is a hole. When inspecting the roof look for shingles that have lost the granule minerals - bald spots, cracked and/or curled.

If you have to make a roof repair, choose a warm day so that the shingles will be flexible and unlikely to crack when lifted. The roofing cements also spread easier in warmer temperatures.

You will know when you have a roofing problem when you see beige spots appearing on ceilings and walls close to the ceiling. Beige spots are a sign of water damage.

Maintenance:

Roofing cement is the equivalent of duct tape for roofs. It will repair most leaks, cracked or torn shingles, patch flashing around vent pipes and chimneys. You can also use the roofing cement to cover nail heads that have been exposed.

Shingles fade with age so any replacement shingles used will most likely be visually obvious. Shingle over damaged ridge shingles, by nailing down all the corners of the old shingle first - do not remove them.

If you have to replace an entire shingle, lift each of the tabs and pry the nails out of the shingle of the one that needs to be replaced. Remove the top corners of the replacement shingle and very carefully, without damaging the tarpaper, slip it under the existing shingles.

Use roofing nails (large head, galvanized) to fix the new shingle to the roof decking. Use roofing cement to cover the nail heads.

Planning and knowledge are the keys to any successful home improvement, remodel or landscaping project!

For additional information on roofing materials for your home or other renovation projects, including landscaping, visit Renovation Headquarters

Tile Grouting Tips For Your Bathrooms, Kitchens and Floors

2009-09-30T03:04:00.001-07:00

Isn't tile grouting supposed to be simple, if you read the directions and watch a couple of videos? What could make tile grouting so difficult? Grouting your tile isn't that difficult, by the time you're done reading this article, you should have a pretty good idea how to grout your floors, bathrooms, kitchens and anything else that requires tile.

I used to have problems grouting tile, but after I read the directions, I became a grouting wizard. This sounds hard to believe, but after reading the directions on the tile grout bag, I became a grout master. I know, you the type of person who never read the directions, you simply add water, mix and start grouting.

It's time to change your thinking about, whether or not the directions will be helpful. Whether it's about grouting your bathroom floor or putting together your home barbecued. I read one thing on the grout bag and it changed my entire grouting career.

The grout should slake. After you're done mixing the grout, you should wait between five and 10 minutes to let the moisture soak into the grout mix. Do this once, and you will never go back to mixing your grout and applying it, as quickly as possible after it has been mixed.

For more information on grouting, remodeling or home repairs, I would recommend reading books on home improvement and home repairs. Some of these books can make a big difference in your home improvement abilities as a handyman. I would also recommend reading more articles, there's plenty of information about tile and grouting, all over the Internet.

Click here if you are looking for some more Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

If you're really interested in basement remodeling and repairs, you should click on this link Home Repair Tips. Get some great home repair advice that can make a big difference on any of your home remodeling projects.

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How to Protect Foundation Plumbing Pipes?

2009-09-29T20:48:00.001-07:00

If you install any underground plumbing pipes, in your concrete building foundation, you will need to protect them, from the concrete. You can use a variety of products and the most common of them will be a Styrofoam wrapping that can be purchased at most plumbing supply stores.

Let's start with the waste pipes, that are made out of plastic. The concrete could actually start to put pressure on the plastic pipes as the concrete starts to expand and this pressure could actually damage your new waste pipes.

You don't need to wrap all of the plastic waste pipes, only the parts of the waste pipes that will be exposed or in direct contact any concrete, but you do need to protect every copper water supply line that will be buried under the ground or exposed to the concrete, with a plastic sleeve. These products can be purchased again at most building supply or plumbing supply stores.

If these pipes aren't protected properly, you could find yourself within a short time, repairing the pipes that are either inside of your concrete foundation or buried underneath your concrete foundation. Either way, this isn't going to be a good thing.

You definitely need to wrap a plastic sleeve around the water supply pipes that are going to be buried or in direct contact with the concrete. This is a must and most building departments will require your plumbing pipes to be wrapped, before it they will sign off on your rough foundation plumbing inspection.

However, for the waste pipes, you can actually use cardboard to protect them. If you're short on funds, why not grab some cardboard boxes, dismantle them and start using cardboard to wrap the pipes, with a little duct tape.

There are plenty of ways to save money in the construction business, buy a few books, read a couple of articles, with a lot of pictures in this can provide you with lots of construction information, from experience building contractors.

Check out some of the best selling Home Building Plumbing Books all on one website

If you're really interested in basement remodeling and repairs, you should click on this link Home Repairs. Get some great home repair advice that can make a big difference on any of your home remodeling projects.

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10 Things a Homeowner Won't Tell a Contractor - Common Courtesy

2009-09-29T14:23:00.001-07:00

I've been a contractor in the state of California for over 20 years and there are some things that a homeowner won't tell a contractor. These are a few things that a contractor might want to hear, but a reluctant homeowner, might have second thoughts telling their contractors how they really feel.

1. We are happy with all of the work that you did in a timely manner and we appreciate your services.

2. We are happy with the way you performed your construction tasks, efficiently and we appreciate your services.

3. The work was done by a true professional and we would recommend you to any one of our friends.

4. The payment plan that you created in the contract worked out perfectly and never made us feel uncomfortable. It never seemed like you had too much of our money or we were putting you in a bad spot financially.

5. Thanks for keeping the job clean, it meant a lot to us, because we have seen other construction jobs that look like a tornado ran through them.

6. Thanks for helping us with our design. Working with your contractor on a daily, weekly or monthly basis can be frustrating or joyful. Let the contractor know either way how you are really feeling.

7. You and your crew are extremely hard-working and we appreciate the simple fact that you didn't come to work late or leave early.

8. Thanks for the reasonable priced estimate on our project. You helped us say a lot of money and we appreciate that sincerely.

9. Thanks for doing the extra work at a reasonable price. You could have gouged us at certain times, but you chose to be fair and work things out, in a way that would benefit both of us.

10. This one is the most important and often overlooked by homeowners and it's simple and easy to do. Thanks for doing what you said you were going to do and actually doing it.

Just a simple thank you and paying them on time, for a service well done is enough for most contractors. However, a little common courtesy can go a long way, even in the construction industry.

If You Live in Northern San Diego County or South Orange County, and You're Looking for a Great Contractor, Click on This Link Home Remodeling Contractor

Click here if you're looking for additional Homeowner Contractor Advice. If you're interested in gathering more information on how to hire a good contractor, make sure that you visit our website.

Important Do-It-Yourself Home Remodeling Advice

2009-09-29T07:47:00.001-07:00

Often I'm asked by homeowners, if they think that they can build something on their own. Often I end up explaining the process to them and it's pretty confusing. I would like to give some homeowners and construction handyman some do-it-yourself home remodeling advice, about projects that I think they should avoid and the reason why.

1. Working on Electrical Service Boxes

I really don't recommend, anyone who lacks experience working with electrical, to be working on it at all. When it comes to the electrical service box repairs, if you don't have any experience working in this specific area, I am suggesting this to all homeowners and do-it-yourselfers, stay away from electrical service power boxes. Electricity can be extremely hazardous to your health, so take my advice, this is coming from an expert on the subject.

2. Plumbing Water Supply Lines

I don't recommend, anyone who doesn't have any experience working with plumbing water supply lines, because if they break, or if your repair, doesn't hold properly, you could destroy a large portion of your home. Picture this, you just got through putting a new faucet in, everything looks great, but it's time for you to go to your baseball game. You come home about four hours later and the entire house is flooded with water.

This kind of stuff does happen and you need to take the advice of an expert here. It has even happened to me and I understand the process, pretty good. If you plan on fixing any plumbing water supply lines, make sure that you can spend the time, keeping an eye on your new home repair. If you're going to have any problems with them, they will usually happen within the first few hours of use.

I hope this helps, sometimes it's better to pay a professional, but I can understand, every intelligent person, is interested in saving a few dollars and learning new skills.

If you're really interested in basement remodeling and repairs, you should click on this link Home Repair Pictures and Advice. Get some great home repair advice that can make a big difference on any of your home remodeling projects.

If You Live in Northern San Diego County or South Orange County, and You're Looking for a Great Contractor, Click on This Link Vista Home Repair Contractors

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Home Purchasing Checklists Provide Protection

2009-09-29T01:14:00.001-07:00

Home purchasing checklists provide protection for consumers with useful information for future home repairs or current home repairs that will need to be done before the home is sold. Home inspectors often use checklists like these, while they're inspecting the home.

If more home shoppers used home inspection checklist while shopping for houses, we would probably have more satisfied homebuyers than dissatisfied ones. Recently just purchasing a home, we had our real estate professional, the previous homeowner's real estate professional and a mortgage lender, involved in the purchase of the property.

There was a home inspection report from the current homeowners, available for us to look at. It provided us with the damaged parts of the home that were repaired or replaced. Some of these repairs were from termite damage and it was stated so on the report. This was helpful information for us as we walked around the home inspecting it for damage.

The work that was repaired to look satisfactory and the rest of the home had minor damage. Listening to one of the real estate sales people that were involved in the transaction, you would've thought we would get in the deal of a lifetime and they had nothing but good news to say about the product they were representing. I easily understood that, this person could have influenced some one into believing that the home was in great shape, if they didn't have a home inspection checklist with them.

The home had been re-carpeted, painted and was in generally good shape. The problems with the home, were the old windows that were hard to open, the heating unit leaked gas, the tile flooring that ran through the kitchen and a large room addition looked great, except for one thing, they installed the tile over linoleum.

This eventually will have to be replaced as the tile starts to separate from the linoleum. While I'm writing this article, there's about 40 square feet of tile that needs to be replaced, because it's popping up and cracking.

A home purchasing checklist does not guarantee that you will find everything but can't eliminate some of the things that homeowners have the biggest problems with. If you could just eliminate one of these problems, the small price of purchasing, one of these checklists would be worth it.

Home purchasing checklists provide protection for the shopper and I would recommend, never shopping for a home without one.

If your looking for some more home inspection or home building ideas.

By Greg Vandenberge

What is a Three Way Home Electrical Light Switch?

2009-09-28T19:03:00.001-07:00

Remember that three-way light switches, are used to operate lights from two different locations.

If You Live in Northern San Diego County or South Orange County, and You're Looking for a Great Contractor, Click on This Link Encinitas Home Remodeling Contractors

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Building Codes - Stairway Construction

2009-09-28T12:16:00.001-07:00

The stair building code was created for building safety. Before the building code and local city enforcement (Building Inspectors), anyone could build a house. This meant Uncle Earl who had just watched a couple of his friends build a house down the street construct some sort of a dwelling. The next step for Earl would be to help these guys for a day and now he is a professional home builder. You get the point.

Stair Building Codes create the safety needed for one of the most hazardous areas of your home. You might know someone who has fallen down a stairway?

I lived in a house I built for 15 years and I redesigned the stairs from a winder design to a T shaped set of stairs. Both sets of stairs were built using the local stair building code for my city.

Wow I could not believe how many times my family members fell down the stairs. I even fell down once. I was amazed. When I switched from the winder to the T shaped stairway there were less accidents. My point is that even using the stair building codes this is a dangerous part of your house.

Having a professional stair builder install your stairs is great advice. Take it. For example this happened to me on quite a few jobs. I get a set of plans from a architect who has been designing houses for over 40 years. I looked at the stairway to find out that he has designed a stairway that is too small for the length of this part of the home. If I build the stairs using the plans that by the way were approved from the local building department, I could have a problem.

You are probably asking yourself how does this happen. Aren't these people experienced professionals. Of course they are. They probably have the U.B.C. (Uniform Building Code) in their office somewhere. Everyone makes mistakes here and there but this is one area of the home where safety is a big concern.

Just look at it like this. The stair building code was designed to improve the safety and reduce the number of accidents while using the stairs. Over the years I have seen stairs poorly designed and constructed. These stairs create problems for the owners of the buildings not just the people that use them. Did I mention lawsuits. This is one area where a lawyer will have a field day.

As a building professional I advise you to use the stair building code first for safety and second to avoid lawsuits. Get an idea from some of the pictures I have taken over the years on problems with stair building.

Use common sense while building or remodeling your home. It goes a long way.

Greg Vandenberge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He is currently working on more building stairs books and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry. Stair Building Articles

How to Protect Foundation Plumbing Pipes?

2009-09-18T20:28:00.001-07:00

Check out some of the best selling Home Building Plumbing Books all on one website

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Plywood Roof Sheeting - Roof Framing Trade Secrets

2009-09-18T19:26:00.001-07:00

Most framing contractor's look at the building plans and order all of the material, according to those that are specified on the plans. This works out fine, and can often save you money, but rarely produces the best home that you could possibly frame.

As a professional framing contractor, I would like to share one of my house framing tips with you. Most plans require half-inch plywood or oriented strand board as their roof sheeting. This product is fine and if you're building a lot of homes, you're not going to have the choice. Ordering larger sized plywood could cost you thousands of dollars, especially if you're building a lot of homes.

However, if your framing or building a home for someone or even yourself, you might want to take my advice and think twice about it, before ordering the roof sheeting. Half-inch plywood, works okay for 16 inch on center roof rafters or engineered truss roofing systems. It doesn't work well on 24 inch on center roof rafters spacing.

It is usually flimsy and weak at the center point, directly in between the 24 inch roof rafter bays. If you're going to use the half-inch plywood, I would recommend using plywood clips that are relatively inexpensive and can be placed in the direct center of each roof rafter bay on each sheet of plywood. These can be purchased at most home improvement centers or lumber yards.

The other alternative, and this is what I recommend, would be to use 5/8 inch plywood. This plywood works great for 24 inch on center roof rafters and you will have a nice sturdy roof to walk on, while roofing your home.

I have actually seen people step through the flimsy plywood, while lifting heavy roof tiles and bundles of composition roof shingles. Experienced roofers try to walk directly on top of the roof rafters, when loading their roof shingles or even carrying them on the roof.

If you're a home builder and your concern is about making a profit, you will need to use the half-inch plywood. If you want to build a superior roof, use the 5/8 of an inch plywood.

If You Live in Northern San Diego County or South Orange County, and You're Looking for a Great Contractor, Click on This Link House Framing Contractors.

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:

Greg Vandenberge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a excellent home inspection checklist to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.

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Tile Grouting Tips For Your Bathrooms, Kitchens and Floors

2009-09-18T18:23:00.001-07:00

Click here if you are looking for some more Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

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Important Do-It-Yourself Home Remodeling Advice

2009-09-18T17:26:00.001-07:00

1. Working on Electrical Service Boxes

2. Plumbing Water Supply Lines

I hope this helps, sometimes it's better to pay a professional, but I can understand, every intelligent person, is interested in saving a few dollars and learning new skills.

If You Live in Northern San Diego County or South Orange County, and You're Looking for a Great Contractor, Click on This Link Vista Home Repair Contractors

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Modular Home Construction Techniques

2009-09-16T20:57:00.001-07:00

The truth, is that while modular homes have become more popular and can be seen dotting the landscape with far more regularity, most people are completely unfamiliar with modular home construction techniques. How is it that a modular home can be constructed so quickly and still retain their structural integrity and high over all level of quality.

Modular Home Construction Factories

By and large, modular homes are constructed indoors in a warehouse setting. In some factories some work may be done outdoors and in others the work may be done in it's entirety indoors on the factory floor.

An Assembly Line Process

They basically move down the assembly line in the same way that automobiles are built. Because modular homes are built on a steel frame and have their own wheels, they are simply pulled along to each work station by a forklift.

First Things First

It begins be constructing the steel undercarriage. This is then rolled onto the factory floor where the floor is next sheeted. After the floor is sheeted, measurements are taken and chalk lines are snapped to delineate where each wall will be placed.

The Walls are Stood in Place

In most modular home factories the walls are framed in a separate station and then brought to the modular home where they are stood and securely attached. After all the walls are attached, the plumbing, ductwork and electrical wires are all ran.

The Last Finishing Touches

Finally, the siding is applied, the finished flooring is laid down and all of the appliances and fixtures are installed. The very last thing that will be done on a modular home is a final exacting cleanup to remove any small spots and then it is given it's final inspection.

Written by Jayden Jefferson. Come over to my site to get the best articles on custom home construction plus prefabricated modular homes.

Installing A 32 Inch Back Door

Paint Me a Picture - No - Paint Me a Hall, DIY Style

2009-09-16T08:28:00.001-07:00

Painting is one of the easiest DIY projects around. Novice DIY weekend warriors often begin with their DIY home improvement projects by repainting fences, hallways, doors, windows and walls.

Important tools

To be able to do painting jobs around the house, you would need the following:

1. Roller brushes of different sizes- you need different sizes, depending on the job. Roller brushes that are more than six inches in length are good for walls. Smaller roller brushes can be used to paint the bottom of walls. Small roller brushes can also be used to paint tables and chairs.

2. Synthetic brushes- synthetic brushes come in all shapes, sizes and colors. However, as a rule of thumb, purchase those that have fine yet durable strands. Synthetic brushes should be at least two inches wide. Larger brushes should have longer handles.

In addition, large brushes are heavier, so you have the option of attaching them to poles for hard to reach areas, such as the corners of ceilings.

3. Supply of old newspapers- you can use newspapers or similar recyclable papers. Use these to protect furniture and other surfaces when you are painting. Use plenty of paper when painting large surfaces such as walls and ceilings.

4. Plastic paint pans- pans can be bought from hardware stores. These specially made pans hold the paint on one side, while uneven surfaces allow you to remove excess paint.

5. Thinners- thinners will allow you to remove excess and encrusted paint on your roller brushes. Hard, encrusted paint can damage your roller brushes in the end. Never use water, as it will take too long to remove all the paint.

How to paint a hall

It seems daunting at first- the idea of painting a hall. But in reality, some tools and a bit of patience, plus lots of fun will get the job done.

The first step is to clear out your hallway. Put all the stuff in your hallway in another room. This eliminates the need to put newspapers all around. The risk of paint spots on your stuff is reduced to zero.

Second step is to clean the walls with a wet sponge and some soap. Rinse the walls and allow it to completely dry. If there is glossy paint, use a sandpaper to make the surface a bit rougher.

With a roller brush, apply the primer. Proceed to applying two coats of paint. Let the paint dry for a day or two.

Start re-adding things to your hallway. Old, useless things like unused golf bags should not be added to your hallway again. This process will de-clutter your hallway.

To beautify this space, consider adding plant life. Potted plants are a good choice. The potted plants need not be real. You can use plastic daisies or synthetic roses. Just make sure you clean your plants regularly with a wet piece of cloth to preserve their color.

If you do not have a clock in the hallway, consider adding a wall clock. Wall clocks can be either modern or completely classical with swinging pendulums.

The author of this article is Benedict Yossarian. Benedict recommends Roof Bond Foam Roof Insulation and Dekorbeton Concrete Stamping for your DIY needs.

Building Safe Stairs

Bathtub Refinishing

2009-09-15T20:10:00.001-07:00

Bathtub refinishing as the best green remodeling alternative benefits homeowners, hotels, motels by saving them money over replacement. For example, a new bathtub may cost as little as $300, but when you add the cost of tearing down that old bathtub, removing it, getting rid of the bathtub and all the fixtures, and then dumping all the mess including that heavy bathtub at the landfill. Bathtub refinishing benefits the environment.

Bathtub refinishing costs go up when you add the bathtub parts, tile work, flooring, carpentry and permits, you see the cost of replacing a bathtub can go into the thousands of dollars. So what you think was going to be a simple bathroom remodeling job, turn into an expensive job. Bathtub refinishing is done without a tear out and that alone saves a lot of money. You are dealing with one contractor, the bathtub refinishing contractor. Compare bathtub refinishing to replacement.

When a tub is refinished, it involves only one contractor, and there is no headache in scheduling. Replacing old bathtubs with new bathtubs, instead of refinishing, can impact the environment badly. Tub refinishing services, saves the landfills.

Bathtub refinishing benefits in a nutshell:

Savings of up to 80% the cost of bathtub replacement.

Savings in time since an average bathtub is refinished in about four hours and can be used 24 hours later.

Choice of many colors.

The environmental benefits of bathtub refinishing are many.

Bathtub refinishing is done in the bathroom. The tub is cleaned, primed and a special coating applied, all in the bathroom. There is no mess brought in during the process and none goes to the landfills after the bathtub is refinished.

This is very significant, since an estimated 47% of all the waste that goes to the landfills is from home remodeling or renovation. Fixtures like bathtubs, sinks, and cabinets are traditionally replaced, which means that they end up in the landfills adding to the environmental problems of replacement.

In addition, it takes a lot of energy to manufacture new fixtures that are used in home remodeling. The raw materials have to be sourced, then transported to the factory, using energy. It takes energy to manufacture the fixture and energy to transport it to the store. When fixtures are purchased, it takes energy to transport them to their final destination. Finally, energy is used in the installation of the new fixtures and the transportation of the old ones to the landfills.

Take for instance, the replacement of cabinets. It takes quite some trees and there we go again, yes, energy to transform a tree into a piece of furniture. Trees are needed for our survival. They clean our air, suck up carbon dioxide, and moderate the temperature of our environment. A lot of species, need trees for survival, and we need their survival for our survival. It is also known that old wood has more character and luster than the young trees that are snatched out of the forests for making furniture. Cutting down more and more trees, simply because one has not considered, refinishing as the best alternative to replacement is inexcusable.

Here are the fixtures that can be repaired and refinished and not replaced:

Bathtubs
Countertops
Kitchen cabinets
Bathroom marble bathtubs and sinks
Kitchen cabinets refinishing

As more and more people understand refinishing is a better alternative to replacement, the less and less fixtures go to our landfills. Equally important is the less energy we use when we refinish instead of replacing all fixtures during home improvement. To find out more information on how bathtub refinishing saves money, time and the environment, visit our website.

Wilson Ukah, owns Refinishing Stars, a bathtub refinishing company serving homeowners in Atlanta, Chattanooga, Nashville and Knoxville. Refinishing Stars, refinishes bathtubs, sinks, and countertops for hotels and motels nationwide. Wilson can be reached at http://www.refinishingstars.com or sales@refinishingstars.com.

Fixings Squeaking Stairs

Environmentally Friendly Architecture Design

2009-09-15T01:55:00.001-07:00

There once was a day where one someone was speaking about the word green, it was obvious they were referring to a color formed by mixing yellow and blue. That assumption is no longer true; with our society leaning toward a healthier environment and ways we can help save the earth, the term green now takes on a whole new meaning. One way to support an environmentally conscious lifestyle is with green architecture.

'Green Architecture' is a form of environmentally sensitive design and construction. Energy-saving, sustainable development and natural materials are all hallmarks of this form of construction. Green Architecture is also sensitive to the impact of the construction on the environment in the years and decades after the construction is complete. It explores a relationship between architecture and ecology.

One of the key points to green architecture is to create synchrony with the surrounding environment. Everything about a green building should easily transition from the natural landscape, including the building materials. The best material to use for green construction is materials that have been recycled or come from easily restored resources.

Advantages of Green Architecture:

1. Optimizes the use of resources, especially energy and water. At the design and construction stage, it incorporates resource recycling during construction, and later when the building is being used.

2. It causes minimal impact on the environment during the entire building life cycle of siting, design, construction, operation, maintenance and removal.

3. Where possible, the natural topography is used to optimize energy usage.

4. It leads to reduced operating costs by optimizing resource usage. Green Architecture focuses on recycling resources - especially water. Wherever possible, it focuses on using building materials from the building site itself. Well-insulated doors, windows and walls reduce energy usage and loss.

5. Green Architecture promotes improved health of the occupants of the building, due to better natural air circulation and use of natural light.

6. Provides onsite facilities for recycling, thereby minimizing waste being sent to landfills.

Materials Commonly Used in Green Architecture

1. Recycled materials such as wood, tiles and bricks that are available at the building site or in/near the surrounding area.

2. Where new materials are used, the focus is on material that can be rapidly replenished, such as bamboo, which can be harvested for commercial use in just 6 years.

3. Insulation made from low volatile organic compounds that use materials such as recycled denim as opposed to fiberglass insulation - which has long-term adverse effects. Insulation may be treated with boric acid to retard insect damage. Organic or milk-based paints also afford protection.

4. Solar energy is an abundant resource that is used through passive solar, active solar and photovoltaic techniques.

5. Packed gravel in parking lots and driveways instead of concrete reduces rainwater run-off and replenishes ground water resources.

Many countries have developed their own standards of Green Architecture for energy-efficient and sustainable building. Given below are some common standards:

1. Code for Sustainable Homes - United Kingdom

2. EnerGuide for New Houses - Canada

3. House Energy Rating - Australia

4. Green Globes - USA, Canada and UK

Practitioners of Green Architecture and sustainable development seek to achieve ecological and aesthetic harmony between structures and their surrounding natural environments.

James Heimler, Architect Los Angeles California, owns one of the leading firms in green architecture and environmental sustainable design practices.

Structural Framing Beams

How to Remodel Your Home Without Demolishing Your Marriage

2009-09-14T07:57:00.001-07:00

In the eleven years that my husband and I have been together we have moved five times; we have built four homes, and remodelled four others. I am very familiar with what a couple can expect 'under the influence' of construction. Beyond this, my husband is the founder and owner a very successful Design/Build firm in the San Francisco Bay Area, so we have a lateral view of what many, couples go through, over and over again.

The emotional tax during a remodel is very real, indeed. Yet because there is little available information about it we tend to take the hard rout. We think, "Oh, it's not as bad as other people make it out to be!" or "If we don't make a big deal about it, everything will be just fine." And, actually, what choice do we have?

Less than halfway into it, many couples realize that not only is there a huge emotional side to their project, but that it is far bigger than they had imagined it could be. We have all heard about couples who divorced, or nearly separated, after building their dream home. Answers to the question of "why" are limitless, but the bottom line is this: if they knew what to expect and/or had some guidance, they may have still liked each other once their home was finished. Remodelling is a huge deal, and it is not for the faint of heart or the uninformed. Even if you have a very strong marriage, there are likely to be emotional side-effects you would rather avoid, and could, if you exercise the care necessary ahead of time.

Because of my own challenges with this personal aspect to remodelling, I had searched everywhere including book stores under home-construction; home-remodelling, and even the self-help aisle. But I found little that paid the slightest attention to the emotional fallout of home-remodelling. It was just as frustrating to search on-line for any comprehensive guidance that could arm couples ahead of time. All I was looking for was something that would both confirm, and ease, the impact home-remodelling has on domestic life and -not least of all- on marriage.

