House Styles for Homes Lovers

Colonialary House
The characteristics of colonial house follow to Georgian architecture is a square area house, that may have one or two story rectangular shape, roof dormers and eaves-front of symmetrical building with the central door. Straight lines of multi-paned windows with double-hung sash are on the first and second floor. The entry of the house is frequently decorated with classic style such as columns, pediments, pilasters, fanlights, etc. A colonial style house5B4 usually has a formally-defined living room, dining room and family room. The bedrooms are typically on the second floor and may have staircase at the center or to either side.

Modern House
The characteristics of Modern House Designs is the house that composed of geometric shapes suit for new technology and young adults, flat roofs and smooth wall surfaces. The windows are set flush with the walls with no decorative trim. The entrance to the house is asymmetrical. Decorate the front of the house with modern style architectures.

Country House
The country houses are usually built in rural areas outside of cities, suitable for people who love natural environment and beautiful view. The characteristic of country house styles are combine several traditional architectural details on their well-proportioned. The house always has gabled roofs higher in pitch than other home styles. Large wrap around porches, cozy facades, gables, lap siding, shuttered windows, and dormer windows. Inside the house, use tall ceilings for ventilate the air.

Thai House
The characteristics of Thai house are different from another style. Thai House use high floor level allowing an average height man to walk under the floor. The reasons of high floor level are safety from wild beasts during night time and used for producing handmade products. The other characteristic of Thai house is a high gabled roof and ample sl5B0anting eaves. Forty percent of the total floor area is a large platform area for receive to sunshine and good clean air. The major material of Thai house style is teakwood and decorates with Thai traditional potteries.

Cape Cod House
The Cape Cod house is the most common building type. The characteristic of the house is symmetrical design which front bay central entry, one and a half stories eaves. The roofs are usually low to moderately pitch and the dominant rooflines extend down the front and the back of the home to the first floor. The Cape Cod houses have side gables and a small overhang, a central door, multi-paned, double-hung windows and low ceilings. The floor of the house often uses hardwood.

Navivar Athi is a pharmacist. Any questions of health and medicines, you can consult him at Health-Care His websites include: Computer Games and Home-Garden

Bathroom Faucets - Facts To Consider Before Shopping II

Selecting bathroom faucets requires some thought, and the mechanics and installation types of bathroom faucets was covered in my previous article. If you missed it, you should take a minute to read the first article.

Once you have decided whether you need a centerset, widespread, or single hole faucet, and have chosen between compression, cartridge, or a disc type bathroom faucet, there are still some things to consider.

Style Preference in Bathroom Faucets

This is bound to be an easy choice. Most of us seem wired from birth to a preference for one style or another. You know what you are comfortable with whether it is Country, Victorian, French Provincial, Tuscan, or C2233ontemporary. This to some degree will impact the finish you choose, but many of the finishes cross style lines.

Bathroom Faucets-Fit and Finish

There are so many style options in bathroom faucets these days, that it is important to see how they will coordinate and fit with other elements in your bath.

* Consider spout height. Many bathroom faucets are available with longer spouts these days, and the height and reach should be considered. For instance, the height of the spout may make a slight difference in how high you mount your mirror or medicine cabinet above it. Consider splash and make sure you have adequate clearance.

* When thinking about the splash effect, consider the depth of the sink and whether it is up to absorbing the water from the spout without splashing out or up. This is an important consideration especially in a household with children.

Bathroom Faucets and Finishes

* Bathroom faucets are available in shiny finishes. Chrome has long been the overwhelmingly popular choice, but there is polished chrome, polished brass, and French gold, just to name a few. These finishes do require more ongoing care to keep them polished and shiny. They are more likely to show water spots and finger smudges, so just realize that before making a choice.

* Many of today's homeowners prefer the brushed or satin finishes in bathroom faucets. Although stylish and attractive baths are what homeowners want, they prefer to spend more time enjoying them and less time with intensive care and maintenance.

* Satin nickel, matte chrome. brushed bronze, brazen bronze and other of the less shiny bathroom faucet finishes are becoming increasingly popular due to the ease of care they require.

* And of course, many more finishes such as oil rubbed bronze, Venetian bronze, black iron and weathered copper are being made available for great diversity in bathroom faucet finishes. Some of these are considered living finishes, and will change with time and use. They are designed to change, and if you purchase a faucet with a living finish you just need to recognize this as a natural process and be able to live with your choice in later years.

When selecting the style and finish of your bathroom faucet, keep other bathroom elements in mind. Consider how it will look with your countertop, backsplash, lighting etc. By planning and coordinating all the elements in your bathroom carefully, you should be proud of your choice in bathroom faucets for years into the future.

More tips on shopping for bathroom faucets, as well as purchase tips for medicine cabinets.

What Green Building Means

There's a lot of talk in real estate about green building lately, but the phrase is still a little vague. Here's a guide to understanding a few key terms, so you can investigate whether or not a potential home is truly eco-friendly.

Insulation and Building:
Many new buildings are being insulated with recycled materials, such as old blue jeans or blown-in fiberglass. Proper insulation now goes a long way toward saving on energy bills later. Walls can be made of steel and concrete, rather than more expensive and volatile treated wood. Many cities have lumber yards and "re-stores" where you can buy recycled or left over building materials that are strong, cheap, and often antique or authentically vintage.

Appliances:
Look for low flow shower heads and low flush or composting toilets. Consider energy saving washers and dryers, or put a line in your yard to hang wet clothes on sunny days Make sure your HVAC unit is sealed and clean, and look for gas stoves and instantaneous, or tankless, water heaters.

Flooring:
Rather than use expensive hardwoods that endanger the land and deplete forests, many real estate builders have found inexpensive and beautiful alternatives in bamboo (which is technically not a wood but a grass, and yet one of the hardest and most easily replenished flooring materials) and cork (also easily replenished). Concrete, too, can be a sturdy and inexpensive alternative, as can old fashioned linoleum, which is actually made from linen and other natural fibers.

Paint and Other Materials:
Many paint manufacturers are looking for green alternatives to oil and latex; one such option is the use of milk-based paints (which upon application smell like milk instead of harsh chemicals, and which don't have any carcinogenic ingredients.) Recycled glass is now being made into kitchen and bath tiles, and countertops are being made with recycled materials that look even more beautiful and unique than mined granite.

Solar Energy:
Solar energy doesn't just mean expensive panels that sit on your roof (though that's one kind, called active Solar Energy). Considering a solar home can mean investing in thick-paned, glazed windows or in more complicated photovoltaic cells. Though solar tends to be an expensive investment, upfront, the rewards show up every month in your energy bills.

Landscaping:
Look for Xeriscaped yards and common areas with plants that require little watering. Consider getting rain barrels (many cities sell them through their water and energy programs) or converting your outdoor water system to "graywater" (which involves using recycled water from dishwashers and washing machines to water your lawn or wash your car). Looks for trees that are native to your area, and plant them so they shield your windows from too much sun during hotter days.

Neighborhood:
While a lot of green building means being aware of what is going into your home, you might also want to check out your neighborhood. Are there recycling programs or community gardens? Public transportation? Bike paths so you can have the option of avoiding traffic? Are there shops and restaurants close to you, to encourage walking? While thinking about these things may seem unimportant now, our global climate and community with thank you later. (Oh, and don't forget the federal tax deductions.)

If you are looking for property in the Austin Texas Real Estate market Ki Gray can help you in your search. A broker with a long background of helping clients in the Austin market. His site Escapeso Austin Texas Real Estate is a source for information about the real estate market and current events in Austin Texas. It also provides a description of the different Austin Condos going up in downtown Austin.

Buying A Bathroom Vanity Cabinet

Your bathroom vanity and sink is an important part of your bathroom dcor. The vanity is not only cabinet that you can use to store necessities, it is also a plac5B4e for your sink to rest. You may choose to have your bathroom vanity match your bedroom vanity. Then again, you might want this piece to shine on its own. The whole bathroom can be designed around the vanity in some cases. Choosing a vanity cabinet is important. You need to keep in mind a few things such as price and the amount of space you have available as well as installation and delivery options.

If you are going to install your bathroom vanity then you will be able to spend more on the cabinet. If you are going to pay someone else to install the cabinet in your bathroom you may find that you can go with a more difficult to work with project but cost will be a bit higher than it would if you had done it yourself.

Do your research. You need to start by deciding what type of cabinet you want. You can make a list of functions that are important to you. Include how much space you have, how much space you need inside the cabinet, what you want to match and if you need shelves or drawers as well as how many doors you need and such. When you look at cabinets ask the sales representatives as many questions as it takes to make you feel comfortable with your choice.

While you are discussing your choices with a sales rep you may also want to ask for pricing and policy information . Jot down a list of questions you may have before you contact the company online, on the phone or go to the store in person. You can find out about57F warranties and guarantees as well as finding out what materials work best for your situation. If you ask enough questions you will know if you should look for glass, wood, iron, or porcelain products. You should also consider removal of the old vanity cabinet in this research. It may be possible for the cabinet installers to remove the old vanity while they are working on installing the new one.

You will want to keep hardware such as knobs, handles, and faucets in mind. Your budget should include the hardware you will need. You may want to match these to existing themes or start your own theme. Some hardware such as door handles can be purchased in second hand stores and antique shops, others may look better with new hardware. It is not only a matter of functionality, your taste will guide you here more than anything else. Budget may be an issue as well. Some hardware pieces are available for less than a dollar and others will cost more than twenty. While both will have the same functions not all will work for everyone. Stick to your budget and look around if you can't find what you want at the first place you shop.