Remodelling is a multi-layered entity to say the least. There is the physical project which is worth many, many layers all by itself, and then there is real-life before, during, and after the project. As involved as the project will be, your relationship needs equal care and consideration.

I sincerely hope that this article will aid in revealing some common (though not so strange) issues before they become problematic, and lessen the element of disappointment in those you can not foresee.

The sense of accomplishment that comes with witnessing your project to its completion can be very satisfying indeed. The greater reward of such projects, however, is the sense that the experience has brought you and your spouse closer together; that you can enjoy looking back on it ALL with more pleasure than pain; and that the great care you took of your relationship will fill your new home with the natural air of completion, and comfort. These are memories in the making for you both, so it is important to be aware of what is happening between you as you grow your new home together.

My goal is to help you position yourselves for offering greater kindness to one another throughout your entire building process.

Nine Essential Steps.

Essential Step #1

Decide together, that you need to decide how to communicate with each other

Revise your skills; explore new Skill-sets. Buy a book on effective communication for couples, and READ it together. Take a short workshop TOGETHER. But make it fun because fun is an important binder which makes learning something potentially 'ho-hum' much more... well FUN! The more intelligent you are the more you will need it, simple because you are more likely to reasonably talk yourselves out of it. But take my word for it, find a way to agree on your communication styles, and (I'll say it again) have FUN with it because you will need to be able to deal with potentially uncomfortable issues when neither of you feels like it, or when you are both exhausted.

Essential Step #2

Decide on what is true for you!

a. Do you really want that library? Is it essential that you buy your tile from Italy? Can I really live without a room of my own for my projects? When we remodelled our kitchen I hadn't thought about recycling. What a blunder on my part because I believe in recycling. I could kick myself because what's true for me is that I feel responsible for how I live on my planet. So, that is a value I neglected at the time. Why? Honestly, I just didn't want to argue with my husband over it. That's ridiculous! But I learned Essential Step #2 from it and have applied it elsewhere, thank goodness.

b. Champion your partner's truth. This is very important. It is a very engaged form of active-love that pays dividends. When your partner trusts that you not only know what they want, but that you will protect it, everyone relaxes. Remember that you have to ask them what they are not willing to give up; what they absolutely must have to feel satisfied with the design or handling of the job; and what they definitely do not want. Please do not forget to think of your own answers to these and other questions of your own. Once you are clear about what you want you must tell your partner. If they are to be on your side when you need them they must be informed. We generally can not be expected to support what we do not know about. Even when we are aware of our partners needs it is still sometimes difficult to keep it all together.

Essential Step #3

Make the commitment!

Yes, you are actually going to do this remodel. So often one person is on board completely with the project and the other one isn't that keen, but they tell themselves, "we need the room," or "It will make her happy," or "my husband decided ...so I had to go along!" Whatever your reasons and/or reservations, if you are moving forward with the project then do what ever you needed to do to get on board with the reality of it, and plan together how to make it work for you both. When one of you can not wait to begin, and the other is not enthusiastic at all, you will likely create deferred resentment. And for good reason I am afraid. Someone's feelings, opinions and needs, are not being taken care of. Both of you need to win, and both of you need to feel safe and supported if this is going to go as smoothly as possible.

Essential Step #4

Accept the idea of multiple choices!

1. Mono-Way

2. This or That Way

3. Sky-Way

This step provides flexibility. Think Bamboo verses Oak. When considering these nine steps, remember that you have as many choices as you can dream up. In other words, stay away from the mono-way attitude I call MWOTH (MY WAY OR THE HIGHWAY). Remove the stifling air of a stale-mate as in the either/or (this or that way) choice. Brainstorm! The sky is the limit when it comes to ideas. That's sky-way. Make it a game. How many solutions can you each come up with in 60 seconds? Whoever has the most choices, wins. Let yourselves have fun with it; be silly and outrageous; be real and practical too. The point is not to edit yourself, or each other, when playing this game. You will be surprised at the very practical ideas you can build together from just one ridiculous notion.

Essential Step #5

Choose your POA!

a. What is a POA? Position Of Attitude means: adopt how you want to be with the larger picture. Do you want power-struggles? Do you want the culture of your relationship to continue to feel friendly and efficient? Do you want it to feel honourable, clear and unencumbered? Do you have realistic expectations? How do you want to behave when problems come up; personal disagreements; billing issues; budget concerns? The more you think about, discuss, and decide on ahead of time (in terms of how you will be with each other at such times) the better you will likely preserve intimacy. Intimacy and trust are the assets most often at risk during power-struggles and blaming.

b. Decide what out-come you want. This sounds simple enough but it is worth re-claiming. Do you want this to be a happy experience? Do you care more about the bottom-line than about how you treat one another? Is there a middle ground that has wiggle room for you both? Is there a way to view it all so that the budget remains sane AND you don't shatter your relationship over an inflexible iron will?

If you do actually care more about the bottom line, then you have a real challenge. Either you should admit it and deal with the consequences, or find some way to soften your approach so others don't turn on their heels and run away from you as fast as they can. You may really want to preserve your intimacy, and your partner's trust that you are always safe for them to problem solve with (or whatever). However, maybe you've been accused of being really controlling or perhaps even overbearing. In this case, you may feel it is important to find a way to get a grip on what drives you to the point of loosing your grip on the big picture. An active decision to deal with this part of yourself, is a huge act of love that your husband or wife will absolutely notice.

c. Accept the idea of multiple choices: Remember this from Essential Step #4? This is a great tool to bring into building your position of attitude. You can choose what ever attitude you want to have. Remember that the attitude you already have is one you are allowing yourself to have. I know that you didn't come by it accidentally. You earned it through time and experience. Yet, have you ever noticed that there are statistics to back up every point of view on just about anything you can dream up? It's the same with our attitude about anything. So, decide between a selection of attitudes you would most like to hold, and then find the evidence to back it up. It's there if you look for it.

d. From blame to game: The bottom line here is there is no room for blame. If you are creating this project together; championing one another; claiming and sharing your POA; brainstorming for fun and choices; if you are learning and declaring what is true for you... then there is no room for blame. You will find that you are both on the same team, and you're not just pretending to be. Your finished house will not give you back the love you laid at its foundation, nor can it replace the intimacy and trust you sacrifice to it for the sake of any part of it. And dollar equity alone feels very empty at the end of the day.

Essential Step #6

Creating Memories!

Develop an attitude of adventure. This is so important. Get real! Let's face it; this project is not essential to survival. It will make life easier; your friends may be impressed; you will have more room and hopefully everyone will have the space to be who they are in the new digs, but it is not a question of survival. Don't make it about survival. Make it about the adventure and about the stories you get to tell together for years after. You want to shoot for the kind of stories you can safely tell your grandchildren.

Essential Step #7

There are several solutions to every 'unique' problem!

This goes along with the idea of multiple choices. You don't get to misbehave just because you think your issues are unique and this exempts you from: giving up your mono-way attitude; or from effective brainstorming; or from championing your partner; or for that matter, from honouring what is really true for you. Solutions come from Ideas, and good ideas come from you. Recognize the possibilities that are unique rather than the problems that are unique. Brainstorm ways that the unique possibilities may actually take care of the issues at hand.

Very Essential Step #8

Do NOT give up your tools of sanity!

This kind of temporary situation will always take too long. If you practice yoga; if you go to the gym; if you meditate; play soft-ball; go for long walks; play scrabble; see your friends... what ever keeps you sane when life is normal, it is even more important to do them now! Do not accept anything less at this time, and I encourage you to really support one another in absolutely making this happen.

The love you two have, the history, the kids, the pets, the sorrows and the pivotal moments you share together, are all far too precious to compromise even over a house. It doesn't matter how much the house is worth now, or how much it will be worth.

Extremely Essential Step #9

Making it Count!

This remodel will take several months of your lives. Make the shared experiences count toward the overall quality of your relationship and toward the tone of your individual lives. This is a growth experience anyway you slice it. Make it count personally, and in what you learn about being in relationship. Make it count spiritually if you have that persuasion. Make it count in the examples you will set for your children or friends who will go through the same challenges on similar projects.

This final step is by far and away the one that I care most deeply about. In the work I do with grief coaching, it is so clear to me that radical changes in our lives create great losses for us as well as great opportunities. The losses ask us to grow up a little more, and the opportunities as us to share what we've learned. Tearing down and rearranging our home is an experience that stirs our core sense of survival. This is why many people do fly into a survival-mode during a building project. It taunts ALL instincts of self-preservation; currency, shelter, and domestic and emotional safety, to name just four. But remember that this is an optional 'danger'. It is as it were, both perceived and self inflicted. We volunteer to hold onto the image of a better life for ourselves. If all goes south, you could suffer a financial loss, but you probably won't die. Not unless you make yourself, and others close to you, sick with worry or fright.

So make this whole experience count toward who you want to be personally, with your family, and in the world. This way, no matter what happens, you will feel more able to handle anything, simply because you chose; committed to; and preserved who you wanted to be long before the issues arose and it became too overwhelming.

Suffice to say during times of great change we are asked to address our core values. We must do this for the sake of your mutual success, both personally and as a team. We are also being asked to face up to what we want most. These are the essential agreements that we must cling to when we have extreme anxiety, worry and fear. Take care of your selves, and take care of each other. If you begin with these essential steps, you will go very far in achieving success at every level. Your sense of personal pride will extend beyond yourself, and years from now only the glow of fond memories will arise when you remember this time together.

Please rate this article. See below to click on the star rating of your choice.

With my warmest gratitude.

Petalyn Swart Albert is a Personal Success Coach. She brings the benefit of many years of personal experience with home-building in terms of close relationships "...under the influence of construction...". Her Step-father designed and built homes for many years, and she is now married to a man she affectionately refers to as a serial-remodeller. She is well positioned to grasp the enormous stresses, and personal power-struggles that arise out of personal construction projects. This Article is part of a larger book she is writing by the same title. One of Petalyn's goals as a personal success coach is to work with more couples who plan to remodel or build their home.

Your comments and questions are welcome.

You can email Petalyn directly at: Remodellingcouples@comcast.net

Her web address is: http://remodelingcouples.blogspot.com/

Installing Windows At A Eye Leve

The Right Weather For Home Exterior Painting

2009-09-13T13:42:00.001-07:00

If you have decided to paint the exterior of your home, then you have probably taken into consideration all of the basic preparations. Most people know to lay down drop cloths and to turn off certain appliances before painting. Still, there is one condition that many people skip over in their preparation: the weather. The weather on painting day can be the deciding factor in a successful paint job.

Rain should obviously be avoided during exterior home painting. Not only will rain immediately wash away your fresh paint job, but it is not safe to be outdoors (especially on a ladder) in weather conditions that could involve lightening. Outside temperature is another factor worth considering. In order for the paint to dry in the appropriate time span and for the texture to be even, painting should never be performed when it is less than 50F.

It is generally good practice to do your home exterior painting in the shade. This means you will have to paint strategically to avoid the sun. The sun can cause the paint to dry too rapidly, which leads to blisters, lap marks, and uneven texture. Ultimately, you'll end up having to paint the same area over again. You should avoid painting during windy weather conditions for the same reasons.

Before you begin home exterior painting, it is an absolute necessity to consider the weather while planning. The good news is that optimal painting weather happens to be pretty decent weather for just about any outdoor activity, which can turn this "job" into a good time.

More information on College Works Painting home improvement for your home is just a click away.

Need Help Remodeling In Carlsbad

Six Steps to a Dry Basement - Homeowner Tips

2009-09-12T20:43:00.001-07:00

A dry basement might be its own reward. If your basement is free of leaks, condensation and cracks, it'll be more amenable to a major basement remodeling effort (and you know you've always wanted a foosball table down there). It's a safer place to store old records and clothes (your kids need something to make fun of during your old age, right?). And a dry basement is inhospitable to toxic black mold, which can eat away at porous surfaces like wood and concrete, and cause serious health problems for you and your family.

While most of us might think of the underground sections of our homes as dark, dank places suitable for the third-act climax of a bad horror movie, avoiding a wet basement is probably easier than you think. Here are a few relatively simple steps to keeping your basement dry.

Make sure your rain gutters are completely free of debris. Rain gutters that can't carry rain away from the house tend to spill rain right out near the foundation, creating puddles that can eat away at the porous concrete over time. And if gutters empty themselves from a great distance in one spot, the falling water can create a depression in the ground that speeds wear and tear on the foundation. A good basement waterproofing contractor can install a French drain - a type of drainage system that draws water away from the house. A good French drain can't guarantee a dry basement, but it'll help eliminate one of the primary causes of leaks.

Keep the ground around your foundation sloped away from it. Obviously, this isn't the simplest thing to do; if you live on a hill, you're going to have to deal with water rolling downhill toward your home. But it's easy to find depressions near the foundation and fill them, so they don't fill with water when it rains.

Keep an eye on window and door seals. If these are caulked, go around at least once every six months with a caulk gun to reinforce them. Ideally, however, they should have a more secure sealant.

Keep a dehumidifier handy. If you hang clothes to dry in the basement, humidity might be a problem - and humidity in such an enclosed space can cause condensation. Keeping a dehumidifier isn't a magic bullet, but it can help if your basement moisture is coming from condensation and not seepage. But how can you tell the difference? It's fairly easy: If you have wet basement walls, find a spot that's particularly wet. Tape a section of aluminum foil to the wall, with tape around all the edges so it's airtight. Check in on it after a day or two: If the side on the inside is dry, you've got seepage. If the outside is dry, condensation is the more likely culprit.

If your house has an outdoor spigot, make sure it doesn't leak. A dripping spigot can create a concrete-eroding puddle with hardly any effort at all. If necessary, call a plumber to fix the leak - it'll be less expensive than repairing your foundation if the problem goes on too long.

Fix leaks the minute you discover them. You'll never have a dry basement if there's a constant leak. Basement moisture can come from a variety of sources; a leak has the benefit of being relatively easy to spot. A good basement waterproofing company can examine your basement to determine the type of leak you have, and recommend the best way to fix it. Look for a basement waterproofing contractor who gives a free estimate, and don't fall for any hard-sell tactics; a quality contractor will be completely honest, and give you time to make the best decision.

Kevin Ott writes on a variety of home improvement topics, including (but not limited to) mold removal and remediation. One of his clients is Right Way Waterproofing, one of the finest basement waterproofing contractors around.

Visit Right Way here:

http://www.rightwaywaterproofing.com

Architects And Home Design

Modern Stylish Shower Doors - Home Tips

2009-09-12T02:41:00.001-07:00

Are you searching of a modern and stylish shower for your new bathroom? If yes then you are using the right article. Modern showers are not only attractive but also safe. Nowadays you can find a big variety of shower doors in the market and your job is to choose the one which suits the interior of your bathroom. Nowadays lots of people are opting for frameless shower doors. Frameless shower doors are getting more and more popular.

A frameless shower door can be installed with every unit which you are planning to install in your washroom. If you are renovating your washroom or constructing a new one then it is a good idea to start from shower doors. Before purchasing anything for your new washroom you should know all the measurements.

It is a good idea to decide the design of your bathroom before you buy anything new for your bathroom. You ask for the help of a professional. A bathroom expert can help you in designing your bathroom in a modern way. You should always spend some time on the internet before you decide anything new. You should try to find all the reputed websites which give essential information about bathroom design and accessories. You can easily find some websites and blogs which provide useful information on this topic.Have you ever heard about online bathroom stores? Online bathroom stores offer high quality accessories and furniture at reasonable prices. You can also find some stores which offer discount on bulk orders.

If you want to know more about Shower Doors then feel free to visit Bella Bathrooms.

Problems With Black Mold

Modular Homes - A Home Builder's Delight

2009-09-11T08:51:00.001-07:00

The Advantages of Modular Homes

Modular homes sections are constructed in climate-regulated manufacturing plants, allowing builders to eliminate the expensive delays they experience whenever the weather their building sites turns against them. The time it takes to have a modular home up and in move-in condition from the moment it is ordered can be as short as ninety days, and that kind of turnaround can mean savings which a builder can pass along to a customer. Being built inside and away from the weather also means that modular homes can be ordered at any time of the year.

Discounts On Materials

Another advantage modular homes offer for builder-developers is that their materials, both for the exterior, and the interior finishing materials and appliances, can be ordered in bulk lots, at significant discounts. Yet they will be equal in quality to any of the materials or appliances used in standard homes. This is another huge savings for the builder, and eventually for the customer.

Factory Site Quality Control

One often overlooked advantage of modular homes for builder-developers is that because a modular home is manufactured in a single factory, those who are building it will be subject to the same performance standards. The end result is a home of uniform quality throughout, and both the home builder and the future home owner will benefit from knowing that.

Customization

How about the fact that going modular allows a builder to tailor his home plans to his customers' specifications? This is a terrific advantage of modular homes for builder-developers because it gives the builder the flexibility to either draw up his own plans or order homes built to an individual buyer's request. Modular homes can be created in any architectural style, and a design plan can even be changed via computer if the customer comes up with a new idea.

Unlimited Choices

Another advantage of modular homes for builder-developers is that there is literally no limit to the size or architectural detailing of these homes. From vacation cottages and log cabins to palatial multi-storey seaside retreats, of even multi-family structures, modular homes are available for every possible taste and budget. There are even some builders who now choose modular construction for their commercial office projects.

The advantages of modular homes for builder-developers have become so great that they clearly outshine any small stigma which may remain in the minds of some when they hear the term "modular home!"

You can also find more info on buy modular home. Modularhomesbasic.com is a comprehensive resource which provide information about Homes.

Bathroom Remodeling Problems

Getting Your Swimming Pool Ready For Winter

2009-09-10T14:44:00.001-07:00

The information you are about to read is from years of experience. If you follow these steps, you will accomplish a safe and worry free, pool closing.

The first thing you want to do is test the water and make sure all levels including pH are normal. Next you're going to want to shock your pool, and then run the filter for 24 hours. Now it's time to start closing your pool, clean out any leaves or debris and vacuum your pool thoroughly. Now you want to pour in the contents of your closing kit.

The next step will be to blow out lines or evacuate any water that might be in the lines. You can do this without emptying pool. You will need either a shop-vac or a compressor. With a compressor, you will take an old winterizing plug and remove the center screw then push a quarter inch compressor hose male adapter in the center of the winterizing plug. A # 9 plug is most efficient. You can now use this in any of the plumbing on the filter. The first way to blow lines out leave all the plugs in the filter and the pump, set the multi-port valve on filter, and close all of the plumbing line valves except for the line you wish to blow out. Open the air release on top of the filter and push the winterizing plug with the compressor line and pump air into the filter. This will push all the water out of the filter and push the water out of the line. Once you see air bubbles install the winterizing plug, do this for the skimmer and returns. Open just the main drain valve force air into the line until you see air bubbles. Then immediately close the valve this will hold air in that line and prevent water from rushing back in. If you have step jets simply open the air vents, remove the jet and plug up the fitting. Then open up the jet valve at the filter, then force air this will push all of the water out of the air vents once the water is stops coming out remove the compressor close the air vents and you're now done with blowing your lines out. Check all plugs for air bubbles.

Now you must remove to plugs in the pump remove the winterizing plug at the bottom of the filter. If you have a chlorinator, you must remove any plugs or remove the chlorinator itself. Make absolutely sure that you shake out any water that may be trapped inside the chlorinator. Set the multi-port valve in between any two selections this will hold the valve open and prevent internal damage.

Do not cover the pump for the winter. It is important that the pump to be able to breathe you do not want the inside of the pump to oxidize. If you have a heater make sure you turn off the gas, turn the gas valve off and remove the winterizing plug under the manifold. It is a good idea to cover the heater. Heater covers are available in our online catalog. This will prevent acorns and any other debris to get inside of the heater, and possibly cause a fire on start up.

Should you choose to use a vacuum to clear the plumbing lines, the easiest way to do that would be to get your-self a couple of pieces of schedule 40 PVC pipe, count how many returns you have and that is how many 1 1/2" 90A streets you will need. Count how many skimmers you have, and that is how many 1 1/2" male adapter's your need. For the skimmers measure how many inches it is from the bottom the skimmer to the top of the water, and add 2". Cut a piece of PVC at that measurement, glue the male adapter to the PVC, wrap the threads with Teflon tape and screw it in the suction whole at the bottom of the skimmer. You may also use our blow out gizmo. Make sure you use Teflon tape on the threads. This will allow you to blow out the skimmer, and it will act as a baffle to prevent the skimmer from cracking if it freezes. Now measure the return holes to top of the water and add 2 inches. Cut the PVC at this length glue the 90A streets wrap the threads in Teflon tape, and screw this in the returns, make sure the pipe is sticking out of the water. Now you can winterized the plumbing, open all the valves go over to these pieces of pipe turn your vacuum on and suck all the water and lines. After the water is out of the lines use a number eight winterizing plug in the PVC and tighten.

Open the pump trapped put the vacuum hose in the opening open the main drain valve. Reverse the vacuum and blow air into this line. You may not see air coming-out of the main drain, but let it go for 30 seconds and then shut the valves. This will push any water below the freeze level and prevent freezing. (Note some concrete in-ground pools may have to be evacuated or blown out by a compressor). If you have a problem removing any plugs or you notice places were water may end up laying it is advisable to buy our any freeze. Just for this anywhere there may be a problem. If you use the PVC in the skimmer, you must take a quart bottle, such as an empty algaecide bottle. Fill it halfway with small stones install the cap turned upside down and put it in the skimmer. This will prevent the skimmer from cracking when it freezes.

To remove handrails and ladders, simply lift the decorative cover, loosen the bolt approximately a quarter inch up and then hammer it down. This will free your ladder or handrail. Then simply lift it out of the cup. If you have a vinyl pool, do not empty it below the skimmer keep the water level as you would in the summer. This will prevent the liner from shrinking in the corners and shortening the life of the liner. There is no reason to lower a vinyl pool. Vinyl manufactures will not cover warranties on pools that have been lowered. If you have a concrete pool, you must lower the pool, at least 1 foot below the skimmer. This will prevent the bond beam from cracking causing the tiles and coping to fall off. Now you're about ready to put the cover on.

For water tube type covers, fill all the water tubes only three quarters of the way, install the cover and place the water tubes on the cover around the perimeter of the pool. Make sure there's enough water tubes used that they are touching. It is not advisable to put the water tubes in the cover loops. Should the cover blow in during the winter, if the tubes are attached to the cover this will drag the cover down making it almost impossible to reinstall the cover with the water tubes.

If you have a safety cover raise all of the brass anchors install the safety cover as you normally would. If there are any loose straps, you should tighten them.

For water tube covers place the cover pump in the center and pump the cover off when ever it rains. Do not pump the cover, when the water is frozen, this will damage the pump. If you have a safety cover and a vinyl pool, install a cover pump in the skimmer. This will prevent the water from being pumped out too much and allows you easy access.

For concrete pools, it is important you keep the water level below the tiles, if you have a step install a cover pump on the second tread down.

Should you have any questions feel free to contact 1800 Pools
S.Merillat

Steve Merillat has been in the Pool industry for 35 years. He has pioneered many pool installation techniques that are used in the industry today. You can learn how to properly take care and maintain your pool yourself saving time and money, from on of the most experienced people in pools

Exterior Wood Beams

Types and Uses of Wall Mount Brackets

2009-09-08T02:55:00.001-07:00

Wall mounting brackets are a popular and commonly used device in homes, offices and public places like hospitals, and railway stations. These devices are used in mounting various electronic devices that need wall mounting or hanging for a proper display. The most popular and maximum use of mount brackets are in mounting LCD and Plasma Televisions.

Mounting Brackets Type

There are different types of mounting brackets depending upon their use and application. There are three main types of mount brackets available in market these days to mount LCD TVs, Plasma TVs and Larger display screens. They are:

Normal Mount Brackets - These are most popular and widely used mount brackets. They help us in placing LCD and Plasma TVs horizontally to the visiting level. Normal mount brackets are popular in home use, where people want to mount their Plasma or LCD TV to the wall, for a better viewing experience.

Tilt Mount Brackets - Tilt mount brackets are for places where people prefer viewing television in tilted position. They are mostly used at public places where the display devices are mounted on a height. They are even prone to theft and damage due to excess public interference.

Hanging Brackets - Hanging brackets are a different subtype of tilt mount brackets. The only difference is that they are mounted in ceiling, whereas other brackets are mounted on the wall.

Choosing a Mount Bracket for Your Need

Choosing a bracket for your LCD or Plasma TV is a crucial task. Because you need to match the perfect bracket specially designed and made for your brand and model. Any other bracket that is made for some other brand or model will not suit with your LCD or Plasma TV. You will need to select a mount bracket that is appropriate for your desired display position. You can easily get one matching to your needs from the stores dealing in mount brackets for LCD and Plasma TVs.

While buying mount brackets, you need to keep this fact in your mind that, they are going to hold your precious LCD or Plasma TV. Therefore, going behind a cheap mount bracket is not a good idea. Its betters, if you go for a trusted brand and dealer with maximum guarantee of your precious electronic devices.

Welcome to Mount Right - Plasma/LCD Bracket Type Plasma/LCD Screen Size Plasma/LCD Major Brand Video Cables & Leads Best Sellers 50% OFF SUPER SALE e-commerce, open source, shop, online shopping. For more information please visit: - http://www.mountright.com/

DIY Solar Panels For Your Home

2009-09-07T21:45:00.001-07:00

Are you interested in a DIY project that will save you some big cash and help improve our environment at the same time? Say 'hello' to DIY solar power & green energy solutions, simple step-by-step guides that can teach you how to build DIY solar panels for your own home.

Just a few years ago, on August 6th, 2003, a brand new photovoltaic (solar) cell was revealed. This new cell was extremely efficient and capable of converting 36% of the suns rays into pure electricity. Prior to this new technology, solar cells could only convert about 10-15% of the suns rays into electricity. With the new photovoltaic technology, solar power ideals have really taken off and become more available.

Only about 8% of the energy produced in the United States comes from renewable energy sources. About 6.5% of that energy comes from hydro-electric dams and the other 1.5% comes from wind turbines and solar power panels. An astonishing 51% of our energy is still produced by burning dirty coal, and for this reason our environment is deteriorating faster than ever before. If we want our children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren to enjoy this beautiful planet, we need to make some changes.

Many people are aware of the state of our environment and more people are truly interested in renewable energy sources for their home than ever before. However, professional solar panel projects can cost a fortune. In fact a solar panel system can easily mount up to $10,000 if you're aiming to pull the plug from your power company. The problem is obvious; most families can't afford to install such a system.

Enter the world of DIY solar power! DIY solar power can cost a fraction of what a professional system would cost you. On top of that, once it's built and installed, it will continue to generate electricity for a lifetime. The one problem many people have in regards to DIY solar power is, well, how the heck to build such an advanced piece of technology?

Over the past year, many companies have been offering guides to DIY solar power and other green energy projects. Most of these guides also include DIY wind turbines for those that live in the windy parts of the world. I've done a fair amount of research on these guides and read some reviews. Most of the parts can be found at your local hardware store. However, if you live out in the country, you may find it a bit more difficult to find the solar cells. If that's that case you can just buy them online after doing a simple search.

The average family spends 20-25% of their income on energy each year. By picking up a DIY solar power guide and building the solar panels to generate your own electricity, you'll be doing your part and contributing to the green energy cause. Not only that but you'll have the satisfaction of doing it yourself. If I've sparked your interest, never fear, for you can read some reviews of the best guides on the market by clicking on the link above or the link below.

Let's keep it green!

http//www.DIYSolarPowerGuides.com - In-depth Reviews on the best DIY Solar Power Guides available.

Hire a Local Qualified Home Inspector to Do Your Home Inspections

2009-09-07T20:04:00.001-07:00

Did you know that a newly constructed house needs aresidential inspection performed on behalf of the home buyer? Even buyers of older homes often forget to have a home inspection or even know they can require a home inspector as a part of the pre-purchase process. Failing to have the inspection performed can relieve the seller from liability with any needed repairs, and leave you holding the money pit.

Did you know that a house inspection from a professional will usually consist of over 2500 different items being looked at. It is our job to completely evaluated almost all systems of the house from the roof all the way to the basement or crawlspace. Certified home inspectors have demonstrated their ability to locate structural issues, HVAC problems, plumbing and electrical issues, and even issues outside of the home that may have been missed even by the local building inspector. The cost of a home inspection is very low compared to the cost of almost any missed repair issues.

In areas like the humid Atlanta region there are issues such as water leaks, black mold, HVAC condensation, and leaching that may not be applicable in other areas. In fact each area of Georgia is different so if buying a home in North Georgia it is important to work with a reliable residential inspection specialist who has experience in the North Georgia area. After all, would an inspector from South ofAtlanta know how to look for roof damage caused by snow on a home in Ball Ground? Not likely. Keep it local and find a home inspector to provide a home inspection on your nexthouse or investment property. Every area has it's own set of issues related to the climate alone.

David Lelak is the owner/home inspector for IHI Home Inspections in Atlanta, GA. He is a Certified Atlanta home inspector, a member of Nachi and has been in the residential construction industry for over 20 years. My job is to protect one of the biggest investments you might ever make. So when I do a home inspection I inspect the property as if I were purchasing it for me and my family. Your families safety is my biggest concern and I want customers for life. Visit my website today at http://www.ihihomeinspections.com to schedule your inspection online.

Editorial services provided by my friend Ken Cook http://www.icobb.com

Home Safety For Seniors

2009-09-07T13:04:00.001-07:00

'Tis the season for slips and falls! Icy sidewalks, snowy paths..... and inside the house?

Here is a check list of safety precautions for the older members of the family. If your frail elderly mother is moving in with you, or Grandad is coming to stay it is a good idea to go through the house and check for hazards and add a few safety features before they come.

Front path and steps

Make sure that the paths to the house are even, no major cracks, roots or rocks.
Keep steps and paths clear of snow and ice.
Check the stairs - no holes or uneven concrete.
Hand rails, both sides if possible.
Path and front entrance well lit. Movement-detector lights work well.

Entrance, Hallways and Stairs

Declutter - make sure that shoes are put away and outdoor clothes hung up. If there are children, teach them to put their toys away.
Lighting - halls and stairs should be well lit. A night light in the hall between bedroom and bathroom is vital.
Take up any loose mats that could be a tripping hazard.
Check that stair rails are secure.

Bedrooms

No loose mats or rugs
Make room around the bed, especially if your elderly Mom or Dad uses a walker.
Have an easy to reach lamp by the bed. If it is awkward to reach the lamp, a sound activated ("clap-on - clap-off") lamp will help.
A phone beside the bed.
For folks stiff with arthritis or others who may feel light-headed when they first stand up, a bed assist handle is a great help in preventing falls.
Again, keep the area around the bed as clutter-free as possible.

Bathroom

Where possible install wall bars at the end (tap end) of the bathtub and one on the far wall. A wall bar beside the toilet may also help.
Some all in one piece, preformed tub surrounds should not have wall bars added. Clamp-on tub grips, or a floor-to-ceiling pole next to the tub can be used.
Use non-slip mats in the tub or shower.
A tub or shower stool is useful for those with poor balance.
Any medications should be clearly marked. A dosette or blister pack will make it easy to keep track that the medications are taken as prescribed.

Living Room

Remove loose rugs and mats
Make sure that there is room for a walker if one is used - coffee tables often have to be moved out of the way.
Avoid rocking/swivelling chairs
Loose electrical cords are a tripping hazard. Route them away from traffic areas where possible, or use duct tape to fix them to the floor.
A portable telephone is safer than a fixed phone. Many falls occur when people are rushing to answer the phone. Keep the handset nearby at all times, putting it back in its charger beside the bed overnight.
Have good lighting, easy to reach switches.

Kitchen

Make sure that essential utensils are easy to reach
Use a sturdy step stool to reach higher cupboards
Have a smoke alarm and be sure to check the batteries regularly
If your older person has fairly severe memory loss, it may be necessary to limit their cooking or even unplug the stove.
See that any spills are quickly wiped up.

This may all seem quite overwhelming, but most homes need only a few adjustments. After all, some simple precautions could save a broken hip or worse.

Gillian is the proud grandmother of two 9 year olds and a new grandbaby boy. For more grandparenting ideas, you can visit her website: http://www.grandparentscafe.com

This site offers information on grandparent's rights, distance grandparenting, seniors health, as well as photos, stories, games, and more.

The Lowdown on Electric Radiant Floor Heating

2009-09-07T11:20:00.001-07:00

Electric radiant floor heating is widely considered to be the most energy efficient heating process currently available. It is also considered the healthiest and most comfortable type as well. It is efficient because it does not feature a fan blowing heat around the room; it heats from the bottom up, which warms the feet and body first.

A traditional style of heating system will generally leave the area near the ceiling as the warmest. If your electric radiant floor heating system is setup correctly, it will heat objects in the room besides just the room itself.

Forced air heating systems can create issues with floor drafts, cold spots, low humidity and dust blown about the room. Other types of heating systems that can create localized hot spots include wood stoves and various types of radiators. Some people may experience savings up to forty percent in using a radiant heating system as opposed to a forced air system.

There are two specific types of radiant floor heating. One is of course the electric style, which is installed under the floor. Another type is hydronic radiant heat, which features water circulating through tubes under your flooring.

Which type of system is best for your home? A hydronic system is better if you have a large area to heat. If you only require heating during the morning and a few hours at night then the electric system may be best for your home.

Electric radiant floor heating involves placing heating mats above the sub floor. It will generally take thirty to sixty minutes to heat the entire floor. A timer and thermostat control these mats. They can be pre-set to heat only when necessary as well.

An electric radiant floor heating system will raise the floor only a small amount. The hydronic system however can raise the floor up to almost two inches; this could present a problem in many homes. It usually only takes a small amount of time for the electric system to heat up. The hydronic system takes anywhere from four to seven hours to heat up when first turned on. Therefore, this system needs to be left on and thus consumes energy for a long time.

We have a lot more information on electric radiant floor heating on our website please visit us today.

We provide information on electric radiant floor heating and electric floor heat. It's time to start lowering your heating bills. Visit our site for more information on this heating alternative! http://www.radiantflooringheat.com
By D. Karlson

Prevent Pinhole Leaks & Slab Leaks & Conserve Energy by Controlling Your Hot Water Circulating Pump

2009-09-07T05:56:00.001-07:00

If you have had 1 leak, more will surely follow - you can do something about it before further damage is done and additional money is wasted.

Circulating hot water is the fastest way to wear out your pipes. In fact 90% of all pinhole leaks and slab leaks happen in hot water lines for the following reasons:

1. Chemicals in water are corrosive

2. Chemicals in water when heated are even more corrosive

3. Chemicals in water when heated and circulated through copper pipes that bend around corners and turn up walls and curve around electrical conduit and sewer pipes and are reduced in size as water passes through a building is extremely corrosive

In order to understand the solution it is helpful to know what causes the problem. With a little insight into how domestic hot water recirculation lines or recirc loops are built and how they work we can see that the answer is as easy as flipping a switch.

Apartments, hotels and larger homes have recirc loops designed to move hot water to the farthest fixture from the boiler or water heater in a reasonable amount of time. Each loop has a pump pushing water through a copper pipe 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Each loop has multiple joints and fittings that obstruct the flow of water. Gate or ball valves and flapper checks and expansion tanks and whatever else the plumber had on his truck the day he built the line create disturbances in the flow path.

Water likes to flow in a nice straight line with no obstructions. This is called laminar flow - nice and smooth. Anything in the flow path can disrupt the flow and cause an eddy to form. Eddies are the bad boys, the unwanted visitor, the black sheep of the family.

Create a little friction, add in some turbulence and the next thing you know you have a leak.

As your reading this please keep in mind there are things you can do to reduce or even eliminate leaks. They are relatively inexpensive and I'll tell you what they are in a minute.

When water pipes leak many things can happen - none of which are any good. Pinhole and slab leaks, mold, wasted water, wasted energy, property damage, resident/guest complaints and inconvenience all mean one thing.

It cost you time and money.

The only question left is how much? Please refer to Table 1 for an idea of how much a leak can cost.

Table 1: The Cost of a Leak

1 $200 You caught the leak early and it wasn't buried in a wall or under a slab

2 $1,000 The leak was in a wall and you caught it early and it was relatively accessible after tearing out some drywall

3 $2,000 Same as above except you didn't catch it early and mold and light structural damage had occurred

4 $10,000 The leak was underneath a concrete slab but you were able to pinpoint the exact location

5 $20,000 Same as above except you had to chase the leak into another rooms

6 $100,000 + The leak went unnoticed until someone got sick and you got sued

So there is the doom and gloom. What's the solution?

Good question. The answer is there are a number of things you can do. As you go through my list keep in mind that people only use hot water 15% to 20% of the time (based on a study by the California Energy Commission).

First, check your water pressure. 40 psi is high enough for most 1 or 2 story buildings. Be sure to check it in several places to find the lowest pressure in the building. Typically that would be the point furthest from the water meter. If you don't have a pressure regulator, put one in.

When implementing this strategy do it in stages. Drop the pressure by 5 psi at a time and wait to see if you have any complaints. Shower heads and aerators already restrict flow to 2.5 gpm or less. Newer fixtures like the Evolve line of low flow shower heads have pressure compensating technology built into them and work just as well at low pressure as they do at high pressure.

Second, turn off the pump when no one is using hot water. That's right. I said turn off the pump. As I mentioned earlier people only use hot water 15% to 20% of the time. The pump only needs to be on when people need water.

There are 3 methods of implementing this strategy:

1. The Manual Method

2. The Guessing Method

3. The Automated Method

Manual Method

Have someone go to the switch and turn on the pump when you need hot water and turn it off when you are done. Might be practical for a single family home (certainly not convenient) but impossible in an apartment or hotel.

The Guessing Method

Plug your pump into a timer and guess when hot water will be needed. This may be a practical solution if the number of people living in the house or apartment or with a limited number of guests in a hotel and everyone has the same predictable need for hot water. Unfortunately when hot water is needed during an off period the timer gets disabled and never turned back on.

The Automated Method

Think about your recirculation line as a closed loop. When there is no demand for hot water, no water enters or leaves the system. When a hot water faucet is turned on there is a "leak" in the system.

When water leaves the system more water is added from the city water line through a cold water make-up line (this is the technical name for the copper pipe that brings cold water to your water heater).

If a flow sensor is placed in the cold water make-up line, any indication of water movement would mean someone is using hot water.

If the sensor sensed a demand (i.e., someone turned on a hot water faucet) it could turn on the pump. The demand would be met and the pump could be turned off automatically when the demand ended.

That is precisely how an On-Demand Intelligent Pump Controller works. The pump is only on when there is a demand.

As it turns out, there are many benefits to automating your recirc pumps operation:

Drastically reduces pinhole leaks and slab leaks - if the hot water is not moving, it is much less corrosive

Energy is conserved - since people only use hot water 15% to 20% of the time, the pump will be off 80% to 85% of the time. That means the recirculation line isn't full of hot water and no energy is being lost. California Energy Commission studies indicate 37% less energy is consumed when an On-Demand Controller is installed.

Note: A sufficiently high speed pump is required (2,200 rpm or faster) to implement this strategy. If you have a high speed pump you will only need an On-Demand Controller. If not you will need a full system including a high speed pump.

In conclusion, cut your risks, lower your losses, reduce your energy bill and extend the life of you pipes and water heater or boiler by turning off you recirc pump with an On-Demand Intelligent Pump Controller.

Contact me directly at the email address below to find out if this solution will work for you or what other options you might have. To purchase the On-Demand Intelligent Pump Controller click on the link below.

Do it now and sleep better tonight knowing that one of your biggest headaches just got cured.

For information on the On-Demand Intelligent Pump Controller go to http://www.SavesYouEnergy.com

Mark Franklin is CEO of Saves You Energy, LLC a manufacturer and retailer of water and energy conservation products. As a civil engineer Mr. Franklin was involved in the design of multi-family and commercial projects worth in excess of $100 million

Mr. Franklin has worked with companies ranging from the US Navy to Embassy Suites and Biltmore Hotels to Stanford Student Housing. Pinnacle Properties, United Development Group and ConAm are among the apartment ownership and management companies that have used his products. School Districts like the Blue Valley School District in Kansas and ESCOs such as Johnson Controls have utilized his technologies to reduce energy consumption

Mr. Franklin can be reached at mark@SavesYouEnergy.com or visit his company's web site at http://www.SavesYouEnergy.com

Interesting Tidbits About Green Construction

2009-09-07T01:04:00.001-07:00

Going green used to be on the fringes of society, but now modern skyscrapers are being built using the philosophy. Here are some interesting things about the movement.

Green structures are not weird or ugly things. They are not necessarily geodesic domes or something that looks like a Mongolian Kurt. They do not have rows and rows of solar panels on the roof or a giant windmill in the backyard. At least, they dont have to look that way. The truth is that most green structures are indistinguishable from any other building based on appearance. Although style can be modern, it is not how they look they makes them a green structure.

Green structures are not always new buildings. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for existing buildings (LEED-EB) program awards certificates to older building that incorporate green ideas, or make changes that support them. They also have standards for existing building that evaluate the environmental impact of work that has already been done. The green construction movement does not focus completely on state of the art type of technology alone.

The whole idea of going green is not an all or nothing proposition. Many people have the mistaken idea that this is so. They think that in order to be considered a green structure; it has to be built as one from the bottom up and from day one. The truth is that a building can be a little green. The idea is environmental protection and even the smallest change or improvement in a building that brings that goal closer makes it part of the green construction movement.

Green structures are not necessarily more expensive. Studies show that buildings consume more energy than any other sector. This includes even transportation and industry. So, energy savings can result in considerable money savings. Operating costs are often much less in green structures when compared to traditional ones. They are just more efficient. Commercial buildings retain and attract tenants better, and they lease and sell faster. There is actually a great deal of money to be saved through going green.

People spend 90 percent of their time indoors according to some studies. The United States Environmental Protection Agency reports that the air quality inside a building can often be two to five times worse than the outside air. Green structures are not something that is of concern to the other guy; it can benefit all of us. We all live, work, and often play inside buildings. We all breathe the same air and drink the same water. It is our issue.

Zack Verde is with GreenBuildingCompanies.com - providing information on green building companies.

Dangers of Walking on a House Roof

2009-09-06T22:43:00.001-07:00

Here's some things to think about before walking on the roof of a house. If you slip and fall off the roof you could get hurt seriously. For your own safety if you have no experience walking on a roof use extreme caution. I would even suggest using a ladder and moving the latter around the perimeter of the house if you are inspecting the roof for damage.

Here's some things to keep in mind before walking on a house roof.

1. If the building is above two stories hire a contractor especially if you think the roof has building damage.

2. If the roof is too steep stay off. This could be extremely hazardous to your health.

3. If the roof is severely damaged and has loose shingles or tiles, this could create a safety hazard as you slip on one of these loose shingles and possibly fall off the roof.

4. You should stay off the roof at all costs if there is snow or ice. Ice obviously is extremely slippery and would be difficult to walk on. The difficulty would be increased if the roof has a steep slope.

5. Now last but not least if the roof is wet you should avoid walking on it until it is dry. I have been on wet roofs before and personally slipped myself losing my balance but not falling off of the roof.

Climbing up on a roof and walking around is not child's play and should be left to an experienced professional . If you feel comfortable walking around on any roof please use caution. If you slip in the middle of the roof there is a good chance you will be able to regain your balance or have time to stop yourself before falling off.

I would suggest using caution near the edges of the roof. If the roof is too steep or you don't feel comfortable, why risk serious injury. Use common sense along with the proper ladders to ensure your safety and "Think before walking on a house roof."

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He is currently working on more building stairs books and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry.

Is Your Real Estate Agent in a Hurry?

2009-09-06T15:31:00.001-07:00

If any of these statements sound familiar to you, it could mean that your real estate agent is either in hurry or doesn't have an answer to your question. Either way, this could lead to an unpleasant relationship.

Have You Ever Heard the Words:

Don't Worry about a Thing, Will Take Care of You.

Come on That Roof Will Last for Another 30 Years.

I Wouldn't Worry about That, That's Easy to Fix.

How Many Times Do I Have To Tell You, It's Not a Problem.

I'm on Your Side, There Won't Be Any Problems.

With a Little Bit of Caulking, You Won't Even Notice It.

Just Plant Some Bushes in Front of It and You'll Never See It.

The Floor Squeaks, That Gives the House Character.

Or What about the Ever Famous, Are You Going to Buy the House or Not.

Are any one of these experiences familiar to you? Don't be afraid to ask your questions again. Be firm when asking, but please don't be rude and if the answers don't sound right ask someone else to verify or ask your real estate professional if they are positive and know for a fact their answer is correct. It's always good to get a second opinion anyway.

You don't need to do business with anyone that will not answer your questions and is always trying to hurry you along. If you sign a purchasing agreement with a real estate professional you're not getting along with, ask them to let you out of the contract.

With no fees of course, there are other ways to purchase a home if your now old real estate agent doesn't want to play fair.

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a home buyers guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping

If you're having problems with your real estate professional, you might give some thought to look in at some home foreclosures, and then contacting someone to help you, after you have found the home that you are looking for. Some real estate agents can be extremely unhelpful

Are You Still Paying Huge Air Conditioning Bills? Call in the Professionals

2009-09-06T14:30:00.001-07:00

A well-maintained air conditioning system will use 15% to 40% less energy than a neglected one. Do you need a professional to help you achieve this savings?

I have discussed in another article that there are some simple actions that you can do to improve on or to maintain the efficiency of your air conditioning units, but when it comes to highly technical tasks, it is best to leave them to the experts.

Air conditioner adjustments and repairs should be done by professionals. An air conditioning unit is much more complex than it seems. There are refrigerant gases, brazing joints, compressors, fans, coils, fins, electrical starters, thermostats, overload switches, filters, dryers, lubricating oil, drain pans, insulation, mountings, control systems, remote sensing, and many other components that an air conditioning technician needs to understand.

In addition, there are tools specially made for air conditioning work - flaring tool, tube bender, cutter, gas charging manifold, vacuum pump, fin comb, coil cleaning chemical, ratchet socket wrench, brazing torch, solder, voltmeter, clamp meter, and many others.

When the air conditioning unit needs servicing, a professional service technician should clean the evaporator and condenser coils, check refrigerant pressures, and adjust and lubricate moving parts. If there is not enough refrigerant gas, the system needs to be topped up. This can only be done by checking on the pressures in the system. He will also look for other symptoms that can lead to failure or inefficiencies and then rectify them.

If you have a packaged system, the technician will help to inspect the duct damper and if necessary, repair or replace it. Air conditioning systems that share ductwork with a furnace must have a damper in the duct. It prevents cool air from entering the furnace cabinet in summer, and warm air from escaping to the air conditioner in winter. A missing or malfunctioning damper can waste tremendous amounts of energy and lead to corrosion of the furnace. This has to be rectified.

How often do you need to call in the professionals? It really depends on how much your cooling system operates. As a rule of thumb, you will need to call them in at the following recommended intervals:

Hot regions (operating 8 or more months per year) - once a year.

Warm regions (operating 5 to 8 months per year) - every 2 to 3 years.

Cold regions (operating less than 5 months per year) - every 3 to 5 years

Sometimes, just maintaining the cooling system is not enough. You may need to replace the air conditioning system with newer equipment. Air conditioner replacement makes sense if:

The air conditioner is over 10 years old.
The air conditioner efficiency (SEER or EER) is below 7 or 8.
Repairs or modifications of an existing unit will cost more than half as much as a replacement.
The unit does not operate properly and cant be fixed.
Youve sealed your homes walls, floor, ceiling and ducts, installed storm windows, and performed cooling system maintenance, but still cant keep your home cool.

These are some of the things that a professional can help you:

Replace the air conditioning system

In some situations it makes better sense to replace an older air conditioner with a new, high-efficiency unit. Air conditioner replacement should be considered if the existing unit is worn out, inefficient, or significantly oversized.

Repairing an existing air conditioner may seem to be the least expensive option, but it may cost more in the long run. Paying for repairs on an older, inefficient system may simply prolong the inevitable need for replacement. Installing a new, energy-efficient system may be much more cost-effective. A cooling system technician can help you evaluate whether a new air conditioning system is appropriate.

Sizing your air conditioner.

Bigger is not always better when it comes to your air conditioner. For starters, oversized equipment can be less effective at dehumidifying your house. Not only can this lead to moisture problems in a home, but the higher humidity may force you to lower the thermostat to achieve the same comfort level increasing your energy use. An oversized unit also cycles on and off more frequently, which increases wear and tear, shortens the service life, increases the frequency of repairs, and reduces efficiency. Plus, it costs more to purchase oversized equipment in the first place. If purchasing a new air conditioner, cooling loads should be carefully calculated by your equipment supplier.

Evaporative coolers.

If you live in a hot, dry climate, such as the Southwest, an evaporative cooler (swamp cooler) may be a good alternative to a refrigerant-cycle air conditioner. Evaporative coolers use considerably less energy than standard air conditioners. Check with a local air conditioning contractor to find out if such a system makes sense for your home.

An air conditioning system professional's advice and expertise is certainly needed when you have to deal with such complex designing, installing and commissioning works like these. It will certainly pay you back in the long run. Just leave it to the experts.

Thomas Yoon specializes in cartoon illustrations at that will make an impact on people's opinions. More information on Marine and M & E engineering.

Dream Home Checklist - Home Buying

2009-09-06T08:40:00.001-07:00

First things first when looking for your dream home. Make a list of all the things you're looking for. With today's computers and search engines on the Internet it makes home shopping by keywords very simple.

Most real estate websites have boxes you can check off, if you're looking for a three-bedroom house with two bathrooms and a swimming pool. You simply check these items off, select the area you would like to search for homes and and you now have a list of homes to look at.

Some of these homes have virtual tours on the Internet, which allows you to go through most of the home before you actually visit the house. Modern technology has made searching for your dream home a virtual reality.

You can now look through the list and select the most appealing homes before you start driving around. Don't let the pictures of these homes deceive you on the Internet or MLS. Some of the descriptions of these homes can also be very deceptive.

When looking for your dream home, used every possible means available to you. This would include your real estate professionals, newspapers, magazines, search engines, internet websites, and don't forget about driving around your favorite neighborhoods. This is actually how we found one of the homes we bought.

Our real estate salesman gave us a list of homes to look at, while we were driving around, we spotted a home that caught our attention and we pulled in the driveway. To our amazement, the real estate saleswoman who listed the home lived a couple of houses down the street and was right there asking if we wanted to see the inside of the house.

Your family, friends, neighbors and people you work with, can also help you with your homebuying quest. You would be surprised at how helpful some of these people can be. I knew someone who found a home they really liked, knocked on the door and told the homeowners, they would be very interested if their home was ever put on the market. Within a few weeks, he was buying the home.

I'm not telling you to knock on everyone's door whose not selling their house, but you never know how or when you're going to run into the house of your dreams.

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a home shoping checklist to take some of the frustration out of home shopping

Don't buy a house without visiting, one of the best websites for home inspections. This website has thousands of pictures that deal with home inspection problems. If you're buying a house, check out this section on house inspection cover ups

Get to Know the Green Stuff

2009-09-06T04:20:00.001-07:00

Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, "A nation that destroys its soils destroys itself. Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people." Whether or not you believe the controversial arguments for or against global warming, the fact remains that there is a finite amount of land in our nation and the fundamental issue of sustaining it remains.

Companies continue to expand their efforts in the area of environmental sustainability. However, to be successful, we need the participation of every member of the community in order to implement energy conservation strategies and to maximize our recycling efforts.

How is my Aluminum Can Related to Energy?

Energy costs continue to rise. So, what does the cost of energy have to do with recycling aluminum cans? Consider the following:

Making new aluminum cans from used cans takes 95 percent less energy than making a new can.
Tossing away an aluminum can wastes as much energy as pouring out half of that can's volume of gasoline.
In 2003, 54 billion cans were recycled. This is an energy savings equivalent to 15 million barrels of crude oil - America's entire gas consumption for one day.

Now, consider this. The average American consumes 2.5 beverages a day while at work. Multiply that by the number of employees in the workforce and that's a lot of aluminum... and a great deal of energy! Recycling programs and energy programs, as you can see, are very closely linked.

How Can We Save More Energy?