Visit us for more information on Discount Bathroom Vanity Tips, 310Remodel A Small Bathroom - And Keep Your Bathroom Vanity and Bedroom Vanity Design.

Building a Concrete Driveway

Building a concrete driveway is one of those rare opt5B4ions that can satisfy most people's practical and aesthetic concerns. Concrete driveways are not only built to last long but are appealing to the eye at the same time. Granted, they may take a bit of time to build properly, because none of your efforts will feel wasted once you view your final product.

What Not to Forget When Building a Concrete Driveway

Building Codes in Your Area - It's possible, especially if you're living in the suburbs, or belong to a certain community, that driveway specifications may be subjected to certain community rules. Your village, for instance, may prefer for all houses to have similar looking driveways, regardless of the material used. Or, it's the choice of material that's subjected to certain restrictions. To avoid wasting time and money, do your homework and see if building a concrete driveway will result to any violation.

Put Your Plans in Paper - Before getting your still-unused carpentry and building tools and donning your DIY uniform, it's best to put your plans on paper and try sketching the dimensions of your proposed concrete driveway. Make sure that you scale your drawing properly to gain accurate results, and most especially if you've decided not to hire an expert to help you out.

If you don't know how to draw, please please please ask someone to do it for you. Don't be stubborn like other homeowners who insist on doing everything themselves, never mind the consequences5B4.

Submit the Necessary Requirements - Once you've become satisfied with the projected appearance of your concrete driveway, make time to submit the necessary requirements in order for the housing committee in your area to grant approval for your concrete driveway plans. It's possible that they'll be concerned with how your neighbors would feel once the noise of construction reaches their ears; to avoid any future altercations with your neighbors, make sure that you politely and nicely inform them of your plans. Gaining written permission from them won't hurt either!

Going Shopping - With the legal stuff done, the next thing to do is what women love to do best: going shopping! If any woman in your household is a genuine shopaholic, she wouldn't mind accompanying you in your buying quest, even if it's just a trip to the local hardware store.

To save on time and money, make a list of the things you have to buy, compare product reviews, and see what brands are of superior quality but affordable at the same time. As for tools and other equipment, consider either buying them second hand, renting, or borrowing from your neighbors or friends.

Excavation and Base Preparation - The pre-construction stage is over, and it's now time to do backbreaking stuff. First in the list is excavation and base preparation. Like most structures, excavating and preparing a base is required to give your concrete driveway a solid foundation5B2. It's best to take your time when doing this because one little mistake related to the foundation can cause the whole thing to collapse.

Building the Driveway - Once you've finished with the foundation, it's now time to build the skeletal part of the driveway itself. Always consult your handmade blueprint while building the driveway to ensure that you've done everything correctly and according to the measurements you've specified.

Sealing it with a Concrete Kiss - Once you're done with the frame, it's now time to apply the concrete and wait for it to harden.

Finishing Touches - Backfill and provide enhancements for the landscape.

Pros and Cons of Using a Concrete Driveway Benefits - Concrete driveways can be decorated in various ways, making it more easy to use as a complement to the house itself. It is also easier to clean during winter. Concrete driveways can also be sealed right after installation. Cons - Concrete driveways, however, are more expensive than asphalt driveways and require a higher degree of care and maintenance. Lastly, concrete driveways cannot be relayered.

Choosing to build a concrete driveway is a good decision to make in most cases, but of course, it's what the homeowner feels that counts the most. Just remember that when making a driveway, always choose a material that won't crack under the weight of a ten-wheeler truck but enhance the appearance of your house as well!

Lee Dobbins writes for http://concrete.subjectmonster.com where you can learn more about the wonders of concrete.

Roofing Material

A fine roof is an essential element of a well planned home. Employing experienced workforce and use of high quality equipment is important. Rates, simplicity of setting up and appearance are all deciding factors in selecting a roofing material. It is important to examine a roof structure before deciding upon a material. Walls, beams and structures must sustain the weight of the roofing material, which are available in wide varieties.

Composition shingles are reasonably priced and offer a fresh look. These are hardwearing, have low maintenance costs and are fire resistant. Shingles maybe made of recycled material. However, they usually have a short life span and can be blown away by strong winds.

Roofing tiles are a more modern and long lasting alternative for roofing. They are fire and rot resistant and cannot be destroyed by insects. This type of roofing needs little maintenance, hence is a popular option.

Wood shakes wear, over time, but it is a natural look and the wood allows a house to take in air. Unfortunately, they are also susceptible to mold, rot and insects. This roofing requires appropriate repairs and renovation. Standing-seam steel, aluminum or coated steels are popular metal roofing varieties. These are strong, fire resistant and need low maintenance. Mostly made from eco-friendly material, they weigh less and maybe installed over existing roof structures.

Slate, although a costly option, offers an extremely natural appearance and great fire resistance. Slate roofing requires low maintenance and is not at risk from insects. They are also heavy, brittle and cause difficulties in rooftop repairs and drainage cleaning. Concrete includes a variety of fiber-reinforced cement products. They are durable, long lasting and need low maintenance.

Purchasing high priced materials does not always mean they will be superior and not all products are suitable for the needs of all homes. It is vital that homeowners choose the right material, ensure correct installation and conduct timely assessments, which provides longevity of roofs. If the right selection is made, a roof may survive for 20 to 50 years, and at times, much longer.

Roofing provides detailed information on Roofing, Metal Roofing, Roofing Contractor, Roofing Material and more. Roofing is affiliated with Asphalt Shingles.

The Types and Features of Sunrooms

A specially built room enclosed mostly with glass to afford maximum exposure to sun is what is called a sunroom. If properly planned, the sunroom can be as comfortable as any other room in your house.17B2 The best part about building sunrooms is that it is quick and easy to build, unlike the traditional mortar and brick houses. It provides you the twin benefits of enjoying both outdoor and indoor surroundings. This benefit serves as a perfect retreat for nature lovers as they can sit comfortably in a homely atmosphere and watch and experience the beauty and thrill of nature.

Why Adding A Sunroom?

If you have the traditional rooms, then what is the use of adding a sunroom? The answer to this is simple since the sunrooms provide you with ample benefits. The traditional rooms are incapable of allowing light into the room other than from the doors and windows. With sunrooms, you can fill you room with natural light. They can be installed at any place you want to and add space to your house. If you love to stay outdoors and couldnt do so because of unfriendly climatic conditions, insects and other invasions, the sunrooms provide you the best year-round solution.

You need to select sunrooms properly so that it keeps you comfortable even during the chilly winter nights and the scorching summer months. It provides the perfect place for the family members to get together for cups of early morning and late evening coffee. They lend a sophisticated touch to your house and your lifestyle. They can be built easily and quickly within just a few weeks and does not disrupt your home and life.

Beautifying Sunrooms with Sunroom Furniture

The sunroom is not complete if it is not properly filled with appropriate furniture. The type of sunroom furniture will depend on the reason why you have built it. If it is built in the attic, you can fill it with recreational furniture with comfortable sofas, music system, television sets and exercise equipments. If built in the bathroom for a spa experience, it needs to be properly decorated with bath and shower fixtures, perfumed candles, potted plants and soft carpets. If it is your bedroom, fill it up with a master bed with rugs, cushions and plants.

Similarly, a sunroom built as a den or a study can have wooden shelves to accommodate the books with cushions, lamps and rocking chairs. For dining purpose, you can have a center table with similar chairs surrounding it with a chandelier hanging in between. You can use it as an enclosed patio filled with sofas, chairs, floral vases and shelves to accommodate drinks and food. For kitchen purpose, you can fill it with a side table facing the glass with ovens, fridge, cutlery, flower baskets and chairs. Likewise, depending on the reason it is to be used, whether as an office room, private spa or recreational room, you fill in the furniture accordingly.

The Common Sunroom Plans

There are a number of factors that you need to consider while preparing your sunroom plans. You need to check out for planning permission. Cooperate with the constructors. According to your budget, buy the best sunroom you can afford. Prior to building it, collect information on the construction material and glazing options. Place the furniture before designing the sunroom to have an idea of the size that you require. Make sure that you calculate the size of internal floor and consider the quotations before making the purchase.

Try to use colors that match the color of your house. Make sure that there has effective insulation, glazing and roofing system. Make the height of the floor same as that of your house. Do not build the dwarf walls high as it can restrict your garden view. Build it in a room that is well used. Always select a style and shape for your sunroom that will not only go well with your room, but also enhance the overall appearance of the house.

As far as sunroom style is concerned, there are four basic styles Straight, Curved, Cathedral, and Conservatory. The patio sunroom enclosure brands can have aluminum finishes with wooden beams, with a straight, solid, insulated roof. The elegantly curved solarium designs are provided with balanced graceful lines adding a sophisticated look to your house. The Cathedral sunrooms are provided with vaulted ceilings and both side slanting roofs, offering both modern comfort and traditional style. The Conservatory style makes use of a number of glass pieces merging into a single beam on the roof. They can be styled in Victorian and Georgian models to lend a classic touch to your room.