Turn off monitors, printers and copiers nightly and on weekends. Do not use screensavers as an alternative to switching off the monitor. Screensavers consume energy. If you plan to leave your computer for more than two hours, switch off your monitor.
Turn off photocopiers at night if a low standby feature is not available.
Where possible, replace incandescent lights with compact fluorescent lights (CFLs).Using CFLs instead of comparable incandescent bulbs can save about 50 percent on lighting costs. CFLs use only one-fourth the energy and last up to 10 times longer.
Switch off all unnecessary lights. Use dimmers, motion sensors, or occupancy sensors to automatically turn off lighting when not in use.
Where feasible, use natural lighting near windows instead of electrical lighting.
Close or adjust window blinds to block direct sunlight to reduce cooling needs during warm months. In the winter months, open blinds on south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your workspace. At night, close the blinds to reduce heat loss.
Unplug equipment that drains energy when not in use (cell phone chargers, laptop chargers, fans, coffeemakers, desktop printers, radios, etc.).

How Can I Reduce Waste?

Use mugs instead of paper or Styrofoam cups for coffee or drinks.
Consider a two-sided printer the next time you need to buy one.
Photocopy only what you need. Always use the second side of paper, either by printing on both sides or using the blank side as scrap paper.
Print email only when necessary.

How Can I Reuse Items to Reduce Waste?

Set aside paper that is only used on one side so that it can be reused for such things as taking rough notes or phone messages. Paper can be stored in a centrally located storage box, possibly next to printers or photocopiers so that everyone can use it.
Invest in rechargeable batteries and battery chargers for digital cameras, flashlights, and other small devices.
Save and reuse packing material.

How Does Recycling Lead to Savings?

Recycle plastic bottles, metal cans, paper, batteries and more at the office, just like you do at home. You do recycle at home, don't you? Let's use paper as an example. Did you know that the average per capita paper use in the U.S. in 2001 was 700 pounds (318 kg) while the average per capita paper use worldwide was 110 pounds (50 kg)? Did you know that in the U.S., 45 percent of paper is recycled? Compare this to 52 per cent in Japan, 67 percent in Germany and 77 percent in the Netherlands. It's time to really think about what we do with paper and other recyclables. Additionally, did you know that many companies receive rebates for recycled materials? Each time you recycle your cans, bottles and paper, you are not only helping the environment by diverting materials from landfill, but you may also be helping the bottom line.

As you can see, there is a long list of actions each person can take to support both your business and the environment. The simple recycling of a can or turning off of a light can go a long way. Remember that the environment, the cost of energy and recycling programs are strongly related.

This author writes on a wide variety of topics both business and non-business related (numerical modeling, environmental aspects, process improvement, business analysis) and runs a consulting business at http://www.numericalinsights.com

Energy Saving Tips

2009-09-06T01:45:00.001-07:00

Astonishingly, Americans generally spend $1600 or more a year on their utility bills. Not only is much of this wasted energy, but more carbon dioxide is emitted into the air from one home than two average cars. The following tips will help you save energy costs both at home and in the car.

*Set your thermostat comfortably low in the winter and comfortably high in the summer. Install a programmable thermostat that is compatible with your heating and cooling system.

* Use compact fluorescent light bulbs.

* Air dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher's drying cycle.

* Turn off your computer and monitor when not in use.

* Plug home electronics, such as TVs and DVD players, into power strips; turn the power strips off when the equipment is not in use (TVs and DVDs in standby mode still use several watts of power).

* Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

* Take short showers instead of baths.

* Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes.

* Drive sensibly. Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gasoline.

* Look for the ENERGY STAR label on home appliances and products. ENERGY STAR products meet strict efficiency guidelines set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Department of Energy.

Energy Auditing Tips:

* Check the insulation levels in your attic, exterior and basement walls, ceilings, floors, and crawl spaces.

* Check for holes or cracks around your walls, ceilings, windows, doors, light and plumbing fixtures, switches, and electrical outlets that can leak air into or out of your home.

* Check for open fireplace dampers.

* Make sure your appliances and heating and cooling systems are properly maintained. Check your owner's manual for the recommended maintenance.

* Study your family's lighting needs and use patterns, paying special attention to high-use areas such as the living room, kitchen, and outside lighting. Look for ways to use lighting controls - like occupancy sensors, dimmers, or timers - to reduce lighting energy use, and replace standard light bulbs and fixtures with compact or standard fluorescent lamps.

Insulation Tips

* Consider factors such as your climate, building design, and budget when selecting insulation R-values for your home.

* Use higher density insulation, such as rigid foam boards, in cathedral ceilings and on exterior walls.

* Ventilation plays a large role in providing moisture control and reducing summer cooling bills. Attic vents can be installed along the entire ceiling cavity to help ensure proper airflow.

* Recessed light fixtures can be a major source of heat loss, but you need to be careful how close you place insulation next to a fixture unless it is marked IC.

These tips, and more, are provided to you in a larger PDF file by the US Department of Energy.

David Tanguay is dedicated to providing research, reviews & helpful information to consumers and businesses. For more information related to Green Energy and Alternative Energy please visit http://greenenergyonline.org

Whole House Water Filters - Home Tips

2009-09-05T18:30:00.001-07:00

Whole house water filters have gained much attention with the increase in problems with the purity of public water systems. If you want to be assured that the water coming into your house is safe for drinking, bathing and cooking, then a whole house water filter is a critical addition to your home. There is no other way to thoroughly and effectively remove water contaminants, no matter what size home you have.

There is no question why we need to filter our water. However why do we need a whole house system? The reason is found in the fact that any water that comes into our homes can affect our health. Most homes have between 8 and 15 sources of water and whether they are used for drinking water, showering, bathing or cooking, they allow any contaminants in the water supply to enter our body. Even though most filters used at an individual outlet will remove most types of contamination, only whole house water filters can ensure pure water at every faucet in your house.

It is critical that each source of water in your house is filtered. We all know that it is important that the water we cook with and drink is pure. However, are you aware that contaminants can enter our body through our skin while bathing and showering? Our skin is designed to breath so release toxins from our body. As such it is extremely efficient at absorption also, not to mention the water vapors that enter your body through your lung. Unless you place individual filters on every faucet and shower head, only a whole house water filter can provide protection anywhere in your home.

You can find a wide selection of water systems for your home. Whole house water filters are effective at removing 99.9% of virtually every contaminant imaginable, while also balancing the ph level of your water, assuring you of its purity and healthfulness. Removing the contaminants before they come into your home has been shown to reduce risk of disease including many forms of cancer.

Because the decision to purchase a water purifying system is so critical you will need to thoroughly research the different types of systems on the market. Read the specifications on each. Some systems are far more effective than others. For the most part, you will find that a multi-stage whole house water filter provides for maximum removal of contaminants.

You will want to avoid reverse osmosis and distillation systems. These are great for industrial uses, but you don't want to be drinking the water they produce over the long run. These systems remove all the minerals; minerals that are important to the human body in order to remain healthy.

A filtering system that uses charcoal at some point in the process will provide the best tasting water. These systems are usually referred to as carbon block systems and when used with other stages of filtering, are extremely efficient at removing organic and inorganic contamination from your water while retaining essential minerals.

You can find some very effective carbon block filters that connect to individual faucets and shower heads, but a whole house system provides the best coverage at the least cost per outlet. By installing whole house water filters at the point where water enters your home, you will be protecting all the water outlets in your entire home.

Pure water is critical to maintaining health for your entire family. With today's water filtering technology, that can easily be accomplished. My website describes some of the filtering systems available in detail. By taking some time sorting through everything that is out there you will find the best system for your needs.

Kevin Proctor has studied health related issues for over 8 years. His research led him to realizing the importance of pure water as it relates to overall health. Kevin discusses what he has learned on his website, Filtered-Water-Resources.com. For more information about water purification and to see the water filter systems he personally recommends visit his website now

Why Go Green - More to the Point, Why Not?

2009-09-05T18:01:00.001-07:00

The new Obama administration has indicated a strong focus on developing America's renewable energy resources. So whether you believe global warming is man-made, or purely a result of the earth's natural cycles of warming and cooling, now is a perfect time to adopt an individual green lifestyle that will conserve energy, save water and result in a cleaner, sustainable environment. The availability of eco-friendly products and services is becoming a great green wave that will make it easier for everybody to become more environmentally friendly. And it doesn't take a major change in lifestyle to contribute to a cleaner and greener world.

Historically there has been a high cost barrier to moving to green products, but that is becoming much less of a hurdle as more companies compete to offer better, greener products. While certain high-end goods remain out of reach of all but the most well off, the energy saving benefits of many green products quickly offset any higher up-front cost. Green cleaning products are often more concentrated than the regular chemical products and therefore offer good cost comparison for their total use.

In most areas of the country recycling programs are the first introduction to helping protect the environment we live in. Unfortunately, the incredible variety of different collection programs leaves much to be desired and there is much to be done in the future to improve the effectiveness of this process. Maybe this is one area where sensible State or Federal regulation could create common recycling procedures and improve the efficiency of collection and re-use. Back yard composting can reduce the disposal of yard and food waste which is estimated to make up around 30% of the waste stream going to landfills.

With the increasing pressure on energy costs around the world and the improving technology developments in solar and wind power, we can expect to see greater utilization of these natural resources in the future. Solar technology is developing very quickly and becoming more usable and cost effective. Solar lighting and water features are now very efficient and an attractive, clean addition to any garden landscaping. While solar leasing programs are making solar power more available for individual homes. Wind power is a very hot topic right now with the Pickens Plan receiving a great deal of publicity. If we are able to capture the tremendous wind energy resources in the US, and then develop an environmentally friendly means of distributing it around the country, it could make a significant contribution to the greening of America.

Along with the growth in the availability of green products has come the problem of identifying what is truly green and "how green is it?" As with any product for sale, the claims of the best and the greenest can often be somewhat exaggerated. However, this need not be too big a distraction. It is not necessary to choose the most energy efficient, or the most natural cleaner, to contribute to a greener world. A higher efficiency rating in a replacement appliance, or a natural cleaning product that gives the best results, enhances the green footprint but should also fit in to the personal choices of a modern lifestyle.

The decision to go green can be as dramatic or as gradual as each individual or family wish to make it. Once the "green light" goes on however, it does appear to take on a life of its own. Each green choice, small or large, contributes to the growing movement towards a more eco-friendly world.

If the choices are there and the barriers to their use are coming down, who wouldn't want to reduce their use of the earth's finite resources and convert to a cleaner, less polluting, healthier, green lifestyle.

Peter O'Grady is the owner of It's Eco Time.com and writes on a variety of subjects involving our impact on the environment and the options available for living a healthy and sustainable green lifestyle. To find products to save money, energy and water and for other green topics visit http://itsecotime.com and share your comments and questions.

How to Tell if You Need a General Contractor

2009-09-05T11:08:00.001-07:00

Making major home improvements can be a great way to improve the value, and the looks, of your home, but it can be a daunting task, and involve no small commitment of time and money. Many homeowners are unsure whether to do the home improvements themselves or hire a general contractor. The answer to that common question lies in the time the homeowner has available, and of course in his or her own skills and abilities.

One thing to remember is that few homeowners are highly skilled in all the elements that go into a major home improvement. Few of us have the extensive construction, plumbing and electrical skills it takes to complete a home addition or similar large project without professional help.

Of course finding a great general contractor, and qualified subcontractors, can be a job in itself, and it is important to take that job very seriously. It is of course important to ask family, friends and coworkers for recommendations, and to check their references carefully.

Those considering a major home improvement project or home addition will need to first determine exactly what the job entails, and what the time frame for the project is. If the new addition or home improvement requires specialty work it is probably a good idea to hire a contractor who has experience in the specific project you need. For instance, those who wish to install a new hot tub would be advised to find a skilled plumbing contractor, while the installation of a deck may call for a good carpenter.

For more extensive projects, like a kitchen remodeling job, a bathroom remodel or the addition of a second story, a general contractor is probably the right choice. It is the job of the general contractor to manage all the various aspects of he project, including such things as hiring the subcontractors, obtaining all the necessary building permits, ordering the materials, and scheduling the needed inspections. The general contractor will also work with the designers and architects to make sure that the job meets their specifications.

It can sometimes be difficult to exactly when a general contractor will be needed, but in general it is a good idea to seek a qualified general contractor when any of the following factors are involved in the project:

-An addition to an existing home, such as an extra room or a second story.

-A major remodeling project, such as remodeling the kitchen or the bathroom.

-Adding an additional building, like a workshop or garage.

-Finishing the basement.

All of the above projects call for qualified professional help, and it is a good idea to make them a reality with the help of a qualified general contractor.

Brooke Sikula is a freelance writer based in Ventura, CA and writes on a wide range of topics from home improvement to credit repair and everything in between. She is a regular contributor to http://www.get-home-improvement.com and http://www.home-remodeling4u.com

For more information and advice on home improvement projects, check out http://www.home-improvement4u.com

Instructions For Building Efficient Wind Generators For Your Home - Here Are the Easy DIY Blueprints

2009-09-05T07:49:00.001-07:00

Traditional energy sources are on their way out. Fossil fuel costs are shooting up because we are running low on them, so we need to prepare for the future. We need to change the way we think about how we get our energy and how much we are using to change our lifestyles into sustainable lifestyles.

There are some people who have already started thinking this way. New scientific breakthroughs in renewable energy are allowing us to create sustainable energy at lower and lower costs. Using the right set of plans even homeowners who don't know anything about construction or electricity can build their own alternative energy sources right in their backyards, such as wind power generators.

Wind turbines can be made to reduce the average home's electricity bill by as much as 70%. They can be built, using economical plans, for as little as $200 using pre-used parts. The most expensive part might be a DC motor which can cost as little as $30. They can be built with basic tools and parts from a local hardware store. You can estimate the amount of power a generator creates using the following formula:

Power(Watts) = (Wind Speed)^3 * (Blade Diameter)^2 * 0.00478

The speed of the wind makes the most difference because its value is cubed, then the blade diameter because its value is squared. Example calculation using a decent wind speed of 10mph and an 8 ft blade diameter:

W = (10*10*10) * (8*8) * 0.00478 = 305 watts/hour - x 24 hours and you can calculate 7.3 kWh generated per day by a wind power generator.

On average, an American home might use 14-20 kWh per day. If you start conserving your power, you might use much less depending on the size of your home. Even with little wind speed in your area, you should be able to build a wind turbine that can significantly reduce your power bill for as little as $200. Wind power generators are cost-effective, to be sure.

Me and my colleagues have researched and reviewed 17 top blueprints that show you how to make wind power generators for your home inexpensively (but keeping top efficiency standards). See how to build wind turbines easily at RenewableEnergyAtHome.com.

Basement Ideas - Turning Your Basement Into A Guest Room

2009-09-05T04:14:00.001-07:00

Turning your basement into a guest room is a basement idea that few people consider. One of the main advantages of this is that it frees up another room in your house for other things.

Most of us own homes that don't have enough rooms. Each child wants their own room, many people want offices in their homes now, and bonus rooms are popular as well. Where do the guests stay if you have all the rooms earmarked for other things?

Another advantage of turning the basement into a guest room is that it gives your guests a special sense of privacy. Using this basement idea will give your guests a space to call their own. It may also get them out of your hair if they decide to stay too long!

In order to make this basement remodel idea work, however, you are going to have to make sure you do a few thing properly. The basement guest room will have to have:

- A good paint job that is neutral

- Clean rugs or carpets to help protect from the cold floors

- A good sturdy bed tells your guests they are welcome to stay

- Some seating for them to relax such as chairs and a sofa

- A bathroom is preferable so that they don't have to go upstairs in the middle of the night

These things all contribute to having the room feel like a real guest bedroom. Basement ideas like this are great if they are done with attention to detail. If done incorrectly, however, the room can turn into a nightmare.

The important thing is that you make the room feel comfortable and inviting and as much as a real room that you can. You want your guests to feel comfortable and welcome in your house. The last thing you want is for the basement guest room to look or feel like a cold dungeon.

Want more great basement ideas and options? There are lots more at my Basement Ideas websight.

Home Improvement Software

2009-09-04T21:26:00.001-07:00

Colors play a very important role in your home improvement project. They widely express your nature and influence your mood. Deep and dark colors, for instance, depict deep and energetic feelings while light smooth colors develop a calm environment. But often times, you are confused about what color to choose. People don't know what colors would be best for their hallway, bedrooms, dinning rooms or bath and the kitchen. These are the people who ask for professional advice even when they have to paint their walls themselves.

This problem can be solved very easily with the help of home improvement software. It saves you the hassle to do and redo your home; and it brilliantly extends your visions. If someone has selected a color that doesn't seem to satisfy his mood, he will have to repaint his room with a new color and possibilities remain the same if the person is not very creative or if he has lack of experience. All this hassle will cost him a lot more than the budgets. Wastage of time is another related story. However, things are completely different when it comes to home improvement software.

With home improvement software, you can simply do wonders. You don't need any professional advice; you don't need anything else as well. All you are going to need is a piece of sharp brain and basic computer skills. From your bedroom to you kitchen and garage, take a preview of everything you want or do not want using home improvement software. One of the most acknowledged features of home improvement software is that you can adopt eclectic decor style and paint your room with different colors. If they suit you fine, get yourself working on them from out of your computer.

This software is simple in use and anyone can be able to decorate his/ her room, in fact, entire home with the help of this software. Besides being a magnificent tool for consumers, home improvement software has also been widely accredited among the contractors, builders, architects and designers. Because it's not just for colors, its uses are manifold. So, if you are planning any home improvements, get home improvement software in first chance.

For more about painting, designing, remodeling and everything that links together to result in a perfect home improvement, you can visit http://www.theyarelocal.com/articles/home_improvements/index.php

Eco Friendly Houses - What Is A Green Building?

2009-09-04T21:24:00.001-07:00

What is a green building and why should you care? Why are people building efficient green homes? What is the number one reason for the increased demand for eco friendly houses? The answers may surprise you!

What is a Green Building? A green building (the noun) is a building that has been specifically designed to save energy, promote healthy indoor air and have much less impact on the environment.

Green building (the verb) is mainly a construction term used to describe whole house system design and techniques that use eco friendly, or green building, materials and components.

The following terms are pretty much interchangeable when talking about houses: eco friendly houses, eco friendly home, eco home, eco house, green house, green building a house, green home designs, or building efficient green homes.

Here are some great examples of using green materials for the home:

1. recycled glass counter tops - stylish and eco friendly

2. bamboo flooring - grows quickly (sustainable) with durability comparable to hardwood

3. eco friendly furniture - made from sustainable or recycled materials, or certified wood

4. tankless water heaters - water is heated on demand, saving energy

5. low flow shower heads and LED faucets that turn on and off automatically

6. energy saving appliances and light fixtures

7. renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power

Why are people building efficient green homes? Why eco friendly houses? As I mentioned, the answer may surprise you. Most people think the number one reason to "go green" is for the environment or to save energy...but, according to a recent survey done by the folks at Building Green TV and RCLCO, the number one reason people are building eco friendly houses is for health reasons! In fact, a full 42% of those surveyed replied that health was the number one reason to build a green home. Only 17% said they would be motivated by energy savings, and only 12% for the environment!

What do eco friendly houses have to do with health? According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the list below contains just some of the things that may be causing your family health problems inside your home:

Radon, Environmental Tobacco Smoke, Biologicals, Carbon Monoxide, Nitrogen Dioxide, Organic Gases, Respirable Particles, Formaldehyde, Pesticides, Asbestos, Lead, and Chlorine.

In fact, the EPA estimates that the pollution levels inside your home could be 3-70 times the outdoor pollution levels in major cities - yuk!

Makes you want to open a window now, doesn't it?

Want to know more about eco friendly houses?

I've just completed my brand new guide, 'Secrets to Creating a Healthy, Eco-Friendly Home'.

download it free here: eco friendly houses

Isabella R. Green is a full time internet publisher, writing articles and ebooks that help people create eco friendly houses.

Does Your Thermostat Read Temperature Properly - Homeowner Tips

2009-09-04T14:16:00.001-07:00

Through out my career as an air conditioning, heating and refrigeration technician, I have seen thousands of jobs with the same problems over and over and over. I have seen just about every mistake you can imagine. I've been in the field going on 23 years now.

I came across one job a few years ago where the contractor (so called professional) installed a replacement digital thermostat in the same spot where the old unit was located. In between two door jams in a hall way. This guy used the old wires that were attached to the old thermostat, which is not a problem in it self, but the location of the wires is where he ran into trouble. The problem here was the person who installed this thermostat, installed it sideways because it was too long for this location. Instead of telling the customer he needed to go get a thermostat that fit the application or moving the wires to accommodate the thermostat he had on his truck, he installed what he had with him at the time and he told the customer "that was how these new digital thermostats needed to be installed" so they could operate properly. Of course the customer was a senior citizen in her late 80's and he had no morals or values. The funny thing is that this digital thermostat would have actually worked properly installed this way, because the sensor was a solid state device on a circuit board. Except for reading what the display said and reading what the buttons said, this thermostat actually operated correctly. You should have seen the way he installed the duct work but that is another story.

The reason the lady called was because it seemed to her that the furnace would always shut down too early or it would sometimes run for a long period of time making the room warmer than she wanted. I had to laugh when I arrived on the job and saw what this guy had done. The biggest issue mechanically with this thermostat was not the way it was mounted, but that it was mounted and covering a very large hole, where the thermostat wires came though the wall. The sensor was very near the hole on the wall and it was reading the cold inside wall cavity temperature. I removed the thermostat and installed a new one for her, free of charge and then filled the hole with sheetrock mud to stop the stat from reading the wall cavity temperature.

The customer wanted to pay me for my trouble and my materials but I told her that the next time she came across someone that needs a new furnace or air conditioner that could could simply give my name and phone number out and that would be enough. She agreed and thanked me for my trouble.

I still get referrals from her today. It has always bugged me to see someone take advantage of elderly people, especially when they have no business doing the work in the first place.

The digital thermostats today can do a lot and they are generally pretty reliable, most of the time its either that its installed wrong or programmed wrong, wired wrong or there are not enough wires to it. Maybe the thermostat needs the common wire from the thermostat hooked up to operate properly. The majority of these problems are the result of poor technical knowledge on behalf of the installer, or perhaps they simply don't care enough to read the installation instructions. Sometimes people get into the trade and learn how to install duct work and put sheet metal screws in with a drill gun and bam they think they have enough experience to go out and become a contractor.

Unfortunately home owners have no way of knowing whether or not the service company they chose has enough experience or knowledge to do the job right. The NATE Rating is about as close as you can come to being sure you hire the right people. However" I was trained a long time ago in a technical school that focused on the theory and operating principals of electrical, refrigeration, air conditioning and heating. Long before the NATE Training certificate came about. My schooling was 990hrs and the course took place over 9 months. I don't have the NATE certificate badge myself. I guess I should go get it to look more legitimate and I probably will get it as that seems to be the standard today. I have not looked into the certificate yet but eventually will.

You can contact me by email located within my site or you can post questions in our forum and I will respond fairly quickly. Maybe you had a new system installed and are having problems that the installer can't seem to fix. I would be glad to give it a shot. I specialize in residential gas/propane forced air heating systems, heat pumps, air conditioning and zoning.

John Grisler
Specialist in Environmentally Friendly High Efficiency Residential Air Conditioning and Heating Systems
Graduate Universal Technical Institute February 1986
23 Years Experience Residential/ Light Commercial Heating Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
US Patent 7234318 Multiple Stage, Single Pass Refrigeration System. June 2006
Designer of the Self Contained Air Conditioned Chair -see grizzco@feeservers.com

my web site is http://greenfeetco2.com/

Go Green With Your Home Based Business Office

2009-09-04T11:06:00.001-07:00

Taking care of the environment is everyone's responsibility--including home based business owners. Don't use the excuse that you are a small business owner so you can't afford to be green. There are a number of ways that you can show your concern for the environment.

Energy consumption is one of the major ways that the environment is damaged. It is also one of the easiest things to cut. Most people think about actual appliances like air conditioners but few people think about office equipment and the appliance inside of them. However it is these forgotten office equipment pieces that suck up unnecessary energy.

As the country tries to move towards more energy saving procedure there are a few easy steps you can take to do your part. A great number of businesses are starting to use equipment that is ENERGY STAR qualified. These pieces are more efficient because office equipment can draw a great amount of energy that is does not need. If you can not afford to upgrade right now, when you get replacement printers, computers, monitors or copies, you should try to buy ENREGY STAR products.

There are other small steps you can take to save energy in your office. One of them is simply turning off the equipment at night. If your computer has power management software take the time to activate it. Also print on both sides of the paper whenever necessary.

Recycling is a must. Shred important documents are recycle the shreds. Also make sure that you recycle electronic equipment such as printer parts and take computer parts to the appropriate places to have them disposed of.

If you have small appliances like a refrigerator in your home office, go for ENERGY STAR products. Also make sure that the door is closed whenever you are not in it. Be on the lookout for any cracks in the door seals.

E-mail as much as you can. Although some things have to be sent through snail mail, most things, these days, can be e-mailed. Take advantage of this and save a good amount of trees in the meantime. Business cards are nice but have as many people as possible visit your website instead.

Invest in compact fluorescent bulbs. Incandescent bulbs are inefficient and use so much more power than fluorescent ones. Reduce the air conditioning usage by keeping the blinds or curtains pulled on hot days. The air conditioning may still kick on but it won't stay on as long.

When you are not using your computer leave it in sleep mode. Only turn the computer off when you are done with it for the day. Computer use more energy to reboot than they do when they are in the hibernation mode. At the end of the day turn off the computer and unplug it to save energy.

Once you have your home based business office set up you should get an office energy audit. This will help you figure out where you are wasting energy and how you can save more. Remember the more energy you save, the more money you save.

To learn more about starting your own home business visit the Plug-In Profit Site web site, the only program with a successful home business marketing co-op.

Author: Dustin Cannon is a successful entrepreneur, Internet marketing consultant, husband and father. He enjoys helping others learn to work from home, martial arts and spending time with his family.

Floor Decorating Ideas - Bamboo For Flooring

2009-09-04T07:26:00.001-07:00

When I was growing up the choice of floor decoration was oilcloth [a thin type of linoleum], or linoleum [lino] in the bedrooms and, in the living rooms downstairs, lino covered with a large rug or, if you had a better budget, herringbone hardwood flooring with a large rug in the middle. A stair runner lined the center of the stairs held in place with a brass stair-rod. These ideas moved on into the 1970s with fitted carpets which had large swirly patterns: you were really somebody if you could afford fitted carpets! Fitted carpets came and stayed, the only real changes being the textures and fabrics, the colours and whether the carpets were plain or patterned. These all changed according to fashion. Cork tiles made a brief appearance as being the must-have flooring options in the bathroom and kitchen. They never really went out of fashion as they are practical and warm underfoot.

However, the late 1990s was when laminate flooring made its appearance and hardwood flooring came back with a vengeance. Floors to aspire to are now hardwood floors, with the whole of the living area having the same kind of flooring. Gone are the days of the unhygienic carpeting in the kitchen: this has been replaced by a multitude of flooring options, from recycled rubber to slate, stone, hardwood, laminates, and tiling. Many bedrooms are also finished with laminate or hardwood flooring, brightened up with scattered rugs. In my own home, however, I have retained deep-pile carpets in the bedrooms and, in all the downstairs rooms I have installed hardwood flooring which has been stained and varnished to give it a deep timbre to bring out the beauty of the wood. It is so much easier to keep clean and I believe this is far more hygienic than fitted carpets everywhere which can harbour germs deep down in the fibres.

The number of DIY shops that sell both hardwood and laminate flooring is amazing when, if you think about it carefully, fitting flooring effectively so that it looks good and lies properly, is an experts' job. It is certainly not something I would consider doing. After all, if you mess it up, hardwood is not a cheap option - if you are paying out that sort of money, as far as I am concerned, it is better to pay a bit more and employ an expert to fit it properly. In this case, the end result well justifies the means! So, if you are choosing laminates or hardwoods, what are you going to be looking for? Good hardwood flooring will add value to your property and will last a lifetime. If it does start to look a bit tired, it just needs to be sanded down, re-stained and given a new coat of varnish. Solid hardwood flooring planks are available in cherry, walnut, maple, and oak. Also available are other woods such as teak and bamboo which, although not a wood but a grass, is very popular in these economically sustainable times.

Home Decorating Ideas offers quick cheap tips on how to decorate your house. Includes tips on decorating the office, living room, bedroom, kitchen and more.

Eco Friendly House - Build Your Dream!

2009-09-04T00:42:00.001-07:00

Eco friendly houses are the best choice. These houses are constructed using natural materials. The abrupt climatic changes have given a thought for concern for many. The increasing global temperature is disturbing the whole equilibrium. According to studies, usage of eco-friendly products is known to decrease the harmful effect of poisonous gases.

Eco friendly house also bring about sustainable energy solutions. People opting to construct such houses can use natural materials like wood, solar products, and so on for the construction of home. You can also get the latest eco news about construction of houses by looking online. This will help reduce the harmful impact of global warming, climate change, and so on. Organic, all-natural, or eco-friendly products can also help cut down the excessive expenses involved. The products used will be less wasteful and less toxic than mainstream products.

Green homes for sale can help people interested in buying a green house at a lower rate. It is very easy to get information on such houses online too. In addition to being one of the first, largest, and most respected online resources for green products, we offer advice and information on greening your home. One can be rest assured that all eco-friendly products are non-toxic and guaranteed to be safe for your children, home, and environment.

Using such products will also help save energy on your appliances, go vegan and organic or just live a low-impact lifestyle. One can also find comprehensive and interesting articles on eco friendly houses. Green homes are unique and artistically designed. They make a perfect living space for people who wish to stay in close proximity of nature. Such houses also help cut down unwanted expenses considerably.

These kinds of houses will also help cut down spiralling energy costs and the ever growing concern about global warming. An increasing numbers of householders are turning to greener energy options these days. This will help make a significant contribution to the environment. Installation of natural products will also help lower your household bills and can add significant value to your property. Some of the alternative energy options that can be included are heat pumps, high efficiency boilers, low energy heating systems, solar energy, rainwater harvesters and wind energy. Going in for eco-friendly house has numerous advantages.

Sadhna D, Expert Author, Platinum author

Eco Property Developers: Eco Friendly House

For guidance on Building in Bangalore: Green Homes for Sale

Damp Basement Solutions - Home Tips

2009-09-04T00:12:00.001-07:00

A leaky basement can be a nightmare: the pervasive damp can cause mold growth and musty smells, items stored down there can be ruined, and the foundation can even be damaged by persistent water! If you have moisture, drips, seepage, or other water related issues in your basement, you need to get it sealed and dried out fast, before major problems develop. A wet basement isn't the end of the world, though: there are a number of solutions to get your basement dry, and keep it that way.

The first step to eliminating your basement moisture problem is identifying the source of the water. Once you have located where the water is entering the building, you can more accurately resolve the issue. The following basement drying strategies are grouped by the source of the water to help you easily connect the appropriate solution to your particular problem.

Drainage Problems

Exterior drainage issues can be a major source of water in your basement; if water is not properly diverted away from your foundation, it can frequently work its way inside. If you notice water flowing toward your house on rainy days, have blocked or malfunctioning gutters, or observe signs of erosion around your house, you likely have drainage problems. Some drainage issues are simple to resolve: if your gutters aren't working, clean and repair them. Pay special attention to downspouts, and be sure that they are directing water away from your house, not toward it! Other drainage issues can be more difficult to resolve; if your gutters aren't the source of your drainage issue, you'll want to consult a professional basement waterproofing company. They will be able to identify problematic water patterns and correct them with exterior diversion methods, which frequently require grading and installing bubblers and other water redirection systems.

Basement Leaks

Water can also work its way into your basement through cracks or crevices in your foundation. This type of problem usually manifests itself as a visible break or fracture, a trickle of water, or a damp spot. Keep in mind that basement leaks can also be caused by a porous foundation: there doesn't necessarily have to be a split for water to be seeping in. If you've located an actual crack, you can use one of several basement sealing compounds to fill it in. However, if you determine that water is leaking in through the walls of the basement itself, you'll need to take more thorough measures. You have a number of options for waterproofing your basement: vinyl wall sheeting, epoxy wall/floor paint, and exterior membranes are among the most popular. If you're uncomfortable tackling the job yourself, a waterproofing specialist can provide professional basement sealing results.

Flooding

Sometimes, no matter how good your yard drainage or how carefully your basement has been sealed, water gets in. Whether the result of a burst pipe, torrential rains, or a creek breaching its banks, floods happen. If you live in a flood-prone area, or just want to be prepared in case of disaster, you can mitigate the severity of basement floods. While most basement moisture issues are addressed after-the-fact, you'll get the best results if you're proactive with regard to basement floods. For small amounts of water, interior drain tiles will usually do the job: consider this method if you have a toilet that frequently overflows, or a washing machine that leaks. For larger volumes of water, you'll need a sump pump. This small pump will make a huge difference in how fast water is drained from your basement, and since it kicks in as soon as the water arrives, a sump pump can make the difference between a little standing water and a whole lot of standing water. Contact your local foundation repair contractor to have a sump pump installed. If basement flooding is a frequent problem, you may also want to consider a battery-powered back up pump for power outages.

Make sure you address water problems in your basement promptly; instead of going away on their own, foundation moisture issues frequently snowball into moisture and mold crises. Take the time to identify and resolve the source of the moisture-you certainly won't regret it.

And if you're not the DIY type, there are always basement waterproofing and foundation repair companies willing to help!

Matt Gallo is a home improvement hobbyist and the Internet marketing manager for Prospect Genius, a leading provider of online local advertising

Filtered Water Through Your Entire House

2009-09-03T17:12:00.001-07:00

Water coming into your home is not always fit to drink. Shower and laundry water is also affected. Whole house filtration systems are being acquired to solve this problem. Once this is installed you can start getting filtered water at a fraction of the cost of bottled water.

There is a considerable amount of improvement in the home's air quality, overall, since the chemicals that are present in the water as contaminants, such as chlorine, are removed from it by the filters and, therefore, are not let out into the household. Clothing is protected against being embedded with contaminants contained in tap water, while laundry is being done, since clean and fresh water is provided for the entire family.

In the long run, the amount of cleaning that has to be done in the house gets reduced considerably after the installation of a house filter. This also includes the work required to clean deposits left behind by unclean water in the kitchen, the bathroom as well as on the dishes and utensils used for eating or for food storage.

The shower can also have a supply of clean filtered water, when a whole house filter is in use. The risk of water borne illnesses can can be reduced considerably when water free of harmful contaminants are used for bathing. Water coming out of your shower may contain chlorine which is harmful and can turn into chlorine gas and may enter the blood-stream through the skin, on account of absorption, when unfiltered is used for taking showers. Cancer may be caused, in addition to respiratory diseases like bronchitis and asthma, because of that.

Since protective oils of the natural kind are removed from the skin by chlorine, the softness of the hair and skin can be retained if the water used for bathing is sourced from filtered source. Similarly, while washing dishes or while bathing, one is protected against the air being filled with harsh chemicals that may irritate the respiratory system, through the use of such filters. Those suffering from allergies stand to benefit in a major way from that.

House water filters can prove to be effective protection against contaminants in the water supply, if the facility for treatment of water in the local area develops a fault. In addition to harmful contaminants, bacteria that could be harmful are also removed from the water by such filters. The plumbing system of the house is likely to remain completely free of such chemicals and bacteria, if a whole house water filter is in place.

Not only is pure and safe water provided by a outside filter, but the kind of clutter that there may be caused in a kitchen where a countertop filter is installed is also not there in the case of such a filter. The whole house water filter performs its functions effectively while remaining largely unseen. The taste of the water provided by it after filtration is also much better than that of tap water, since chlorine and other such chemicals that may affect taste are removed.

The advantages as well as disadvantages of installing a filter can be gauged from the evaluation of information such as the facts that have been discussed here. There is, obviously, a lot of benefits and convenience that the use of house water filtration can provide. Each and every source of water in the house can dispense clean and pure water, once such a filtration system is in operation.

Assisting you with your house water filter needs, the staff at Better Water Store is here to help achieve your clean water goals at an reasonable price. Whole house filters are also available.

Renewable Energy - Lesson 1 - Introduction to Renewable Energy

2009-09-03T13:54:00.001-07:00

With just a little bit of research, one can quickly determine that there is a strong and growing groundswell of interest in renewable energy. Leaving politics out of it, many people are simply interested in making their homes more energy efficient and thereby saving money on heating and cooling bills.

Renewable energy generally includes solar power, wind power, and biofuels. For all categories, there are ways to integrate them into your daily life and into your home to make yourself more energy efficient. These changes will certainly save you money over the long run--and in some case in the short term---but they will also help reduce the massive strain that is being placed on the planet in general.

There are a large number of companies, both large and small, that advertise their specific product or service that fits into the renewable energy industry. There are a great number of businesses that manufacture, install and repair all types of solar panels. Likewise, there are a corresponding number of businesses that sell, service and install systems designed to capture wind power. Still more companies are out there manufacturing and selling various forms of biofuels. Biofuels include bio diesel and ethanol. There are also a very few companies engaged in research and development of hydrogen furnaces which run on biomass, often barnyard waste. While all these companies are in business to make money, the combined effect of what they are selling and producing is a positive one for the environment. Renewable energy is an undeniable fact of life for us now, and we all have a form of social responsibility to do our part to advance it into the mainstream. Regardless if the motivation is purely financial---to either make or save money---the end result is the same; a reduction in the emissions and pollution produced by traditional fossil fuels, and a cleaner, more sustainable environment and economy.

Trends toward renewable energy are taking hold on a more widespread basis every day. One will hear more frequent mention of terms like "green construction" or "green companies". These terms refer to building houses in an environmentally friendly manner, making as much use of renewable energy technology as possible and to businesses that have adopted an organized and serious policy to reducing their environmental impact through use of renewable energy.

Renewable energy has become such a popular subject, that it is seen as a constant theme in contemporary media, including major movies, TV programs and in music. The growing awareness and concern with environmental issues is fueling the fundamental shift toward being more environmentally conscious and toward using renewable energy whenever possible. There is still much pollution and waste in the world today, but there has never been such a high and growing level of awareness and motivation to change our fundamental lifestyles in order to save and cure our climate. Renewable energy is a fundamental piece of the puzzle for not only a healthy planet, but a healthy life as well.

For great tips and information on renewable energy please visit: http://www.RenewableEnergyForUs.com

Painting and Decorating Your Home

2009-09-03T10:03:00.001-07:00

Growing up, I had a good friend named Reggie who lived in a house that was always clean, always well decorated. Due to this fact, painting and decorating has always come easy for me.

His mom liked to do a quick re-paint of their whole house every spring. She and Reggie (his dad died when he was young) would take a whole week to give everything a fresh coat of paint. His mom was a very clean women. She was raised on a farm and I guess people back then farm kids were raised well.

Because my best friend and his mom would take a few days to go throughout the house painting, no doubt this made an impression on me. I would come into the kitchen or go through their house and everything was nice and new. A nice lifestyle. Something painting decorating is all about - it adds flavor to our lives.

As I got older and found a wife, I moved into one of my grandfathers apartments. I noticed that he was a good painter also. He painted white ceilings with pastel color walls and the woodwork trim was enameled white also. So from these two experiences alone I learned how to be a good painter decorator.

Basically if I was to do a custom interior paint job, I would get custom color charts from the paint store. Paint stores have historical custom color charts with three-color schemes. This helps to take the guesswork out of matching and choosing colors as well as planning out a color scheme for each room.

From there all you have to do is pick your curtains, bedspreads, carpeting, rugs etc. and match them to your new paint job. That's basically all there is to doing interior decorating as far as I see it. Then comes the talent. Some people have a knack for putting colors together that it looks really good.

If you just moved into a new house and there is existing carpeting that you don't want to change, tile floors, stained woodwork or painted woodwork that you plan on keeping the same, you simply have to match up new colors to those existing items.

I painted for an interior decorator off and on for a few years until they moved to another city. I painted most of her house inside and some of the outside. She had a real knack for pictures, wallpaper and furniture. She also had the money to do it all.

Painting decorating the outside of your home can be mentioned here also. There are exterior custom color charts that show three-color patterns or scenarios, even historical colors.

It can get rather pricey to live life at its best when it comes to painting and decorating your home. If you do a little bit at a time it can be a fun hobby. One thing that I highly recommend as a painter decorator is to use quality paints and wall coverings. Never skimp on these things. After all, why waste your precious time and resources on inferior materials? Especially if you have to live with it.

I like to see people put different colors in every room so that every room that you enter is a treat to the eyes and the emotions. I like to see colors that gradually flow from one room to the next gracefully. It's the little things like that that create the nicer lifestyle. There is power in color. Colors effect our moods.

Some people that I have painted for will put the same drab color in every room throughout the house as if they got a special deal on the paint or something. And some people never paint any rooms until they move out. They never get to enjoy the paint job.

Now I'm not all that good at choosing colors. I remember a friend in school that had some of those doodle art pens and was coloring a psychedelic VW Beetle. All his colors he chose were amazing. They all went together so well and they were bright.

As long as I use a custom color matching chart from the paint store I can do a pretty good job when painting and decorating houses. Nonetheless some people have real knack for making awesome colors flow.

Lee Cusano has owned his own successful painting decorating business since 1991. He has also helped many others to start their own painting business with his "Paint Like a Pro Estimating and Advertising CD-ROM". Lee also offers a new free report titled "How To Quit Your Day Job This Week and Double or Triple Your Income". To get it please go to http://www.painting-business.com

Green Real Estate Features

2009-09-03T03:30:00.001-07:00

As the health of our environment and our own personal wellness become issues of greater importance, the demand for eco-friendly homes continues to rise. Home builders and developers have responded to this rising demand, and are building "green" properties in greater numbers. According to McGraw-Hill Construction, a home must contain at least 3 of the following 5 elements to be considered green: energy efficiency, indoor air quality, resource efficiency, water conservation and site management (site management would refer to a home's exterior use of water resources and electricity).

Buyers can enjoy a multitude of benefits associated with the ownership of eco-friendly properties, not the least of which is significant annual savings on energy bills. Most of all, owners of green properties delight in knowing that they're effectively doing their part to contribute to a healthier environment.

Preserve Precious Resources

In order to conserve electricity, green properties utilize the power of solar energy. Installation of solar panels can provide most or all of the electricity that a home may need. While this solution is relatively expensive, homeowners can easily recover the cost of their initial investment over time by way of savings on their energy bills. Solar water heaters, which are relatively inexpensive to purchase and install, are a great way to heat your home's water without the need for electricity or natural gas. Green property may also include radiant roof barriers and upgraded insulation, which can also greatly reduce your home's consumption of energy. Low-E windows and exterior sunscreens are very effective in lowering the amount of exterior heat that your home absorbs. This heat would otherwise make its way inside, and would cost the homeowner more to keep it cool. If you can keep the heat out, you will use less electricity!

Discover Other Simple Solutions

Other, less expensive ways to "go green" include purchasing high-efficiency HVAC systems and Energy Star appliances. Install digital thermostats with timers to further maximize your HVAC system's energy efficiency. Outside, choose to plant trees and shrubs that require less water. Installing low-flow toilets inside the house is also a great way to conserve water. Buyers will find all of these features and more when they look into purchasing eco-friendly homes. Purchase a green property today, and do your part to contribute to a healthier environment for generations to come.

Find great green properties in these Arizona communities: Eco-Friendly Ocotillo and Cooper Commons Eco-Friendly.

Remodeling & You

2009-09-03T02:58:00.001-07:00

New construction, as in newly built, and remodeling as in changing the old for the new, has come a long way. The new construction is far better than the old one. This is because of the modern materials, tested procedures and codes adopted, made the industry safer, more predictable and with a better quality product. Now, remodeling has taken a similar path, but when it comes to 'exchange' the old for the new, the 'New' becomes 'Old', and the 'Old' becomes 'New'. Confused?

Well let me give it to you. 'New' marble becomes 'Old' tumbled marble. Freshly milled stones like quartz and granite, are also purposely 'Aged' to appear 'Old', when in reality are 'New' stones! I am sure that you and I can bring about a few more examples; pointing out to a true sign that we both have been exposed to the same revolution.

What I am driving at is the fact that when following the old styles like Country, Old farm, Grammas, Colonial, Victorian or some old trend, the task ahead has more to do with culture and tradition rather than practicality and purpose.

All that, is fine and acceptable, provided that the 'illusion' of old is done with no traces of fake. Modernizing, maintaining the 'Old Charm Feeling' while we are strolling and stepping through the creaking floors and cramped quarters of some imaginary Tudor with a bit of faded yellow and thousand hands worn out railings, but in the comfort, ampleness and modern advancements as we can afford; crudely put: More like a Hollywood prop which deceives the eye.

Today, everything has become "Out of the Box" The craftsman with his strapped overall and tools on hand fabricating on site, is a thing of the past. In part, it is because of the prohibiting cost of building in place and more importantly by the constraining of time, among others. Let's give way to the PVC's tongue a groove wainscoting, drivit stucco and fenestration with make believe grids. But then along with all these 'replacements', "Ultra Energy Efficient" and "Low E", "High Performance" "Reduce Heating & Cooling Costs" became an house hold common names.

Of course, modern styles don't suffer of any of these retro-infused feelings. In this field, everything becomes, ascetic and essential, linear, logical and truly new, but also definitely, requiring as much creative capacity as in turning the 'Old' into the 'New' demands. Both environments styles are matched to the indwellers amalgamating own auras and projections. I myself am able to walk, but not actually with a freely flow through what I call Waterford taste into Picasso Cubism (Very traditional & very modern) without hearing whispered epithets like:"He or she's eclectic..." sounding more like a disdainful complement rather than defining someone's favorable quirks. Then again if there is such a thing.

Eclectic, to me means that you're either hiding behind been called 'eclectic' for lack of creativity, or you are so original that very few of us understand the real meaning of your creation (That latter word can be filled in by you, remember you are who will finally have the last deciding one)

The corollary of my rather undefined discourse is just to bring about, in a downright tongue and cheek way, a virtual sense of our acquired tastes, traditions and predilections which surrounds our humanity, and bring to light the invisible walls which separates the many styles, and dole out a bit of comfort to those who are in the mist of renovating their homes, by raising their awareness, to some degree, pointing out to things that they don't know that they know.

Finally my last saying into this subject is: Learn as much as you can, and then put it into practice by been bold, opened to changes, fluid, inspired, creative, happy and never overwhelmed or rushed, never tied up to preconceptions and in a gentle way been able to speak up your mind. Go for it and enjoy.

Hi, my name is Victor Castleton. Thank you for reading my article. I am some times a kitchens & bathroom remodeler. Right now I am a writer. I enjoy finding the far-fetched side of things out of mere curiosity. I am prepared to encounter the unexpected, which sometimes is just about you, but you are not aware of it. It is like looking at a person's face, and then suddenly the caricature of his more defining features just jumps at you. It is the same inherent sense within me, which helps me spot a different edge or corner, height or depth when I am working with a design of any kind. It is perhaps the unique route that the good Lord gave me as a conduit, to express myself not for the sake of self, but rather to touch someone's life. Greetings

http://www.castletonconstruction.com

info@castletonconstruction.com

How to Shingle Your Roof

2009-09-02T20:06:00.001-07:00

If you want to know how to shingle, you've come to the right place. But first... a Bear Story.

It was easy to see how "The Bear" got his nickname. He was a big burly guy, covered with thick brown hair. Back when I started roofing in Cape Coral, Florida, The Bear was well known as the fastest shingler in town. He didn't tear off or run metal... all he did was shingle. Typically he would shingle an entire house by himself in one day.

I wasn't very fast back then. Occasionally my boss wondered out loud why I couldn't learn how to shingle like The Bear. At that point I didn't know how he was so fast, but one day I found out...

My Boss had hired The Bear to shingle a house and asked me to stop by to deliver some supplies. I was pretty excited to see what I could learn.

As I pulled up to the job, I could hear him shingling on the back side of the house. His roofing nailer sounded like a machine gun. I climbed the ladder and quickly discovered The Bear's Secret:

He was installing the nails way above the nail line. The nails don't go through as many shingle layers up there, so they go in fast and you never have to stop and fix a shiner.

Back then, few people paid much attention to where the nails went. But then Hurricane Andrew tore up South Florida, with billions of dollars in damages. Lawsuits flew in the aftermath and a bunch of roofing inspectors lost their jobs.

Turns out that shingles aren't very wind resistant when they're nailed in the wrong place. After that, the entire state started to sweat the details.

That's also about the time I lost track of The Bear. Perhaps he had a hard time adjusting to doing things right. Old habits die hard, you know.

Occasionally, I still come across a speed demon like The Bear. They're lightning fast alright, but I have no use for them. Speed alone is not enough.

As you're learning how to shingle, focus on getting the details right... such as proper nail placement. Speed will come in due time.

Of course there's a lot more involved in learning how to shingle. To make the job easier and help you avoid big mistakes, go to: http://www.roofingsecrets.com

John C Bishop is the author of "Roofing Secrets: How to Avoid Leaks and Save Thousands of Dollars!"

One Immediate Solution to Energy Costs and Carbon Emissions

2009-09-02T17:04:00.001-07:00

1. SAVE MONEY BY ELIMINATING WASTED ELECTRICAL CONSUMPTION

THE PROBLEM: Most motorized home appliances (air conditioning units, refrigerators, freezers, ceiling fans, washers, dryers, dishwashers, pool pumps, vacuum cleaners, furnace blowers, etc.) operate most efficiently when they're operating at full capacity. When they're not working at full capacity they pull more energy than they use, wasting the difference. And let's face it, rarely does any appliance or device in your home constantly work at full capacity. In fact, the average home in America today operates at a power factor of .77. That means 23% of the electricity being delivered to the home is being wasted by the use of motorized appliances working at less than capacity.

SOLUTION: A Device that is now being manufactured that is a capacitor which hooks up directly to your Main Power Box. This technology is available now as a result of high rising costs of electricity and can be found by searching the internet for energy saving devices.

POWER FACTOR OPTIMIZATION

This technology increases that power factor, in most cases, to .97 or .98, therefore increasing the effective use of your electricity and lowering your usage.

2. PROTECT APPLIANCES AND ELECTRONICS FROM THE DAMAGE CAUSED BY VOLTAGE SPIKES

THE PROBLEM: Typical residential and light commercial power sources allow literally hundreds of spikes and surges per day to reach valuable, and often times sensitive, electronic equipment in your home. These voltage spikes come from many different sources (motors, power fluctuations, static electricity, lightning, etc.) but can all cause damage to televisions, stereos, computers, DVRs, security systems, cordless phones, florescent lamps, etc.

DUAL- MODE SURGE PROTECTION

THIS TECHNOLOGY operates in a dual-mode for surge suppression, alternating between two different types of protection, depending on the circumstances. In the standard mode, devices using this technology uses MOVs (Metal Oxide Varistors) to act as a sort of "pressure relief valve," diverting the surge to the neutral/ground lines. However, should a massive surge (like the kind produced by a direct lightning strike) attempt to pass through the device, it switches into fail-safe mode, cutting off the flow of electricity and blocking the surge from getting into your home.

THE BENEFIT: Works to divert countless surges trying to enter your home, damage from these surges is kept to a minimum, prolonging the operating life of your appliances and electronic devices.

3. PROLONG THE LIFE OF APPLIANCES AND ELECTRONICS BY REDUCING ELECTRICAL "NOISE"

THE PROBLEM: Our homes, businesses and factories are filled with electronic devices that generate "noise." It's this noise that's responsible for that all-too-familiar static you hear on your home radio receiver, the "hum" of a florescent lamp, or the "snow" you see when a TV produces a weak signal. And those are just examples of the electric noise we can see and hear. Imagine how much noise is coming from everything else in your home that you can't see or hear. What you also can't see or hear is the damage this noise does to switching power supplies, causing premature failure. We noticed a big difference right away. Our new TVs and computers are performing better, our phones are clearer, and our electric bills are going down. Plus, it's nice to know you're doing something good for the environment.

SOLUTION:

HARMONIC FILTRATION

Designed to filter harmonics and high frequency current (trash) from the electrical environment, harmonic filtration reduces the potential for leakage into the human environment and the creation of additional trash in non-linear loads (televisions, computers, variable frequency drives, energy-efficient lighting, etc.). This technology has been around for nearly a hundred years, and has been in use by industrial and utility companies for quite some time. However, only recently has this technology become available on a smaller scale, FOR INDIVIDUAL HOMES.

THE BENEFIT: By reducing the electrical noise and trash current in your home, this technology helps protect the switching power supplies, helping prevent premature failure and prolonging the life of your appliances and electronic devices. DID YOU KNOW?