The solariums are energy efficient. They offer low reflectivity and high visibility. The sunrooms offer you peace of mind as you sit amidst nature and indulge in you favorite pastime. It is not only healthy for the mind, but also for the body as the sunlight streaming in boosts the production of Vitamin D. The sunrooms provide you with 365 days of comfortable and healthy living, allowing you to enjoy both outdoor and indoor environment, all year round, which are better called Four Season Sunrooms

Andrew Caxton is the webmaster of http://www.allsunrooms.com, Your online resource for achieving the sunroom of your dreams. With ideas, tips and designs for different house styles. If you want to read more about patio furniture, insulated glass, kits or even how to find a sunroom contractor you should visit his website.

Pressure Treated Lumber

If you are building a deck, retaining wall or a swing set for the kids it is highly likely that your material of choice is pressure treated lumber.

Pressure treated lumber, if installed properly, should provide a 40 year useable life. However, there are some things about pressure treated lumber that you have to know, in order to obtain that life and not have your project fall apart in a few years.

To create pressure treated lumber, raw lumber is impregnated with two waterborne compounds that are copper based chemicals. The amount of copper basically determines the usage and all pressure treated lumber, sold in the US, is supposed to have a tag stapled to the end of the board signifying its pounds of preservative per cubic foot of wood product:

0.25 Above Ground

0.40 Ground Contact

0.60 Permanent Wood Foundation

2.50 Salt Water

Because the lumber is impregnated with Copper, the choice of fasteners becomes very important. When two dissimilar metals come in contact with one another a galvanic reaction is created, the outcome is that the materials corrode and disintegrate. The higher the levels of copper in the lumber the faster that the corrosion will occur.

Although most people realize that they must use corrosion resistant fasteners and connectors many do not consider items such as flashings and light poles that are also in contact with the pressure treated lumber. Of course the best metals to use for fasteners, flashings and anything else that comes in contact with the deck is stainless steel or copper whenever possible. Stainless steel is expensive and copper is not conveniently available at your local lumber supply so the next best material is steel that has been galvanized.

Galvanized fasteners come in different grades (the thickness of the coating), better manufactures mark the box with a G rating. The higher the G rating, the more zinc used. You shouldnt use less than a G-90 rating and engineers are now suggesting the use of G-185. If the box is not marked it is probably a G-60 or less and this will not provide enough zinc coating to prevent galvanization from occurring. Cadmium plated nuts, bolts and screws do not provide any protection from corrosion whatsoever.

Some manufactures have created composite coatings for use with pressure treated lumber. Read the label on the box and make sure that what you are buying is suitable for the job.

Do not use aluminum flashing, deck flashing must be stainless steel, galvanized or copper. Aluminum corrodes very quickly when in contact with copper. This also means that metals items that come in contact with the pressure treated lumber must also be protected, items such as outdoor furniture, and barbeques should have rubber or vinyl feet or wheels.

For additional information on pressure treated lumber for your home or other renovation projects, visit Renovation Headquarters.

Garage Door Rough Openings

One of the most confusing aspects of homebuilding can be the rough opening for an overhead garage door. It is one of the most frequent questions I am asked.

The rough opening for a garage door, simply put, is the actual size of the door itself. For example, if the garage door is a 7'0" x 16'0", then that is the size the rough opening should be framed to. This is also what the opening in the Foundation should be. The studs and cripples will then stop right at the edge of the Foundation.

The Foundation usually drops 8" to allow the concrete floor to be poured over the top of it. This has to be accounted for when figuring the length of the cripples to get the right height of the overhead door header. Normally the floor is poured 3" below the top of the Foundation wall. If the overhead door is 7' then 4 and 1/2" is subtracted from that height. This is the 3" drop and 1 1/2" for the bottom plate. Your total cripple length would be 6' 7 1/2".

Once the floor is poured, the door jambs can be installed. The width of these jamb pieces vary with the size of the wall and what the wall is finished with (brick, siding, dryvit, etc). The header piece is installed first, then the two side pieces. These go from the header to the finished concrete floor. Once the jambs are in the door can be installed. With the door installed the door stops are then put on either with or without weatherstripping.

If you know the door size of your overhead door, you know the rough opening. From there its determining where to start and stop your framing.

(c) Mike Merisko www.sawkerfs.com

About the Author: Mike Merisko has been a carpenter for 26 years. Most of those years were spent in the homebuilding and remodeling industries. He was also in business as a carpentry and general contractor. While that is his forte, he also has experience in bridge building, commercial construction, and exhibit building which is how he earns his living these days. You can browse through articles by him and others at his website http://www.sawkerfs.com or visit his blog at http://www.sawkerfs.blogspot.com

To See or Not to See-Bathroom Mirrors

Even in bathrooms, mirrors are an important piece of the dcor. The choice of your bathroom mirror can create completely different looks in the same room. Mirrors can reflect light to make the room look larger or to reflect a particular decorative piece to create emphasis on it. The frame, size, and shape will have an affect on your most private room.

Frame

Since bathrooms are usually smaller, you will need to choose mirrors that are light framed or frameless for a more delicate style. Wrought iron can be delicately woven to provide a light touch. Other light frames could be made of thin bronze or polished nickel frame. Frameless mirrors will often have beveled or etched edges for light decoration. Just remember the goal is to create a lighter room to add a sense of depth and dimension to the small space. Avoid heavy frames that will only crowd the small bathroom space even more.

Size

The size of your bathroom mirror will depend upon the size of the room and the size of the vanity or tub you will put it over. Never allow the mirror to extend over the edge of the vanity or tub because it will create an unbalanced look in the room. For a double-sink vanity, you can use one large rectangular mirror from edge-to-edge. This will perfectly reflect enough light to increase the impression of more open space. You may choose to have two separate mirrors for each sink, but you will probably need to add more lighting aro85Cund each. For an inset tub, placing a wall-to-wall mirror above it will also add airiness to a space that would otherwise feel too enclosed.

Shapes

The shape of your bathroom mirror will be affected by the style you are trying to achieve and the purpose the mirror will serve. Large rectangles over a double-sink vanity create a great deal of light for shaving or applying make-up. For a stand-alone make-up vanity, you may want a Victorian style oval mirror to frame the lady's face perfectly as she applies her make-up or arranges her hair. A full-length dressing mirror may be appropriate on the back of the door or as a part of the shower door.

The style of your bathroom mirror will help you to achieve your own personal touch in your bathroom. Traditional styles will best be complemented by light framed oval mirrors. Contemporary styles will favor the frameless beveled mirrors. If you choose a framed style, you can blend it with the cabinets in the room. Bathroom mirrors are as varied as people, so only your imagination will limit you.

Janett has worked as a home interior decorator for more than 10 years, so she knows the importance of a well placed mirror in your bedroom or your bathroom. Janett will give you a list of answers to questions on http://www.mirrorguide.com , in order for you to find the best contemporary mirrors that is best suited for your room.

Materials and Practices in High Performance Homes

In my last article I defined High Performance Homes; A High Performance Homes is one that uses sustainable materials, is energy efficient, and uses value added green building practices that causes it to be friendlier to the environment. In the next few articles we will look at some of the materials and practices used to produce the High Performance Home.

The single biggest heat sink or energy robber in a home is the windows. There are several things to consider here. First and foremost is the total square footage of windows. Ive never had someone come to me and say Ronnie build me a home thats dark and doesnt have many windows. Always it goes like this,I want a home that is light and airy. Then of course the buyer covers all of the windows with blinds, shades, shutters, drapes, curtains, or heaven forbid foil and seldom opens them due to excessive heat, cold or allergens in the air.

What should you do when designing or selecting a new home? Be realistic. The more windows, the bigger the windows, the bigger the utility bills. If you can, keep your windows down to 15% or so of the exterior wall square footage. Strategically place them to maximize views and limit the direct exposure to the sun. Keep the windows from facing the East or West this will help tremendously. If the windows can be located under a porch or patio so that it has a large overhang protecting them they will perform much better. Also, a larger Cornish overhang will help protect windows as well as shade the exterior walls.

There is an organization that evaluates windows and scores them as to how you can expect them to perform; giving the consumer a chance to be sure they are getting the best product for their money. It is The National Fenestration Rating Council. They subject windows to testing and prescribe how they must be built to obtain a certain score. The scoring speaks to the ability of the windows to block the transmission of heat and ultraviolet rays.

Look for windows that have a low U-Factor score. This score indicates the windows ability to block heat. A lower score is better. Many builders are using good windows with scores in the .50 range. I like those that are .35 or lower. The next score to look at is Solar Heat Gain. Again many windows are being installed with a score around .50. We install those with a score of .32 or lower. Lower is better here as well. Then, the window coverings mentioned before will add additional protection from heat and ultraviolet penetration.

Let me briefly mention doors. Most doors today are made of steel, fiberglass, wood or glass. Nothing insulates like insulation. Hollow doors like steel or fiberglass can be filled with insulation. Wood is not a particularly good insulator and glass is worse. Generally I prefer steel with fiberglass a close second. These doors dont rot or warp and provide the most security and energy efficiency.

Try to avoid sliding glass doors, after all, what are they but large windows and therefore a big heat sink. And double French doors are hard to keep from leaking heat in or out of your home. If you need that look think of placing a window close to a door or 2 separately cased doors close to each other.

In my next article we will continue to explore best building materials and practices and talk specifically about insulation.

Copyright 2007

Ronnie Godfrey, Certified Graduate Builder
For more information about this article and other energy saving tips, visit our website http://www.RGodfreyHomes.com

Sauna Kits Or Pre-Builts

Wouldn't it be nice to have a sauna installed in your home? Is the cost of hiring a contractor prohibitive? If you install a sauna kit or a pre-built sauna yourself, you will actually save over half the cost of having to hire a contractor.