Electricity usage has increased by 60% since 1985 and is expected to grow by an additional 45% by 2030.
The use of electronics within the American home has been growing at an exponential rate and we are constantly demanding more and more of our home's electrical system.
The price per kilowatt-hour has gone from an average of 2 cents to 10 cents over the past 40 years.
Energy and energy pricing are now seen as the most important issues facing the U.S.
Our homes and businesses are filled with electronic devices that generate "electronic noise" that is harmful to these very same devices.
The noise created by these devices breaks down the switching power supplies, causing premature failure.
This wasteful electronic noise drains more wattage than it uses, adding unnecessarily to your electric bill.
Typical residential and light commercial power sources allow literally hundreds of spikes and surges a day.
These spikes and surges shorten the lifespan of valuable and sensitive electronic equipment.
The technology to counter the harmful and wasteful effects of spikes, surges, and noise has been used by industry and utility companies for years, but is only now practical for home use.

Is this technology right for your home? This technology will work in any home, as long as you have a circuit breaker panel with breaker switches and not the old screw in type fuses, and the unit will work on any single-phase electric application for your home. Also, if you say "yes," to only two or more of the following, then you could be saving a significant amount of money on your electric bill right now!

Is your home over 2,500 square feet?
Is your central air conditioner / heat pump unit 3 years or older?
Is your forced air furnace 3 years or older?
Do you have a pool?
Do you have a well?
Do you use an air conditioner?
Is your refrigerator/freezer not EnergyStar rated?
Do you have more than one refrigerator/freezer?
Is your washer/dryer not EnergyStar rated?
Do you have a hot tub or Jacuzzi?
Is your dishwasher not EnergyStar rated?
Do you have a number of appliances in your home?

Q & A

Will this technology affect any of my appliances and their normal use? No. If anything, your motors will run about 10% cooler, which is good because heat is the enemy of a motor.

How much can I expect to save per month by using this technology? Your savings will depend on the factors in your home - the size of your home, the amount of inductive motor load, the amount you are paying per kilowatt-hour for electricity, etc. However, generally speaking, the average savings is somewhere in the 8% to 15% range, and in some cases 25%, on your home electric bills.

How long will it take for this technology to pay for itself? This depends on your individual circumstances, number and age of appliances, electrical costs, and usage patterns, but most units are paid for within 6 months to 2 years years.

Is this technology easy to install? Yes, but it must be installed by a licensed electrician. Installation requires opening the electrical panel, exposing potentially dangerous high voltage wires. The units using this technology comes with complete installation instructions and usually installs in about 15-30 minutes.

How long will the technology last? Different units may vary but generally It has a predicted lifespan of over 20 years.

Why haven't I heard of these products until now? That's easy; two words - "cost effectiveness." Up until recently, electric rates throughout America were cheap, costing us 2, 3 or 4 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Now electric rates are anywhere between 8 and 14 cents per kWh. In some places, the rate is over 19 cents per kWh. For example, New York City is 22 cents per kWh and Hawaii is 33.5! At the cheaper rates, Units for the individual home did not make sense. But at the current rates, it makes all the sense in the world.

It's time to face the facts. Energy costs are on the rise, and the use of electronics in our homes is growing exponentially. To add insult to injury, every day, the appliances and electronic devices in our homes are under attack from surges, spikes and electrical noise. The time is now for a Whole House Energy Management System.

This technology is a clean power system based on the same technology that has been used for years by big industry and utility companies. This technology provides your home with:

Power conditioning abilities that translate directly into savings
An easy installation that creates immediate benefits
A cost-effective solution that is amazingly maintenance-free

YOU CAN FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HOW ENERGY CONSERVATION CAN BENEFIT YOU-- AT MY WEB SITE.

Cindy D. Adams

Healthy Living Technologies

Office: 800-889-3079 leave voice message

diane@thesumofit.com

http://www.ecohomeplus.com

How Water Restoration Services Can Help Your Home

2009-09-02T13:02:00.001-07:00

Water damage can be found anywhere in your home and not only can it cause a lot of frustration, it can also cost money to get it repaired and restored. Some people think that all it takes is to get a wet vac and suck up the water and dampness.

Unfortunately, it doesn't work like that. You will find out that there are other hazards that come from water damage which can affect you and your property.

You may not be able to see all of the damage, but it's there. A lot of times, it may just be too much for one or two people to deal with. If you're dealing with a leak that was ongoing or a severe inclement weather, then rest assured you will need to have professional help.

If it's due to severe inclement weather, you may have to deal with more than just water seeping into your home. Along with the water comes mud and debris piled up together. In this case, there's no doubt that you will need the services of a professional company that specializes in water damage restoration.

Some people don't realize what kind of damage that water on its own can cause. Carpets can be soaked, items can be soaked or damaged, and the water damage level can reach an unprecedented level. The material used for the home, such as drywall or wood, can be damaged. Once the water seeps in and makes contact, it's crucial that the water is removed as soon as possible.

Another thing that you can be faced with is the presence of mold. Mold is toxic and can cause allergies to trigger and even cause the onset of asthma. A lot of companies that specialize in water damage restoration know the perils of having mold in a home. They work very quickly to remove the affected material so that it won't spread. They also try to remove it prior to it starting up.

If it gets to the point where mold has made contact with items in the house, then they are no longer salvageable. They use special equipment to get rid of the mold that is already growing inside of the home.

They also work to get rid of any water and dampness that is still there. The technicians work to fend off mildew, which can leave a horrible smell. They use a special cleaning solution and deodorizer to make it look and smell fresh.

The water restoration company is also in the business of restoring and repairing parts of your home that were damaged. Of course, your house has to be livable in order for this to happen. When looking for a water restoration company, look for one that has experience in all areas of water damage. They should be reputable and willing to do what it takes to get you back on track.

Leo Nov is an editorial staff member of RestorationSOS.com, a leading service provider for water damage cleanups. To learn more about Water Damage Cleanup New York and Water Damage Restoration New York, visit RestorationSOS.com.

Solar Energy For Home - How to Get Solar Energy For Home Heating and Other Things

2009-09-02T06:25:00.001-07:00

In this new age of physics and science, we have discovered as human beings the ingenious way to utilize the sun's energy as power for our benefit. Thus, it is possible to drastically reduce the cost of electric energy that tanker us down economically by converting to solar energy for home power.

Before you begin thinking about converting to solar energy for home energy consumption, there are some things that need to be considered. You have to determine what type of equipment you will be using and how much of energy you will require. You also need to have a sufficient location that you will be able to use to install a solar panel. Purchasing a durable solar energy panel is the first step in changing the way your home consumes energy. The exhibition will be much easier if you buy a kit that comes in a collective package. The problems of trying to find out what additional little extra parts you need and trying to purchase them in individual packages won't plague you. Solar energy for home power consumption is truly a revolutionary milestone in energy efficiency technology and the cost saving benefits are astounding.

You may want to consider putting the panels on the roof if you have not figured out where you want to place them. This is because the roof is closer to the sun which makes it the perfect place to fixate the panel. The panel will take this solar power but only from the sunrays and transfer it to a converter where the gathered energy will be stored. Make sure that your solar panel is not facing a direction where there are things like hanging tree branches or buildings in its way. You should scan the area around house to make sure that he had the ideal location and position so your solar panel will be able to get the most possible of the sun's abundant energy. As soon as you set out for utilizing solar energy for home power and energy, make sure that you gather a solar energy kit that comes with all the necessary parts to make the transition as smooth as ice. But in case you hadn't heard, you can build your own for less than $200 and have it up in a matter of hours!

For in-depth detail on the advantages of using solar energy and access to a step-by-step guide to building your own solar energy panel for less than $200 you can visit my website here at http://www.CreateHomeEnergyNow.webs.com Remember -- go green!

Wet Basements - Home Repair Advice

2009-09-02T05:47:00.001-07:00

When you have a wet basement, a moisture issue, cracks, leaks or other basement issues, there's one thing all basement waterproofing contractors agree on: You need to take care of your basement's issues.

The dispute comes from how to go about doing it.

Another thing most companies agree with is that Open Backed Systems don't work. They let in air, bugs, radon, and expect the water to not jump the gap if created by a pin whole leak. Having a system that is then concrete back over, is a closed, sealed system and that provides wall protection is the new standard.

Vapor barriers along the walls protect against wall leaks and seepage coming up through the footing and the wall. No longer can leaks hop a system and end up on your floor, or worst case scenario, on the back of your finished basement walls. Vapor Barriers help to prevent the flow of moisture from you foundation into your basement space.

Many companies feel that the basement waterproofing industry as a whole has laid stagnant since the 1980's; failing to come up with new solutions to an old problem that are better, more effective, and more reliable then their predecessors. Some companies are relying on technology that has not changed since the late 1800s! Pipe and Stone is out! Duel-Channel interior drains are in!

With the new technology that has given us products, like GrateDrain, we're now able to provide maintainable subterranean drainage systems for the basement with corner connections, access for dehumidifier run off hoses, and continuous flow to amphibious pumps. Large holes for greater volume control, a solid wall to subdue cross contamination of wall-joint to beneath-slab water, and a sump basin that's designed with the same idea in mind: large holes to deal with rising water, punched holes to discourage bacteria growth and clogging, mesh filters to protect from stone penetration that can ruin pumps, and built in pump stands to keep cost down and keep the pump at it's most efficient height.

Total solution systems that can be designed to fit crawl spaces, full basements, all descriptions of wall types such as stone concrete foundations, concrete block foundations, poured or pre-fabricated concrete walls. Vapor barriers, dehumidifiers, duel-channel drains and sump pumps are only standards in fixing a solution. In no way does it make someone's solution a "cookie cutter" one. For what you want, for your dreams and design ideas, systems can protect against the most complicated situations for people to enable themselves to finally finish off.

Just be leary: if the professional suggests an amount of protection needed as a bare minimum in order to then finish, listen to them. Finishing off with a false sense of security can be costly. Everything in your basement must be treated before being finished. Contact your local basement waterproofing specialist today to see how you can get started working on your dreams for your basement.

Jacob Lee- pioneer basement
http://www.pioneerbasement.com
http://www.homebasementfinishing.com

How to Fix a Drippy Faucet - House Repair Tips

2009-09-01T22:40:00.001-07:00

The primary cause of faucet leaks or drips is a bad rubber washer.Sometimes the bad washer is accompanied by a bad faucet seat as well.In single handle faucets the cause is the same, the solution is different.

The small rubber parts that seal the water in your faucet wear out.They get crushed between the faucet stem and the seat over and over again, and as they age, they get crushed harder and harder as you tighten the knob tighter and tighter to make it stop dripping.Name brand newer faucets have attempted to solve this problem by making ever more complex stem systems, but they are nonetheless dependent on rubber seals to stop the water.

This article will address the older style, two handle faucets, and touch on the newer two handle styles as well.Single handled or lever type faucets will be looked at in a future article.

Older two handled faucets use pretty much the same style of stems, all based on the Price Pfister design.There are variations, but the principle is the same.The knob is attached to the stem.When you turn the handle, the threaded stem moves up or down inside the faucet body.

At the end of the stem is a rubber washer.When turned all the way in, the rubber washer seals against a brass seat which has a nice edge on it to ensure a good seal.Over time the rubber gets brittle and breaks, gets crushed so hard against the seat that it cuts, or just gets so pitted that it won't seal any more.

To solve the leak you will need the following tools:

1. A screw driver to remove the handle after gently prying out the button which covers the screw.

2. An adjustable wrench to remove the stem.

3. A faucet seat tool, available at most hardware stores for around $12.00. Pick it up when you go to get the parts.

Turn off the water by closing the angle stops under the sink.By turning off one side at a time, you will be able to determine which one leaks, but I always just replace them both.

Once the water is off, open both hot and cold sides to bleed off any water still in the lines, then remove the knobs.I always put the screws in the knobs and set them away from the sink.

Next you will remove the stems using the adjustable wrench and turning counter clockwise.Be sure to save the nylon washers which seal the nut to the faucet body.

Once you have the stem out, you can look at the rubber washer on the end.Notice how it's all messed up?Next stick your pinky finger down into the hole the stem came out of.You will notice a rimmed seat the rubber closes against.The top edge of the seat should be smooth.If it is rough or has chips in it, you'll need to replace the seat too.

Inspect the end of the stem.If the brass is damaged, you will need to buy a new stem.If this is a newer model faucet, the rubber will be facing up and caged inside the stem assembly, and the stem closes against the rubber.In that case there is no seat.

In plastic faucets, there are a number of different stem designs, but once they start to drip, you basically need to replace the stem cartridge.

In all three cases, I recommend you take the old parts with you to the hardware store, in order to ensure you get the right parts.

When you get back, reassemble the faucet in the reverse order.If you need to replace the seats, they come out by inserting the tool through the hole in the middle and turning counter clockwise.For some reason they always seem to have been installed by Hercules.When you put the new ones in, make sure they are set tight.

After reassembly, remove the aerator from the end of the faucet arm.Then turn on the water and check to see that the drip is cured.Let the water run for a minute while you clean the aerator.Reinstall the aerator after it is clean.

Now you know how to fix a drippy faucet!You don't have to pay a plumber or handyman to do it for you.You have saved $80 or $100 or so, so you should be proud of yourself.Now you can splurge on a new pair of shoes or a new fishing pole.

Noah Moise is a thirty year veteran of the home building and repair trades, having served as both a technician and supervisor. He has brought his wide experience and training to the public through his website:
http://www.thefixitteacher.com.

Five Simple Steps to Significant Savings

2009-09-01T19:51:00.001-07:00

We all know that we should be putting aside an amount of money each month and saving towards our futures - right?

Well, if youre anything like I used to be you get to the end of the month and the cupboard or the bank account in this case - is bareif youre lucky you just have enough to meet your monthly bills but you certainly dont have anything left to play with.

Well what if I told you that there were five very simple steps that you yes you could take to cut your monthly outgoings, increase your monthly income and thus free up money and create an amount each month that could be squirreled away for a rainy day?

Step One - Trim Everyday Expenses

We all have a mountain of essential payments that we must make every month; these include all our utility bills, our car, telephone, internet and even cable TV bills.

Although were all aware of these amounts draining our bank account every month, few of us give a second thought to whether were paying too much when often we actually are!

So, here are just a few things you could easily do to wipe off significant amounts from those bills amounts which will, over time, compound to create a nice tidy little sum thank you!

Oh, and if you think about every bill you have Im sure youll come up with many creative ways to reduce all of them.

Your Utility bills have you considered switching your suppliers? Some suppliers in your area will be cheaper than others and all should give you a free quotation of how much you could be saving based on your previous months usage. You may get a further discount if you pay each month by direct debit.

Be aware of the amount of energy you use - switch to energy saver light bulbs, dont put half a load of washing in the machine, wash-up small amounts instead of using your dishwasher every time and slowly but surely youll notice a significant reduction in your overall bills.

Your Car shop around for cheaper car insurance, combine chores into one journey so that you drop the kids off on your way to work and do your shopping on the way home. The more extra journeys you can cut back on the lower your fuel bill, the less often youll have to have your car serviced and the lower the mileage on the car when you come to sell it.

Step Two - Cut Interest Payments

According to industry statistics, the average home owner in the UK could reduce their annual mortgage payments by up to 1,600 by just re-mortgaging to a better deal. You need to examine the options available to you!

Next look at your credit cards, store cards, loans and overdrafts and check out the rates of interest youre paying obviously the sooner you can pay off all debt and stop accruing new debt the better, but in the meantime you should consider switching to credit cards offering 0% on balance transfers, consider switching to lenders offering lower interest rates on loans and consider switching to a bank with lower account charges for things like your overdraft.

Cut your interest payments right down and free up more cash!

Step Three - Rein in Extravagance

Trust me, I know that this is the least popular of all the steps but, do you really need that daily cappuccino from Starbucks, could you live without that health club membership that you hardly ever use, what about stopping smoking, cutting back on alcohol consumption and spending a few more quiet nights in than party nights out? If you cant get rid of your satellite or cable TV could you reduce the packages you subscribe to? If you like to eat out could you reduce the number of times you do it per week?

Dont worry, Im not suggesting that you should give up living your life the way you like it, Im just suggesting that you could maybe trim a little off the load and live life today whilst at the same time saving for your life tomorrow.

Step Four - Stop Making Bad Investments

There are so many poor performing, rubbish returning, invisible interest paying savings policies out there that banks and financial advisers push upon us that its just not funny!

Yet at the same time there are some fantastic inflation proofing safer alternatives that could just net you a nice rate of interest too. You need to look around a little, use the internet as a good starting point and find out what the banks and financial institutions are offering. And if youre saving money make sure youre saving tax too ISA and pension payments can be made tax free!

Oh, and when it comes to insurances from car, health, home contents and even life insurance shop around, shop around, shop around! Big name brokers often cost far more and if you buy your home contents and life insurance all in when you get your mortgage be prepared to pay way over the odds!

Step Five - Add Income Strings to Your Bow

Are you entitled to any tax credits, child payments or other benefits? If youre entitled you should be claiming whats rightfully yours! Could you, your partner or your teenage children be contributing a little more to the monthly pot by taking on a part time job, doing extra shifts or working the odd weekend?

Think as creatively as possible and make good use of any extra time and energy you have to boost your familys incomeyou might even be able to earn extra income from doing the things you love maybe you could teach an evening class in something you specialize in, maybe you could sell arts and crafts you make as a hobby or perhaps you could just baby-sit your friends children?

Just remember that there are many options available to you and that every single step you take towards reducing your outgoings or maximizing your income will be a step towards a more secure financial future for you and your family.

Good luck!

Rhiannon Williamson is a freelance writer whose many articles about international and offshore savings and investments have appeared in financial publications around the world. Visit this link to read her latest articles about Offshore Investment

Stained Glass Construction

2009-09-01T15:25:00.001-07:00

There are two ways to make stained glass, leaded or copper foiled. The major difference between the two is in the construction. With leaded stained glass, the glass is fitted into channels of lead came. In contrast, copper foiled stained glass is constructed by wrapping each piece of glass with copper foil.

Leaded stained glass historically is found in churches. It was during the Victoria Era where leaded stained glass was introduced into homes and has remained a popular method of constructing stained glass ever since.

Foiled stained glass was mastered by Tiffany in the early 1900's and soon after became a popular method for creating stained glass.

Common Questions:

Is one method better than the other?

The simple answer is no. A better answer is that it depends on the artist and the design.

What is the difference in leaded and foiled construction?

With leaded stained glass, the construction must begin at an outer corner, the individual pieces are fitted into lead came. Once all pieces are cut and placed in lead came, the joints of came are soldered. Then the piece is cemented.

With foiled stained glass, the construction can begin at any point in the design and worked out from there. The individual pieces are wrapped in copper foil and soldered together.

When is foiled stained glass construction better than lead?

With intricate designs, foiled construction is superior

When is lead construction better than foiled?

Leaded construction is used most often with designs that have repetitive geometric shapes. These designs can be foiled, but construction time is increased.

Which is easier?

There is no simple answer for this. It is really a personal preference. Leaded, foiled or combination of the two are used throughout the stained glass industry.

Is leaded or foiled construction better than the other?

No, each method, if done correctly, will provide the same long lasting beauty and endurance.

Why is foiled construction taught to beginners doing stained glass?

The cementing in leaded construction tends to be messy. Foiled construction can be started and stopped, making weekly classes work.

What are the steps for making leaded stained glass?

Stained glass is cut, shaped and fitted into channels of lead came.
Joints of lead came are soldered.
The piece is cemented
The piece is cleaned and polished

What are the steps for making foiled stained glass?

Stained glass is cut and shaped, and then each piece is wrapped in copper foil.
Copper foil seams are soldered together.
The piece is cleaned and polished.

My Personal Choice:

I tend to do a lot of intricate designs, so I use the foiled construction method. It provides the flexibility and detail I need for my designs.

Author: Maureen Summy
Creativity-in-Glass http://www.creativity-in-glass.com

If you would like more detailed information for making stained glass using the foiled method, check out http://www.creativity-in-glass.com/howtomakestainedglass.html

I started out as a stained glass admirer. After a class in stained glass, I became addicted. At first I made stained glass to decorate my homes, which lead to friends asking me to make stained glass for them. Now I am a full time professional making stained glass as well as instructing others on how to make stained glass. My studio is located outside of Chicago, Illinois. For more information on making stained glass go to http://www.creativity-in-glass.com

Wind Power Energy

2009-09-01T09:14:00.001-07:00

In my opinion, wind energy is one of the best energy alternatives in out planet. Why? Otherwise the traditional energy resources such as oil and gas that are going to be depleted in the near future, wind is a renewable energy that can't be depleted.

Wind is also can be used in all areas and places in all over the world, even in shinny countries and areas, wind still can be used to generate electricity. But of course, wind is great for cloudy countries. I'd strongly recommend people who live in cloudy countries and areas to use wind energy for their home electricity

If you want a nice tip today, I have a one for you. Why don't you build your own wind generator to create electricity at home to be able to reduce your electricity bill and save money? Did you think about that thing before? Do you know how much money you're going to save by using wind generators systems for your home electricity?

Fortunately, there are great guides on the internet that can easily teach you how to build your own wind power system in very short time. And fortunately again, the all installation tools can be found in your hardware store. And all these tools will be very cheap when you buy them.

So, why you're still paying for electricity? Why you just build your own electricity and save $1000s every year? It is very nice step to convert your home today and start saving your money while effectively saving the environment.

Learn how to build your own wind power in one hour, step by step guide:
http://www.BuildSolarPanel.info/WindPower/

You can also build a solar panel:
http://www.BuildSolarPanel.info/

Roof Shingles Three Time Saving Tips

2009-09-01T08:02:00.001-07:00

If you're looking for "how to roof shingles" information, you've come to the right place. It's a tough job, but there's no sense making it take longer than necessary. Here are three tips to speed things up.

How to Roof Shingles - Tip #1 Stand Up!

Some roofers shingle sitting down or kneeling, but they have to keep jumping up to change position, get more shingles, get more nails and dispose of wrappers. You can save a lot of time and energy by just standing while you shingle. It takes a couple weeks for your back muscles to adjust, but after that it is definitely easier and faster.

At the end of the day when you're beat, you can always sit down and knock out a few more bundles.

How to Roof Shingles - Tip #2 Don't Set Your Nail Gun Down!

Some speedy roofers set their nail gun down between every shingle, but frankly, I don't know how they do it. I like to hang onto the gun between shingles. Using the gauge on the bottom of the nailer, you can position the shingle and nail it with no delay when you're ready. You will save a little time on every shingle you install.

How to Roof Shingles - Tip #3 Grab Them Right!

Make it a point to grab the shingle in the exact spot you will be holding it for nailing. For me, since I'm right-handed, that would be the bottom left corner.

By grabbing it in the right spot, you can butt it right up against the adjacent shingle, while checking the bottom edge for alignment, all without any wasted motion.

These may seem like little things, but they can add up to a lot of time saved on your roofing project.

Of course there's a lot more you need to know about "how to roof shingles". To make the job easier help you and avoid big mistakes, go to: http://www.roofingsecrets.com

John C Bishop is the author of "Roofing Secrets: How to Avoid Leaks and Save Thousands of Dollars!"

How Natural Rust Removers Can Work For Any Home Pool

2009-09-01T00:57:00.001-07:00

Many homes have pools but after a long winter it can be tough to get these pools to be moved back to their best qualities. Many of them will have developed rust over the long season. A natural rust remover can be used to clear these problems with safety. Natural rust removers work to help with removing rust stains so that the pool can be at its best condition possible for the new season.

The way pool cleaning materials like this work is simple. A proper rust remover that is organic in nature is applied onto a brush that can be used for scrubbing hard surfaces. After this the remover is then brushed onto the rust stain so that everything will be properly removed. After this is done the remaining parts of the stain that have fallen off will need to be cleared out before the pool can be filled up with water again. De-chlorination is needed after this process too as a means of getting the entire area properly cleaned off.

In some cases products that are available for removing rust are ones that do not require wiping. They can easily cause the rust to dissolve over time. Some additional time is going to be required for this type of option though.

A variety of different options can be used for these natural rust removers. These pool cleaning materials can come in spray forms, mixing tubs and in liquids for pouring or wiping.

The reason why natural rust removers are needed as pool cleaning materials is that many artificially made rust removers can be harmful to the people who use the pool. Chemicals that can stick onto the surfaces in the cleaning process can easily harm the quality of the surfaces. As a result they can easily get into the water for when the pool is actually filled up for the new season. This can be a major health concern. With a natural remover it will be easier to get everyone to stay safe because all ingredients used are non-toxic and safe for everyone.

What's more is that rust can be dangerous to a pool in that if rust continues to build up it can easily get into the water over time and can become even harder to clear off. As a result it is always best to use these products before each season.

When looking to get a pool at the home ready for the new season it is best to consider one of the various types of natural rust removers available. These materials are ones that can be used to help with clearing off difficult rust stains that can build up during the winter and can help to make the pool safer for everyone. These can come in many forms and can be easy to apply too.

Tanya is a mother concerned about her childrens well being. She has searched high and low for natural products that will not harm her young ones. Now you can tap into her research and find out which products she uses to protect her family from nasty chemicals. Visit natural rust remover

Options For a Basement Bathroom Toilet

2009-08-31T22:40:00.001-07:00

If you're thinking about remodeling your basement and adding a bathroom, you're making a smart decision. Homeowners can often recoup as much as eighty-five percent of the cost of their bathroom addition if they decide to sell later. After all, an additional bathroom adds real value to a house, making it much more convenient for everyone living there. Many older homes were built with only a single bathroom, which is difficult for modern families to deal with. Add guests in, and you could be facing a frustrating situation. The right basement bathroom with the right basement bathroom toilet could be the solution to all your problems.

A basement bathroom remodel is a unique situation, unlike adding another bathroom above ground. The room's location in the basement means that you'll have moisture and lighting concerns, a real need for ventilation, and some special plumbing requirements. A toilet located below the level of your sewage lines won't flush properly, after all, and sinks and showers or tubs in the basement won't drain. This is why your basement bathroom toilet and other fixtures need to be set up properly.

You can install a sewage ejector as part of your basement bathroom renovation. This is the most common and conventional method. To do so, however, you'll need to excavate a portion of the basement floor in order to install the ejector. Waste water of all kinds can be handled this way, and it's a relatively well tested system for making sure your basement bathroom toilet works properly. You may need to talk to a professional about installing this kind of system, unless you have a lot of experience with plumbing, or you've dealt with one before.

Another option that's more costly for the fixture, but sometimes cheaper in the long run, is a macerating toilet. This kind of bathroom installation can also handle sink and tube waste water as well, as long as you choose a unit of the correct size. However, unlike an ejector, it requires no digging. Some additional space is needed for a pump box and macerating unit, located either behind the toilet or in the wall. This method is relatively easy and requires no maintenance, but it is a little more costly to set up at first than a sewage ejector.

No matter what kind of basement bathroom toilet setup you decide to use, you'll need to know a fair amount about your plumbing and what you want out of your renovation. Pay attention to your budget and your pre-existing piping and wiring setups in order to create the right basement bathroom plans for your needs. Your stark, unfinished basement has the potential to become a really useful space for you, and the addition of a basement bathroom is an important part of that process. With the right plan, you'll have no problem putting together a basement bathroom that's right for you and for your family. It's a great way to add value and livability to your home!

Thomas Johnsen is the Author and Leading Expert on Basement Bathroom Toilets and the creator of the publication Basement Bathroom Toilet 101. Visit the site now to find the easy-to-understand step-by-step guides on basement bathroom construction available online today.

Where You Can Find Porch Ideas?

2009-08-31T17:38:00.001-07:00

Porch ideas can come from anywhere. With the many online sites offering pictures and information about porches, you can easily get an idea for building a porch or remodeling your existing porch. Home improvement magazines are also another source you can use in your search. While there may be many different kinds of porches that catch your eye, you have to really look into each one of them to make sure that the design will complement that of the exterior of your home. You also have to ensure that you have the required amount of space to use one of these ideas.

One of the main thing that will determine which of the many ideas you have for building a porch is the amount of money you have available for such a project. It is a good idea to purchase all your materials first so that you have everything you need. There is nothing worse than thinking you have enough materials only to find that you run out halfway through the project and have to wait until you can afford it to buy the rest of what you need. This will make your home look unsightly during the waiting period.

You also have to make sure that the ideas for porches that you really like are practical for the area in which you live. Some porches are well suited for windy areas, whereas others are not. If you live on the coast and het frequent high winds and rain, then a porch that consists mainly of glass may not be a good idea unless it is an enclosure between two offsets on your home.

The purpose for which you want to use the porch will also affect your ideas. If you want this to be a space where you can sit and enjoy the sunshine, then you may want to look for an open design. If you want to have it as a protection for the entrance to your home, you may want to consider having closet space inside so that it serves as a mudroom.

For more information onfront porch designs, different types of porches and related topics, visit AboutPorches.com

Important Bathroom Remodeling Plan Tips

2009-08-31T12:05:00.001-07:00

Bathroom remodeling projects are quite complicated you can't just rush straight into it without any planning. There are some very important things that you need to think about before starting. Many bathrooms are fairly small, even so they can still be very difficult to remodel. In order to remodel your bathroom you need to employ several highly skilled people which can be very costly. If you make a small mistake then this could cost you quite a lot. Before you decide how to remodel your bathroom make sure you know these things.

You should start by measuring the room and working out the exact dimensions, this will allow you to plan the room and decide how it will look when it's finished. You should consider where the doors, windows and skylights are at the moment. Work out rough costs that you think these remodeling projects will cost you, also note down the trades that you will require.

You should work out how long you think the bathroom remodeling project is likely to take. Work out a schedule so that you know how long it will take you, remember to fit in your daily life, just don't make an unrealistic schedule! If you only have one bathroom then what are you going to do while this one is being renovated? Can you use a neighbor's bathroom? Or can you go to a local gym?

Before you have your final bathroom designs and a list of professionals you need you should get on with choosing the necessary skilled people. Make sure you hire qualified people, also check that they are insured and license. You should also make sure that the professional knows exactly what it is you want doing before you enter into any contracts or hand over any money.

Problems

You need to plan ahead and hire licensed professionals so that you can avoid any problems as much as possible. If you don't plan and organize then you can create many potential problems. You should make sure that you hire the right people in order to complete the project, also make sure they are coming at the right time.

Certain things must be done in a particular order, this will mean that the order the certain trades arrive in is vital. You should consider everything in the design of your bathroom, including the exiting electrics and plumbing. Before you choose any fixtures make sure you consult the experts so they can advise you.

Do It Yourself?

Many people think that bathroom remodeling projects aren't that difficult and that they could do it all by themselves. However few people are capable of doing complex projects, many projects require skilled people, especially where electrics are involved.

There are certain things that you can do yourself such as choosing the color scheme and style of your bathroom. You can also select any accessories and fixtures and fittings.

Claudio Carbeni continually creates news stories on topics associated with shower curtains and crazy shower curtains. You might come across his articles on shower drapes over at http://www.curtains-drapes-coverings.com/shower-curtains.html and various other sources for shower drapes news.

Handy Man Talents - Remodeling Tips

2009-08-31T10:26:00.001-07:00

Do you pride your self as a competent handy man? Lets face it, there are many women who just love guys who can turn their hand to just about anything around the house. But it's not enough to be "just" a handy man, to be a well rounded in demand handy man you need to develop many different sets of skills.

Some people just like to do small handy jobs using timber, perhaps doing repairs to door jambs - window sashes & frames or repair a few rotten floorboards, and believe it or not the vast army of people working as handy men never seem to run out of work.

Perhaps instead of promoting your services as an all round handy man, you could specialise and concentrate your skills in certain areas, such as woodwork repair - fence repairs - household utensil repairs - garden furniture repairs - garden equipment & tool repair, there is an almost endless list that could be compiled in the general handy man arena.

But just imagine if you made a special effort and went a little further
than the average handy man does with his skills, and included special metal craft skills that placed you into a position that few other people were able to offer in your area, now wouldn't that give you a competitive advantage.

Tools - equipment & other things break all of the time around a house, the simple solution is to simply throw broken items out, and that is what most people do, and one of the major reasons why so much stuff ends up in landfill refuse dumps. Many of these broken items could easily be repaired and put back into service once more, people will save money and landfills will end up with a lot less material & things being dumped.

Metal repair skills are not difficult to learn, many trade colleges offer short courses on equipment - tool maintenance & repairs. If you are an enterprising handy man there's a good chance you already have the right kind of skills to succeed. You don't need a large inventory of tools either, a mid size electric arc welder, a sturdy bench fitted with a 4" vice, plus a hacksaw, a pedestal drill press and several other metal working tools and you are ready to go.

The piece De resistance of metal craft skills is when you have learnt and understand the art of metal casting, this is where you melt aluminium or bronze and pour the metal into a pre-made sand mould. Almost any shape can be made, castings made in the hobby workshop can range in weight from 1oz to several pounds or KG. All kinds of knobs, handles, levers, rods and flat shapes such as nameplates and plaques can be made with some practice.

There is an acute world wide shortage of people with practical skills and
know how to rebuild - repair and maintain, perhaps this is the kind of work that you would like to do either full time or part time. You only have to look in the newspaper classifieds to see that many people make a reasonable living rebuilding and repairing all manner of things.

Col Croucher

Need content? You may use this article at your website, or in your newsletter. The only requirement is inclusion of the following sentence - Article by Col Croucher of http://www.myhomefoundry.com - the definitive source for hobby metal casters of all ages. While at the web site you can download a free ebook to learn about, & understand hobby metal craft.

Budget Kitchen Remodeling All by Yourself

2009-08-31T03:04:00.001-07:00

Everyone wants the best for their homes and one of the most important areas one's house is the kitchen, which is probably the most favorite place of bonding for families and friends alike. We only want what is best for our homes, which is why we fill them with beautiful interior decoration pieces and possibly, with the most modern equipments available in the market today.

Those of you wondering on how to remodel your kitchen on a budget, there are a lot of options available which can enhance the look and functionality of your home. Most home stores can help those who are on the lookout for remodeling their kitchen on a budget.

Do It Yourself

The best way to save money when while trying to remodel your kitchen on a low budget, is to try and do it by yourself. You could try to involve help from the members of the family or friends who you know might have similar interests and would enjoy the process. Involving yourself, friends and family in the whole thing, would give your kitchen the look you want, besides being a great opportunity to re-bond with those who are involved in the entire process

Once you have decided to remodel your kitchen on a budget, you should at first sit down and in details write down all the ideas and changes that you have in your mind for your new kitchen. You should be able to conceptualize the look and feel of the kitchen after completion. By doing this, you can decide on the appliances that would complement the ambience that you want. By this time you have to decide if you want to totally change your old kitchen cabinets or just upgrade them with a new color scheme and freshness more suitable to the new look of your kitchen.

Yet another great tip for remodeling your kitchen on a budget is that you can retain your old plumbing which means that you don't need professional services. In doing this, you will be saving on the cost of labor and new materials, apart from that it would save you a lot of time, energy and hassles for everyone.

Moreover, try to browse through the nearest Lowe's or Home Depot home store in your vicinity because they can help you and suggest ideas about the best options when you are trying to remodel your kitchen on a budget. For detailed information and to make a list of the materials that you might want, try visiting their website at www.homedepot.com and www.lowes.com.

The free-lance writer Carl Esonhouse is very passionate about topics related to saeco espresso maker. You might discover his observations on saeco coffee machines and saeco coffee maker over at http://www.coffee-espresso-maker-tips.com.

Bathroom Decorating For A Zen Like Spa Look

2009-08-31T01:42:00.001-07:00

Bathroom decorating can be fun and challenging but when it ends up giving you the relaxing feeling of a Zen like spa it is well worth the effort. Here are some tips on how you can get this relaxing feel in your bathroom

You should use soft colors and neutral tones colors for your Zen bathroom. Matching colors with your wall paint, towels and shower curtains is key so get paint cards that have your paint colors on them and bring them shopping with you when you buy your bathroom accessories - that way you will get a perfect match.

In the bathroom, consider accessorizing with artwork on the walls, as well as toiletry and toothbrush holders, towel racks, towels and decorative soaps. You want to end up with a minimalist look so don't put too much in. Consider sleek designs for the hamper and wastebasket.

If your bathroom is big enough it could include shoji screens, plants and furniture with simple lines as well as a table water fountain and some bamboo. Window treatments for the Zen bathroom decorating theme should be simple and plain. Try updating your windows with bamboo blinds. After you get the ideal look on your windows, you might realize the walls are drab by comparison. To overcome this, try hanging watercolors or oriental silks in frames around the room.

While you may not think about it much, flooring plays a vital role in your interior design style so putting in bath mats to compliment your Zen decorating theme can really improve it's style. The best type of flooring for the peaceful and serene style is organic woven mats which you will want to purchase in neutral tones.

For some decorative touches which will help tie together your Zen decor think about a lotus bowl with 1 flower, rice paper lamps, and Asian pottery to accent your room design. You could also add towels that match your wall colors rolled up and stacked in a bamboo basket just like you might find at the spa.

Your Zen bathroom decorating theme can be a snap if you take the time to plan it out adequately. Simply buy the pieces on your plan and put them in place - your room with have the feeling of a peaceful spa before you know it.

Visit http://bathroomdecoratingguide.com for more great tips on decorating your bathroom in a variety of popular bathroom decorating styles.

The Basics of Plastering

2009-08-30T19:45:00.001-07:00

In figuring for plastering it is not customary to deduct for doors and windows, unless of very large size. It is considered better practice, however, to deduct them and figure accordingly, so that it is possible to use the same figures for getting quantities of material.

Plastering is usually done on spruce lath, which comes 1/4 x 11/2 inches, and made in 4 foot lengths. As studding is spaced 16 inches apart this makes three spans, and all laths should be nailed to the studs at both ends. To cover 100 square yards will take about 1500 laths, and 10 lbs. of three penny nails.

The plaster is usually applied in three coats, known as the scratch, brown and white coats. The first is applied directly to the lath, and consists of lime, sand and hair. Its surface is scratched with a stick to give good adhesion for the brown coats, which contains less hair, but is otherwise very similar.

The white or finishing coat is usually composed of lime putty and fine beach sand in equal parts, to which plaster of Paris is added to make it hard and smooth. For 100 square yards, allow 10 to 12 bushels of lime, 2 bushels of hair, 1 1/2 cubic yards of sand and 100 lbs. plaster of Paris. If a sand-finished effect is desired, the plaster of Paris is omitted and cubic yard of sand added. The surface is finished with a wooden float, so as to bring out the sand and produce a rough surface.

Other types of plaster exist, based on the use of gypsum in the place of lime. They set more rapidly than lime plaster, and care must be taken to use them as directed by the manufacturers. Metal lath and plaster board are also much used in place of wood lath for reproduction corner guards.

They increase the expense slightly, but reduce the fire risk. Whatever method is used, the plaster should be run back of dados and baseboards, as the open spaces add greatly to the fire risk. This is in fact required by the building codes of most cities.

One man will lath about 100 yards in an eight-hour day, openings not deducted. With metal lath he can do from 100 to 150 yards, though if the plan has many corners his speed is greatly reduced. It has been estimated that a plasterer with one helper can do about 150 yards of the first two coats in a day, and about 90 yards of finishing coal.

Cornices and ornamental pediment add greatly to the cost, but are now far less common than they were a few years ago. Most ornaments are cast in the shop, while moldings are generally run on the job. When work of this kind is to be done, stock models should be used as far as possible. These are furnished by a number of manufacturers and can be ordered from their catalogues.

When plaster board is used in place of wood lath, the first or scratch coat may be omitted. This greatly reduces the labor of plastering, but the plaster often tends to crack at the joints between the boards.

For work that must be done quickly, a new type of gypsum board is now on the market, requiring no plastering, but finished ready for paint or paper. It is preferable to use paper, as with point it is hard to hide the joints. This material is only about 3/8 inch thick, while lath and plaster is 7/8 inch. It can be applied with practically no waste.

There are also a number of makes of wall board, generally some sort of wood pulp composition. These shrink badly after application, and if they are papered the paper always cracks at the joints. The manufacturers recommend covering the joints with wooden corner protectors or strips, but this greatly limits the possible treatments, and makes an agreeable effect almost impossible.

The gypsum board mentioned in the preceding paragraph is far preferable, and the cost is not much greater. Both types of wall board are made 4 feet wide, and almost any even number of feet in length.

They are very easy to apply, and if 20% is added to the cost of the material it will usually cover the labor of nailing on. This, of course, is only for plain work, with few corners, and does not include wood strips or other woodwork.

Sarah Martin is a freelance marketing writer based out of San Diego, CA. She specializes in home improvement, remodeling, and working with ornamental pediment. For the best in hardwood moulding and wooden corner protectors, please visit http://www.ferche.com/.

Advice on Antiquing Bathroom Cabinets

2009-08-30T15:09:00.001-07:00

Ask any homeowner that has made feckless attempts at antiquing painted furniture with a plethora of faux painting methods, and he is sure to recall his experience with trepidation. His tryst with rags and paints is something that he would like to brush aside. After all, it isn't just about applying a stain to a fresh coat of paint in a muted shade, and then just wiping it off with a rag, right?

So if you are completely besotted with all things that exude a nostalgic echo, the very thought of antiquing bathroom cabinets is sure to send you into raptures. But since you are not exactly buoyed by the results the last time, will your dream remain nothing more than just a black hole?

It Comes At A Price

Antique bathroom cabinets that have been inspired by the vanities of the 18th and 19th century do have a certain aura that's so hard to torpedo. Hand crafted to perfection, these breathtaking pieces are carved out of antique woods like pine and chestnut. Little wonder then that one requires tremendous wherewithal to acquire these awe-inspiring pieces. Allowing a drain of $1500- $4000 on your bank account does sound blatantly absurd, correct?

Paint Your Imagination

There's nothing like a new coat of paint to give a fresh lease of life to your too-generic-to-be- effective bathroom cabinets. Metallic paint glazes create that absolutely mesmerizing antique look on the cabinets, and that too without you requiring any kind of painting or glazing experience.

With standard tools like painter's tape, paint brushes, paint rollers and trays, you can embark on this truly exhilarating project.

First, you need to sand the bathroom vanity, followed by applying a coat of primer. Once this dries, paint the cabinet with the most apt base coat of terracotta colored latex paint. Once that's completed, it's time for the copper glaze to weave its magic in all directions.

Finally, you have managed to win that interminable battle with mediocrity and drabness.

Here's exactly how you can generate 100's or even 1000's of positively brilliant Bathroom Remodeling Ideas ... FAST ! And you could easily increase your home's value by several $1000s fast with these 25 street-smart tips for Dirt Cheap Home Improvement.

Home Improvements and Savings With the Hurricane Sock

2009-08-30T12:28:00.001-07:00

With the threat of damage associated with hurricane season, more and more homeowners are seeking ways of keeping their home and possessions dry and safe. The best way to make sure home damage is kept at a minimal is to prepare ahead of time and carry effective products that deter the destruction of water leaks, heavy rain, increased precipitation, busted water pipes, flooded basements, and unavoidable acts of Mother Nature.

A popular product sweeping hurricane-prone locations (such as Florida) is called the Hurricane Sock, which acts as a heavy-duty water absorbent for the garage, basement, windows, and doors.

The Hurricane Sock has the capacity to absorb up to one gallon of water and especially accommodates windows and doors when damaging wet weather starts to stir. While the product name suggests it only assists those during hurricane season, there are many other uses associated with the Hurricane Sock. The sock works great to prevent the threat of mold and other damage that comes with a leaky basement, as well as combats pesky window moisture by collecting excess water.

The construction and use of materials of the Hurricane Sock is also impressive. The outside of the sock is constructed of a durable tubular nylon material, which is filled with an ultra-absorbent polypropylene. This allows the product to conform to any desirable surface in an economical and uncompromising manner. After a quick air-dry, the Hurricane Sock is ready for continuous reuse.

Common locations about the house that have responded well to the sock include leaky basement walls, patio sliding doors, garage cabinets, and uneven garage doors. Overall, the water absorbent sock is effective in lessening water damage, dampness, and mildew.

The sock also allows homeowners to pre-plan for the risk of leakage by using the Hurricane Sock in potential spots about the house where water is involved. This includes the water heater, water filtering systems, and the washing machine. In the end, you will find that the sock is much easier to use than a wad of paper towels, or mop and bucket to clean up water damage.

The typical Hurricane Sock is gray in color and measures three inches wide and four feet long. It also comes in varying sizes, price ranges, and quantities. For instance, two Hurricane Socks per case cost an average of $12.99. Four Hurricane Socks cost around $19.99 per case, while a dealer will charge about $29.99 for a case of 10 socks. One of the largest quantity-size orders per case is 40 Hurricane Socks, which runs a customer about $70.

Visit, subscribe to and bookmark: http://myhomeimprovementtips.com and sign up for our free newsletter at: Clean Up Stuff for your home improvement projects & tips.

Install a Wet Bar

2009-08-30T05:04:00.001-07:00

Built in wet bars or butler's pantries serve as handy little entertainment areas that allow you to serve beverages and hors d'oeuvres without crowding the kitchen.

Bars aren't limited to rec rooms; they are commonly installed in dining rooms, next to kitchens, home theaters, or even outdoors on the patio. The only real requirement is access to plumbing in order to connect to a waterline.

Here are some of the more popular types of bars and some of the basic requirements for installation.

Butler's Pantry Bar

These are commonly built into buffets or cabinets, and camouflaged as a piece of furniture. They might hold glasses, ice makers, wine racks, and have a counter or preparation area.

Requirements

Access to electrical circuits and voltage capacity is key, especially if a small fridge, blender, or microwave is to be installed in the unit. Easy access to a waterline in the case of a small sink will also be needed.

The Pull-Up-a-Chair-Bar

This is your typical high counter bar with stools that can tuck away when not in use. They may contain a sink, fridge, and cupboards for glassware.

Requirements

Along with the plumbing and electrical, keep in mind that whatever you finish the outside with should stand up to shoe scuffs. You may want to cover with stone, wainscoting or brick. When making allowances for space requirements, allow two feet per stool with a bar height of 42 inches and a 12-inch overhang for the stools

The Wherever-it-Works Bar

Since you may be a slave to your waterline, this bar is an existing closet or cupboard that can be easily converted to a wet bar because of its convenient location. It should have a large enough counter to do some minor preparation and room for a small fridge or cooler, liquor storage and glasses.

Requirements

As above, ensure electrical capacity and availability, and allow for the ability to tap into an existing waterline and running of a waste line.

Portable Bars

These units are becoming more and more common, and as a result are available in a myriad of styles and price ranges. Designed for small spaces, you can place them wherever they conveniently fit. They neatly organize glassware, bar supplies, wine and liquor bottles, and have small preparation areas.

A member of the RE/MAX Hall of Fame, Bob Nachman is an award-winning Arizona REALTOR. To learn about buying or selling property in the Arizona real estate market, visit MoveToArizonaHomes.com.

The Truth About Bathroom Faucet Grohe

2009-08-30T04:38:00.001-07:00

Sturdy construction, unbreakable ceramic disc cartridge, perfect control of water flow and unabashed styling- only one bathroom faucet brand is worthy of such undiluted praise. No prizes for guessing, it is bathroom faucet Grohe. This German giant has always been defined by unparalled class, impeccable refinement and of course, unmatched performance. Brands have come and gone, but this monarch stands tall among all faucet manufacturers.

An Ode To Its Enduring Legacy

Grohe is actually credited with elevating the very banal bathroom faucet to a position where it commands a tremendous degree of admiration. Today, thanks to inimitable style and class that this world leader has infused into conventional faucets, they have experienced a dramatic reversal of fortunes and have become the medium for making an eloquent personal statement.

So what makes Grohe so special and sought after? Is it the unrivalled practice of giving hard-core traditional elements a uniquely modern twist? Is it the dizzying array of eye-popping designs crafted to perfection using advanced cutting edge technology? Or is the technical supremacy and unsurpassed durability that have helped them rake in the moolah all over Europe? It's an effusive mix of everything, quite honestly.

Fashion With Function

From the tub to the sink, every faucet is a testament to Grohe's trademark technical brilliance and sophistication in design. And these qualities are ubiquitous, and are not limited to faucets alone. Shower panels, towers, hand showers, shower sets or custom shower systems, there's never any dip in the performance or in the intricately detailed styling. The signature Grohe stamp is all over the place.

For Eye-Candy Addicts

What do you expect when an avant garde faucet manufacturer meets a fashion forward design studio? Pure, unadulterated magic, what else? Just select any product from the highly desirable range of contemporary bathroom faucets developed by Grohe and FA Porsche Design Studio, and these metallic delights can unleash the same hypnotic power in your personal space too. With one-of-a-kind aesthetics and innovative design, these masterpieces turn heads with remarkable proclivity.

The secret to fixing leaky shower faucets easy and fast ! See http://www.SpicyKitchens.com

Understanding Wood Shrinkage in Finish Carpentry

2009-08-29T22:09:00.001-07:00

These days trim wood shrinkage in finish carpentry does cause some problems and has tested the reputation of even the most seasoned finish carpenters. This can be controlled some what if it is properly addressed however the shear speed at which houses get built and the use of new growth lumber these days poses a lot of the problems that are unfortunately some times unavoidable.

Trim wood should be acclimated to the inside environment of the house where it will be installed. This does also apply to the wood of a new wood floor to be installed. What this means exactly is the wood needs time to adjust to the temperature and humidity levels of the house where it will be installed. This in turn reduces the shrinkage of the wood and that helps to keep miters tight and doors working properly. There is much discussion on how long this acclimation period should be and a few variables do come into play here especially with a newly built home. A very minimum of an acclimation period would be 48 hrs. if the environment change of the storage place of the trim wood or the store to the house environment is not a huge difference. Another factor is after the acclimation period it is best to get the wood finished and sealed whether you do it before or after installation.

Ultimately wood is going to shrink and swell according to the seasons. Some places more than others due to the climate differences. The best way to reduce this is to try and keep the environment in the house relatively even with just the temperature although I have seen a new house with new trim work sitting empty with no activity like cooking or showering for a long period of time have major shrinkage in the trim wood due to no humidity. I had trimmed this house and was just sick when I went back for the final; fortunately the builder that I had done the work for understood this problem and took full responsibility. I had been in the finish carpentry business for a long time and had a good reputation of doing good work but some times that reputation doesn't mean anything to the people that don't understand these problems.

For the do it yourselfers doing trim work, there are a few things to consider. If you are remodeling or doing renovations to an existing home just simply taking the precautionary measure of acclimating the wood will eliminate the major shrinkage problem in most cases. On new homes it is however nice to know the humidity levels in the house as well as the wood. One easy way to check the wood is with a moisture meter tester. This little meter is relatively cheap or can be borrowed from a contractor that does building or remodeling. The use of a dehumidifier is recommended in a new house or new construction and doing a little research for the moisture content that is recommended for the area that you live in is also advisable. This is due to the different climates in the country and various temperature changes for the different areas. As a finish carpenter it is important for people to understand some of these issues concerned with wood shrinkage whether you are doing the work yourself or hiring a professional to do the work for you ultimately to protect yourself.

Pat Fisher is a professional carpenter and woodworking craftsman. For more information on finish carpentry and household carpentry projects, visit http://www.finishcarpentryhelp.com and pick up your free eBook.

Bathroom Design Lighting - The Basics of Bathroom Lighting

2009-08-29T18:08:00.001-07:00

Basically, bathroom design lighting should be considered with different kinds of options. There is practicability, safety, style and decoration. When considering practicability, what comes to mind are the cheap bulbs and shadowy figures we usually see on poor suspense or thriller films. But today, one can avail of energy-saving light bulbs which provide enough brightness to fill the whole bathroom. What's more is that these bulbs, aside from being cheaper, may help you cut costs in your energy bill. A little bit of concern for our environment will do you a lot good.

As it is a design, bathroom design lighting also should feature various and creative designs for lights to play on in a room. Considering the purpose of the room, however, for hygiene and beautifying, lighting designs can play-up the room for a more pleasurable and easier way to clean up. For example, to have an easier way of beautifying yourself, putting make-up or shaving your face, bath lights may be installed in either side of the mirrors. They will soften up your features as well as avoid annoying shadows. Also, counter, mirror or sink bulbs may be installed depending upon the theme or style of your bathroom. But always remember that it is better to install a centralized lighting in your bathroom, limiting the bulbs in the bathroom therefore saving energy and costs of your electricity.

Water, moisture and air greatly affect the wear and tear of your bathroom lights. Bathroom design lighting is not only limited to designs and light fixtures but also guaranteeing safety in every bathroom. Light bulbs should be placed in areas wherein it should be untouched by water. If not, protective covering should be placed in order not to risk the safety of those who use the bathroom especially the young and old ones.