If you decide to install a sauna kit or a pre-built sauna in hour house, it may be easier than you think. All you need to have for the job is just a few simple tools. Pre-built saunas are easier to install than kits. They will fit together in no time by just using a simple Allen wrench.

What's the Difference?

A sauna kit is a package that contains all of the precut pieces that are needed to build a sauna. If you want to assemble a kit, it is usually a straightforward process which can be accomplished with only a few simple tools.

What is even easier is a pre-built sauna. It has been assembled into a few large pieces that just need to be connected together. It is just like putting together the piece of a puzzle only not as hard!

One great advantage of a pre-built sauna is its portability. You probably will not want to take it on a weekend trip, but if you ever want to sell your home, you will be able to take your sauna with you.

You will find that a pre-built sauna is going to be more expensive than a comparable sized sauna kit. If time is a factor, you may want to spend the additional money and buy the pre-built sauna. You can have it up and operating in as little as thirty minutes.

To learn more about infrared saunas select one of the links provided.

http://www.all-about-saunas.com

Save 60% On Infrared saunas.

Learn more about the Infrared sauna kits.

Kitchen Counter Update

The idea of updating your kitchen may seem a bit scary. After all, a kitchen overhaul may well cost you into the thousands depending on what needs to be done. Your kitchen is a multi-purpose room and gets a lot of use each and every day. You cook, clean, entertain and relax in your kitchen. You should no5B4t have to live with outdated colors and worn out counters. The good news is that you do not have to-any size kitchen can use an update and your budget does not matter either. Even if you are on the smallest of budgets, there are great ways you can quickly update your counters without breaking the bank.

Quick Ways to Update your Counters

If you have a small budget or if you want to update your counters quickly, you do have several options. Painting is one way, but it is often not the most efficient way to breath new life into your kitchen. If you cannot afford to replace old and worn counters, then you may want to think about counter resurfacing. There are many companies out there that can fit your existing counters with a new look. If your counters are made of wood or Formica, then resurfacing works best. Tile is harder to resurface, but it can be done. Wood or butcher block counters are also ideal for resurfacing.

Picking Out New Kitchen Counters

As you begin looking at your kitchen counter project, you may determine that resurfacing is not an option. In that case, it is time to go shopping. Picking out great countertops can be quite a job. In fact, most decorating professionals recommend that you start out by looking at photographs in magazines to determine the look that you want before you hit the stores. Do you like the look of tile? Do you love the durability of granite? Perhaps you only have the budget for For58Fmica. Whatever it is that you want, you will not have any problems finding it. Concentrate on the material that you want and then choose colors that look good with your existing kitchen dcor. Even if you get Formica or other laminate surface, you can get all styles to look like almost any other type of material.

Shopping for New Countertops

When you begin shopping, make sure you look around for the best prices. Check your local home and kitchen cabinets improvement stores and also at wholesale stores. You might even check online to see if you can special order your new counter top at discount prices. Also, if you are looking to save money, then you might want to think about doing the work yourself. With a little education, you can learn how to do this. Cutting out a contractor could save you a bundle. Grab a friend and you should be able to complete this project in a weekend or less. If you cannot handle the project on your own, then hire a trusted contractor or professional that can complete your counter project from start to finish.

Guy Morris continually writes papers on news similar to tables. His comments on kitchens cabinets can be found on 26Ahttp://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com.

Renovating Your Kitchen - Amazing Kitchen Plans

Our home is very personal, we will often fill it with the very best things that we can afford. Things that we enjoy, this way our houses represent our personality. If you ask many people which the favorite room of their house is then they will probably say it's their kitchen. The kitchen is a very useful space, but it is also commonly used for meeting friends and family. How many times have you stood talking waiting for the kettle to boil? Too many to count I'll bet!

This is why when considering home renovation projects the kitchen is one of the most important rooms that needs to be updated. In order to make kitchen renovations a success you need to come up with a fantastic kitchen renovation plan which makes it look perfect, while also still being a functional and useable space. We're now going to look at some of the interesting kitchen renovation tips which can make kitchen renovation much more successful.

Amazing kitchen renovation tips

You should stop for a moment and think about what it is you intend to gain from renovating your kitchen, what will the new kitchen look like? You should write down a list of all the areas that you will be concentrating on, and list any appliances that need to be replaced.

Once you've got your plan you shouldn't just start. You should actually ask other people in your family for their opinion. You don't need to hire an interior decorator, but you do need to get some external input. Remember everyone in your family will be using your kitchen, so it's got to be a room that everyone will enjoy otherwise there is no point in starting the project.

You may also get some interesting ideas that you hadn't previously thought of. It would also be a good idea to read some of the kitchen design magazines as these will help to give you some interesting design tips for your kitchen. These magazines are very useful as they also give you ideas where you can get the materials required from.