Of course, practicability and safety should not compromise style and decoration. As lighting can greatly affect the mood of a room, using the bathroom should be a pleasurable habit as well as a form of relaxation. Bathroom design lighting comes in different shapes and sizes which can also be energy-savers, too. Depending on the theme of your bathroom, there are many designs to choose from, whether sconce-shaped, sleek cylindrical small lamps, Victorian or romantic lamps or just basic fluorescent lights. Just make sure that it does not clash with the over-all design of the bathroom as well as compromise safety measures.

For more information on bathroom design lighting and bathroom lighting fixtures visit http://www.lightingbathroomfixtures.com for helpful insight.

How To Spruce Up Your Patio - Creative Home Ideas

2009-08-29T15:07:00.001-07:00

Tired of the same boring patio? Why not give it a makeover? Here are some tips that you can use in sprucing up your patio:

Fill it up with chairs

One way of upgrading the appearance of your patio is through the addition of chairs. Choose high-quality chairs like Adirondack rocking chairs or Amish-made rocking chairs made from the finest hard wood. These chairs will provide you with the comfort and relaxation you need while staying in your patio. Also, when choosing a rocking chair, keep in mind the type of material used. Make sure that the wood used in the construction of the rocking chair is weather-resistant and sturdy. If you're not a fan of chairs, maybe you should buy a hammock instead. It is still comfortable to chill in, pleasant to look at, and inexpensive to purchase. Also, like the rocking chair, the hammock sways.

Put a cute tiny table

Where there are chairs, there are at least one table. Add a cute tiny table that is made preferably from the same type of wood material as the chairs. Matching chairs and tables will certainly add up to the flair of your patio. Choose a table that is simple yet stylish. Like the chairs, your table must be weather-resistant since it will be staying outdoors for a long time. The table is a good spot to place your cold drinks or afternoon snacks while you're enjoying a little sun outside the house. The table is certainly a good addition to your patio!

Buy an outdoor whirlpool bathtub.

Why not purchase your very own whirlpool bathtub? You will have the chance to experience the soothing sensation provided by the whirlpool effects of the water. It is recommended for people who are stressed by work or school because it relaxes the muscles and cleanses the skin. Since the tub is quite spacious, you can also enjoy it with your friends. You can catch up on the latest Hollywood gossips and the recent prime-time soap episodes while eliminating those unwanted dirt and dead cells off your bodies. Now that is relaxation!

Add some useful gadgets and pretty accessories.

Decorate your patio with some useful gadgets. Add outdoor heaters or fireplaces to add warmth in your patio during cold weathers. If you want, you can also add a mosquito-inhibitor or an insect-control unit that keeps insects and other pests away from your place. For an added personal touch, you can also put in some accessories like decorative planters, wall fountains, garden bells, and outdoor umbrellas.

Jerry Brecken is a freelance writer who is currently writing for My Rocking Chairs, a guide to selecting and buying nursery rocking chairs, and massage rocking chairs

Going Green in the Bathroom Benefits - Poway Home Tips

2009-08-29T07:53:00.001-07:00

The tough housing market, tight lending practices by commercial institutions and across the board depressed economy is forcing more and more homeowners to be more frugal. Going green in the bathroom is one way many have found to save money in their energy and water bills. Many are still under the old idea that environmentally sustainable practices are expensive while in reality it is the opposite. The centerpiece of green bathroom remodeling is to save water and energy resources, while saving you money and us, the environment.

As consumers demand for products that have the twin advantages of saving money and natural resources increase, companies respond by making products that address these needs. Today, more and more companies are jumping into the bandwagon of making green products. The result is that the cost of these materials that are environmentally sustainable have gone down while their benefits have been appreciated more.

With bathrooms, it is much easier to go green than the other rooms in the house. By just following the 1994 water conservation mandates, many homeowners have simply replaced outdated fixtures and reaping the savings in utility bills immediately.

Going green in the bathroom benefits:
According to Mike Nagel of the National Association of Home Builders and Remodelers Council, "Americans spent over $230 billion last year on home remodeling, with energy efficient and sustainable products representing an increasing share of the market."

Low flow shower heads can dramatically reduce the amount of water used while taking shower.
Toilets that use less water than the standard toilets are becoming more popular. Dual flush toilets save water and have become the darling of some in the bathroom renovation business.
Bathtub and sink refinishing are lees expensive than total tear out. Reglazing a bathtub saves money, time and the environment.

Take for instance, a bathtub. It costs about $300 to buy a new one, but when the price of tear out, plumbing, tile setting and disposal of the fixtures, the price adds up pretty quickly. The price for total bathtub replacement can go from $1500 to $2500, depending on the part of the country the work is done. Bathtub refinishing is done in the bathroom, takes about four hours to complete, can be used the next day and costs about $450. Restoring a bathtub while in the bathroom, saves the energy that could have been used in manufacturing, and transporting the tub to the warehouse, store and to your bathroom. It also saves the landfills.

Going from the standard bulb to a low energy bulb saves money on utility bills. Using recycled or re-manufactured flooring materials saves valuable assets. Paints that are low in VOC have health and green benefits. Reducing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), will reduce health problems, from asthma to cancer. Be careful to use building materials like cabinetry, adhesives, caulks and paints that are VOC free.

Because the bathroom is affected by heat, humidity and chemicals from cleaning, hygiene and cosmetic products, ventilation, therefore becomes very important. Outside air is less polluted than the air inside. If it feasible to have a window that recycles the air in the bathroom, go ahead and enjoy your fresh air. Going green in the bathroom saves money, time, the environment and is a healthy thing to do.

Wilson Uche Ukah, is the President of Refinishing Stars, a bathtub refinishing company serving homeowners in Atlanta, Chattanooga, Nashville and Knoxville. Refinishing Stars, refinishes bathtubs, sinks, and countertops for hotels and motels nationwide. He writes regularly on green remodeling. Wilson can be reached at http://www.refinishingstars.com or sales@refinishingstars.com

Shower Curtains - Do We Actually Need Them?

2009-08-29T07:46:00.001-07:00

Shower Curtains are either a necessary item for our bathrooms or just another added piece of decoration, but do we actually need them ? The answer simply put is Yes, shower curtains provide a no nonsense approach to keeping our bathrooms and other wet areas typically clean and dry. They can be used as a decorative piece or alternatively we can use them purely and simply as a functional curtain.

The current trend towards shower curtains is now to basically use either a polyester or nylon curtain, this type of material will endure high temperature moisture and will handle as much washing in a machine as is necessary. A little eucalyptus oil in the wash will do wonders. Many new shower curtains come in a vast array of designs including plain voile or to the more dramatic contemporary designs.

Themed shower curtains are also very popular as this enables you to create a specific feel within the bathroom for a short period of time, for example Christmas or Easter, Thanksgiving day, they are relatively inexpensive for what they are and are usually packaged as a ready made item. When purchasing new shower curtains always ensure that you have allowed extra on the drop of the curtain to make sure that it is covering the area completely, there is nothing worse than a half masted shower curtains.

These shower curtains can either be installed on a rod using rod and rings, or alternatively they can be installed a specialized curtain rod using either pinch pleat or pencil pleat curtains, for my information read our "how to make curtains - includes secret fabric formula" tutorial. I have seen many shower curtains in my clients homes that have basically transformed a tired bathroom into a place of brightness and atmosphere.

One major factor you should consider when purchasing new shower curtains is to ask the salesperson for advice, there are many new fabrics that are now being used and some of these are mildew resistant, this type of material has been chemically treated in the manufacturing process to reduce the growth of mould. If you are looking a natural shower curtain than hemp is what you should choose, this is now becoming more and more available in many different styles and shapes. Hemp shower curtains do require more washing but the overall softer look is well worth it.

So remember when choosing your next shower curtains always consider what material you will use, the color or theme and most importantly the size of the area it needs to cover.

Latest Shower curtains info

Electric Fireplace Stoves

2009-08-29T00:34:00.001-07:00

You can transform any room with the stylish flexibility of electric fireplace stoves. They are wonderful for enhancing the ambiance of the room while taking up any space you feel the need to fill and not waste, as well as not taking up any floor space at all depending upon the model that you choose.

Electric fireplaces are essentially space heaters with a hot new twist. They are attractively manufactured and incredibly eye appealing. However, you should keep in mind that since they are enhanced space heaters that they will not produce as much heat as a wood or gas fed fireplace.

You must use your ceiling fans to help distribute the heat to other areas and never expect your electric fireplace to actually heat a bigger area than is intended by its use. Also remember that you do not want to place your fireplace in the same area as your thermostat as the heat from the unit will inhibit the normal start up of your furnace or central heating unit.

Depending upon your personal sense of home or office design you will find there are some delightful features and options available to you when you choose electric fireplace stoves. There are various styles, designs, sizes and finishes of fireplace units to compliment any type of room.

Such options and features may include a 2 speed blowers and distributing fans for heating as well as a programmable thermostat and temperature readers. The visual and audio effects are controlled as well as the adjustable 3D hologram flame feature, the dimmer and down lights. Using these you can create any desirable atmosphere from simply casual to mystic and romantic. You may choose from various styles such as a curio cabinet, television stand or a home entertainment center as a focal point in any area.

Creating an atmosphere that is heartwarming comfortable and visually appealing in every way while doing your part to make the planet a better place to live is an incredibly amazing feeling. You will be pleased with the effects you can achieve while using your new electric fireplace stoves.

View beautiful Electric Fireplace Stoves at EveryElectricFireplace.com. Click Here to find the stylish and beautiful electric fireplace you need to save money on heating costs today!

Rain Shower Heads - Experience Downpour in Your Bathroom

2009-08-28T21:15:00.001-07:00

Have you noticed how most people hate to get caught in the rain? But isn't it surprising that the same people who hate a rain shower love to get rain soaked in their own bathrooms! This is because water from it covers you with warmth and soothes your body whereas rain water chills you to the bone. If you are looking to purchasing the best rain shower for your bathroom then read through the following tips.

Tips For Buying Rain Shower Heads

It is advisable to choose a model which has easily adjustable arms. This makes it easy to direct your shower top in any direction that you want. This can also be beneficial when you want to wash only a particular part of your body, say the lower part, without allowing your hair to get wet. Make sure the adjustable arms come along with it. In some cases, even though it may be shown on the product photo, you may have to pay more for it. A handheld rain shower head is more common because of ease of use. Search online for the best deal before making a purchase. You could get some excellent products for less than $100! Check the size of your shower outlet pipe and buy a top which fits it right. For greater durability, look for a shower head which has a solid brass core construction. Often, people combine it with a high pressure shower head for a more relaxing and effective experience.

Features

Most of them comes with an adjustable arm and wingnuts for easy adjustment. The head diameter varies between 3" to 6". Nearly all hand held showers and standard-style rain shower heads generally have a spray top swivel action of 180 degrees. They have a solid brass, chrome or nickel construction. You can even find it with optional flow control mechanism. It can deliver 2.5gpm at 80psi, unless the water pressure is less than that.

Visit CORE online to get free access to tips and advice for buying rain shower heads.

Getting the Right Contractor For Constructing Your Deck

2009-08-28T17:19:00.001-07:00

When planning to build a deck, most people find it difficult to select a reliable contractor, more so when they have no past experience in this area. To overcome this hurdle, what you can do is to look around at the decks that seem attractive to you and then find out who the contractor of these decks are. In this way, it will be possible to build a list of contractors about whom you can be confident as to their expertise in the deck building arena. Another way to select a good contractor is to apply to your local chamber of commerce for suggestions. Whichever way you obtain a list, make sure to interview the potential candidates personally before you arrive at a decision. During the interview process, give a correct idea to the contractor of all the things you want him to build on the deck so that he can provide you an accurate estimate of the cost that you will incur for constructing your deck.

Hiring an experienced person is always a wise course to pursue. You should look for a minimum of three years' experience in your contractor as this will have provided him all the skills needed to do a satisfactory job with your deck. Apart from this, it is essential that you work with a licensed contractor to avoid legal problems that may occur later. It is also crucial that the firm you hire has a good insurance coverage which can come in very handy in case of accidents caused to the workers during construction or any harm to your property. Taking precautionary measures like checking up with the insurance company after having taken a copy of the insurance policy of the firm will further help you avoid future complications.

Another thing that will help you choose the right contractor is to ask for references and personally ensure that other people who have hired your contractor have a good opinion of him. In this way, you can also verify whether the contractor has a reputation of meeting deadlines and staying within the prescribed budget. When formulating the contract, make sure that the contractor specifies every aspect of the deck like the materials that will be used, how the payment will be made etc.

After having finalized on the correct person for the job, you should arrange a place in your yard for storing the lumber required for the job. You should also see to it that utilitarian aspects of your house like the gas lines, water lines, electrical wiring, drains etc. do not come to any harm when constructing the deck. Obtaining all the necessary permits that are required for the job so that the work can be carried out smoothly without any hindrances is a must. Finally, you should take care to periodically inspect the progress of work so that you end up having the deck that you have always dreamt of.

Adam Peters is an online entrepreneur and writes for many consumer magazines. Gather more information and resources on starburst deck railing at http://www.deck-porch-railings.com/starburst.html

Discount Bathroom Mirrors - Are You in Need of One?

2009-08-28T10:24:00.001-07:00

Discount bathroom mirrors are available in many online stores on the Internet. Read on to know some tips to help you purchase your bathroom wall mirrors online.

Step-By-Step Procedure

Your first step should be to look for the best online store. There are various sites on the Internet that sell bathroom mirrors. All you need to do is to look for a vendor who can match your requirements.

Once you have shortlisted a couple of online stores, your next step would be to determine the transaction process. The privacy and the security of the transaction should be good. Ensure that the online supplier holds a credible website that provides optimum safety.

The vendor should have a huge range of illuminated bathroom mirrors and cabinets ready. Make sure that they have a catalogue to make your selection process easier.

If you are on a budget and want to go through the discount bathroom mirrors only then ensure that you have access to their discount range too.

Go through the various discount options available with the vendor. Sometimes the discount doubles if you buy two or more products. So make sure that you are well aware of all such the promotional offers.

Your last step would be to ask about the insurance policy, money back guarantee and the shipping charges. Don't ignore these aspects else they may become a problem in the future.

Once you close the deal for your discount bathroom mirrors with your online wholesaler, you'll be asked to fill a form. Here you would be asked about your delivery preferences. It would be best if you could have the mirrors home delivered. This would save you the trouble of having to transport the mirror on your own.

Visit CORE online to get free access to more information on buying discount bathroom mirrors.

Where to Buy Replacement Windows

2009-08-28T10:18:00.001-07:00

I have been asked several times about where to buy replacement windows. This question has come from people located in different parts of the country. Well I normally provide a simply way to find the best within a few miles from where they live. Read this article right to the end and you will learn some of the tips I usually provide.

You can purchase them from a variety of manufacturers. These include Amerimax, Simonton, Milgard, Pella, Andersons to name a few. These have different window options that they sell through distributors and retailers located in various parts of the country.

Let me quickly walk you through some of these companies and their resellers.

Amerimax

This is a manufacturer of various building products, which includes our product of interest. You can also buy their products from their sister company called Berger and if you are in Canada you can buy their products from Euaramax, which is also a sister company. They basically are found in most hardware stores and home centers around the country.

Simonton

You can buy these from almost anywhere in the US. For example if your zip code is 10001 then you can purchase them Park Avenue Building Supply, 2074 Atlantic Avenue Brooklyn , NY 11233 or Richmond Aluminum Supply Inc. 26 Watchogue Road Staten Island , NY 10314

Milgard

This company has manufacturing facilities all over the country. These include service locations in Temecula and Dixon, California; Denver, Colorado; Salt Lake City, Utah; Phoenix, Arizona; Chicago, Illinois, Marysville, Washington; Portland, Oregon; Las Vegas, Nevada; Sacramento, Hollister, Simi Valley, and Fredericksburg, Virginia. If you can't find them anywhere you can call them and they can gladly direct you to a store near you.

Pella

Pella replacement windows are available at the The Pella Window & Door StoreSM, Lowe's Home Improvement Centers, or Lumberyards & Dealers - in your area.

The best solution on where to buy replacement windows:

Simply visit: http://www.findreplacementwindowcompanies.com and follow the easy step-by-step guide to help you find the best within your area

You can also click here - replacement windows for instant access to a list of pre-screened contractors that can recommend the most suitable window for your style of home, weather conditions in your area and based on other important factors that you may not be familiar with

Need Help Remodeling Your Living Room?

2009-08-28T02:44:00.001-07:00

If you are thinking of remodeling your living room, then you may be overwhelmed. What types of designs should you pick? What themes should you focus on? What color schemes should you choose? What design period should you emphasize?

The questions are endless. And the options are so plentiful they can make your head swim. But, there are ways to keep the process less challenging and more enjoyable. When you remember that your home is an extension of who you are, then you can relax and just let the ideas flow from your own creativity.

Think about the clothes that you wear. Consider your favorite designers for a moment. All of this will tell you your style. Do you like clean, tailored lines? Or do you prefer styles that flow and are made out of natural fabrics? Could it be that you are eclectic, and maybe even a little bit eccentric in your style choices opting for bright colors and bold patterns?

Either way you look at it, you should take cues from what's in your closet when deciding what direction to go when you are remodeling your living room. Keeping your choices in line with your tastes, as opposed to design trends, should ensure that you have an area that is comfortable and inviting to you.

Another great way to decide what you want from your new living room remodel is to watch some of the design shows on television. They are a great way to see what really inspires you. As you watch these shows, you should definitely take notes, jotting down the concepts and ideas that you find the most interesting. Once you have an idea of the room that you think you would like, you will have made major strides toward creating the room that you want.

Interior and architectural design magazines are great for finding ideas as well. Allowing these two media tools to help you really learn what brings you joy can be both educational and helpful to the overall success of your home remodeling makeover project.

Jacksonville Plumbing Contractor Rapid Dispatch Plumbing offers professional plumbing in Jacksonville for residences and businesses. For more information visit our website at http://www.RapidDispatchPlumbing.com.

Installing a Tub Surround

2009-08-27T16:19:00.001-07:00

If your tub/shower enclosure has seen better days, why not give it an update? One of the easiest, cost-effective ways to replace your dingy enclosure is to purchase and install a shower/tub surround kit.

Why panels?

These handy kits generally come with three or five pieces. If your enclosure is perfectly square, a three-piece kit (with a back panel and two side panels) is the way to go. But if you're dealing with crooked walls or walls that aren't plumb, the five-piece kit (with a back panel, two corner panels, and two end panels) offers more flexibility.

Not only are these panels water-resistant, they're also easy to clean and will almost instantly revive your bathroom-what's not to love about that? And they come in a variety of materials, from solid surfacing to pressed fiberglass. Though thicker panels are usually more expensive, they're more stable and easier to work with.

Prep work.

Before getting to work, protect the bottom of your tub from dings and scratches with a heavy cloth. If your current shower interior is solid, flat, and in good structural condition, you can install the panels over the existing material (just be sure to give it a good cleaning first, and scuff tile with sandpaper so it'll better grip the adhesive). For drywall, cut out damp sections and replace it with a moisture-resistant version. If you've got a tile surround, simply stick loose tiles back in place with ceramic-tile adhesive. But if several tiles are loose, just remove them altogether and replace them with moisture-resistant drywall.

Now comes the tricky part: removing the showerhead, faucet, and spout-as well as other accessories such as wall-mounted shelves or soap dishes.

Using a tall piece of cardboard, make a template of the side of the tub with the bath fixtures. Measure the exact locations of the faucet handles, showerhead, and tub spout. Cut holes in the cardboard, hold the cardboard up to the wall to make sure the holes align with the fixture placements, and mark the locations on the surround panels.

Installation.

Measure your walls and trim your panels accordingly. Following manufacturer's instructions, apply the adhesive, then attach the panels to the walls and let them dry thoroughly. Replace the hardware, and seal joints with caulk.

For more detailed instructions, check out Popular Mechanics and This Old House. Or watch this step-by-step video, courtesy of HGTV.

Lexicon Consulting, Inc

The Home Know-It-All: Your One-Stop Shop for Home Design, Improvement, and Repair

Bathroom Remodeling Project - Money Saving Tips

2009-08-27T01:22:00.001-07:00

Bathrooms are a great place to spend your remodeling dollars, as a beautiful bathroom ads instant value to a home. However, bathroom remodeling may turn out to be more than a homeowner could have ever bargained for, considering the high costs of materials and labor that accompany such a project.

Fortunately, there are three specific areas where a homeowner can save significantly in their bathroom remodeling project. With a little extra time and a bit of bargain hunting, a homeowner can typically save about $200 to $2000 implementing the following suggestions:

* Bathroom Remodeling Tip 1-Search for Discount Tile: If you plan on using marble, granite or stone for your bathroom floor or shower tile, leave plenty of time to shop for clearance or discontinued material. Discontinued stone can be up to $10 per square foot cheaper than flooring or backsplash right off the showroom floor. This allows the homeowner to achieve a more upgraded look (i.e. granite tile) at a fraction of the actual retail cost.

You can find stone materials that have been discontinued or that are on clearance online on popular bidding sites such as eBay, or in the clearance section of flooring supply stores.

* Bathroom Remodeling Tip 2-Use a Bath fitter. Rather than replace a bath or shower that is in decent shape to begin with, seek out estimates from companies that rehabilitate existing fixtures using bath fitters. A bath fitter will typically go over the existing tub and backsplash with a little bit of man power and lots of caulk, thus creating a new look for an old fixture.

Choosing to go this route when updating a shower or tub can save the homeowner more than half of the cost of total replacement, while the finished project tends to look just as good (if not better) in the end.

* Bathroom Remodeling Tip 3-Purchase Discontinued Hardware. Paying retail for hardware fixtures such as faucets and showerheads is the most unnecessary budget drain in a bathroom remodeling project. While they may not look that expensive, new fixtures are an added expense running anywhere between $400- 1000 (especially in the case of custom orders).

To save money in this area, shop around home improvement stores for fixtures that are discontinued or currently on clearance due to an open or damaged box. You may also find discontinued items by looking online for discount plumbing stores or eBay shops. Admittedly, this may take some time if you have a specific look in mind, but you'll be glad you waited when that $500 faucet shows up $200 cheaper at a discount store a year down the road.

* Bathroom Remodeling Tip 4-Use 'Green Plumbing': While not an immediate savings, using green plumbing fixtures such as high efficiency toilets and low flow faucets and showerheads will make a significant dent in your water bill at the end of each month.

Furthermore, additional savings may come in the form of an instant cash back rebate, as some states are choosing to financially reward homeowners that "go green" with their plumbing choices.

You need to use creative ideas like seeking companies that rehabilitate existing fixtures using bath fitters if you don't want to spend too much on bathroom renovation. Venice homeowners can save a lot of money by following tips on bathroom remodeling. Visit http://www.eurotechcabinetry.com.

Planning Your Bathroom Tile Design, Pattern & Installation

2009-08-26T10:28:00.001-07:00

If you are planning to tile a bathroom by yourself, this article will help you plan your bathroom tiling installation in the best and cost effective way as well as giving you some tile design ideas. We will guide through your new bathroom tile design and installation planning step by step.

Attention - Note that planning your tiling installation properly is the most important step for smooth, easy going and problem free bathroom tile installation.

Remember a DIY bathroom tiling installation isn't a quick job, so don't miss the point and plan it right. All the time spent planning your tiling installation will save you money and headaches.

You have to plan your bathroom-tiling project carefully; choose the tile design and tile patterns, what materials you need and which tools you require.

Choose your Bathroom Tile design & Tile patterns

The tile patterns that you can create with different tiles are limited only by your own Tile design ideas. A large variety of standard tile designs, ideas and tile patterns are available. Some tile manufacturers may make special custom tile designs for you.

Choosing the tile design is obviously the first thing you need to do, with out deciding this you can not start planning your bathroom tile installation.

You can find a few basic bathroom tile design ideas & tile patterns, check it out.

For some Inspiration you can check Google pictures for some Bathroom Tile design ideas, there are over a million bathroom pictures here.

Tile suitability - Tiles are made in porous and non-porous varieties. When planning a bathroom tile installation, you should choose the non-porous ceramic tiles.

If your bathroom is small and the tiles have designs on them, you may have to go for smaller sized tiles as they have smaller designs. Too large tile designs may not suit small bathrooms so choose a smaller tile design for smaller bathrooms.

If you go for a plain color, the size isn't that important, however try to follow the rule above anyway.

A good tile design idea is to choose contrasting colors for the floor tiles and wall tiles. Then have a skirting line the same color as the floor tile.

Another tile design idea is changing color at chest level, which will change the look of your bathroom.

Try to choose bathroom accessories that compliment the color of the walls.

Materials - How much will you need? - To calculate the quantity of materials that you need, you must take precise measurements of the total area that you wish to tile.

From the total area and the size of each tile, you can calculate the number of tiles required (you must know the size of the tiles you have chosen).

You must also remember to take into account the gaps between tiles when calculating the number of tiles needed, so make sure you include spacers appropriate to the tile size chosen.

If this equation becomes a little complicated, you can always use the table "Calculating your Tile needs" (link here) on this page.

When calculating consider more than half a tile as a full tile and less than a half tile as a half tile. If you have chosen a multicolored bathroom, calculate each color separately and note down the tile requirements.

Ordering tiles - Order the tiles on the basis of the measurements taken. Note that tiles are packed in boxes and the supplier is unlikely to sell tiles individually.

Remember to order extra tiles as you can be sure that some tiles will break during installation (even the best professional breaks tiles). In addition some of these extra tiles could be used in the future if any tiles need replacing. This is not only good but an advisable practice.

Always order additional tiles since the tiles you have ordered may not be available in future, and if you require replacement tiles, you will have difficulty finding a match.

Best tools for a good job - Make sure you choose the right tool for the job. It'll make the job easier and safer too. You probably have a basic toolbox however for tiling installation you need special tiling tools.

Some of them are expensive but don't waste your money buying professional tools that you won't use enough to pay for themselves. Instead hire them. For some $$ you can have the best tools for a few days. And if you've done your planning properly you'll only need them for a few hours.

Remember, that planning your tiling installation properly is the most important step for smooth, easy going and problem free bathroom tile installation.

I hope it's been useful, happy tiling!

The best Tiling Video & DVD and Tiling books reviews at Tiling Tips.Get our FREE report "27 Insider Tiling Tips you want to know" and more by visiting us NOW at http://www.tiling-tips.com