You should then decide whether you want to do the work yourself, or whether you want to hire a professional to do it for you. It's completely up to you, if you feel comfortable then go for it!

Peter Mason's detailed articles can be found on a lot of websites with reference to free scroll saw projects and Christmas scroll saw patterns. Recording his experience in detailed writings, the reviewer improved his know-how on things related to free scroll saw plans and free scroll saw projects.

Door Hardware - An Overview Of Door Hardware In The 21 Century

The faade of your house is your image to the rest of the world. From the color of the paint to your style of siding, how your lawn is kept or the door hardware you use. When someone comes to the door they can be greeted by a myriad of entry possibilities.

Be it your exterior door hardware or your interior it counts toward style points with your guests and shows your taste and what kind of person you are. From pocket door hardware and sliding door hardware to garage door hardware. The one key exception is in regards to pocket door hardware.

Pocket door hardware is functional and has no bearing on physical appearance. The pocket door hardware includes rails of metal or plastic with rollers or casters that allows the door to glide into and out of an extended wall on either side to seal off a room. The pocket door hardware can be cheap or expensive. The expensive side allows your doors to remain steady and glide shut easily whereas the cheaper will have you seeing your door sag and be tougher to pull shut.

The inlay handles are the one part of pocket door hardware that is decorative. You can get them in silver, gold and plastic. The metal pocket door hardware is able to be etched or engraved which is recommended if you want some style.

Sliding door hardware is slightly less hard to get hold of than that of pocket doors. Their located near the back of the house, leading out to the pool or the deck. The sliding door hardware is primarily a sturdy plastic but it doesnt have to be. It can be replaced with metal of aluminum or you can go high hog and get silver or gold.

Does the sliding door hardware keep the door snug to frame or away from it? Does it hang, suspended or firmly attached? Does the sliding door hardware allow your door to glide softly or squeak in pain when you close it? Choose sliding door hardware based on these thoughts as well as money you wish to spend.

Garage door hardware is often times overlooked, but depending on your style of house its one of the first things people see when coming to visit. Besides the usual garage door hardware we have to have such as a motor, metal beams and the sort. Theyre useful to shop for when you need your door to close smoothly but the look doesnt matter as long as it functions.

The exterior garage door hardware, like the sliding door or pocket door is overlooked. Choosing from handles of aluminum, gold or silver or simple twist knobs to turn and pull open the door also in the styled metals.

The real style points come from the exterior door hardware. Choosing from gold or silver, from knobs to push unlocks. The choices are varied and can sometimes be hard to decide on. Besides the regular door hardware you can select to have knockers affixed along with your door knobs for added flare. This door hardware is not only fun but classical. The lions head is a popular favorite but your regular etched door hardware as a knocker will work just as well and be eye-catching.

Rob Hargreaves - An American Locksmith working for NYC Locksmith Company, Mr-Locks Inc. For more information on installation and repairs of security doors, interior doors, exterior doors, call Mr-Locks now.

Cabinet Door Hinges - A Hardware Option That Is Perfect For Improving The Look Of Your Cabinetry

Feel like sprucing up the look of your kitchen or bathroom cabinetry, but don't want to take on a refurbishing project to do it? If that is the scenario that you're faced with, there is actually an easy way to revamp their appearance. All you have to do is purchase some new cabinet hardware for it, including cabinet door hinges. With the new hardware in place, your cabinets will have never looked better.

Really, getting new cabinet hardware like cabinet door hinges is an excellent way to improve the appearance of your cabinetry? How is this possible, well it is becauE54se of their gorgeous look that is the result of the many eye-catching metals that they can be made from, which are then finished off in a number of lovely ways. For example, you can get ones that are made from brass that are then polished and have a bright appearance to them. Or, you can also get ones made from brass, but instead of the polished finish they have a burnished one. Some of the other metals they can be crafted from include steel, stainless steel, wrought iron, and aluminum while some other finishes are brushed, hand rubbed, and distressed.

What is great about all the material and finishing options is that it creates cabinet door hinges and other hardware of all different types and styles. Like, the ones that have the regular polished finish are those that are on the traditional side while the ones that are burnished would be more antique. There are other style options as well including those that are more modern in appearance and others that have a colonial feel, making it easy for you to find exactly what you want for your space.

When buying your cabinet hardware, make sure to replace all the hardware on your cabinetry. This is essential since if you don't, you're going to end up with this weird looking creation that will not be all that appealing to the eye. So, get everything from the start at that includes those cabinet door hinges that have previously been mentioned along with knobs, drawer pulls, and drawer slides. Yes, drawer slides because believe it or not, people end up looking at your drawers when you open them and if they see they don't match, then what kind of message is that going to send? Not a good one to say the least.

To easily check out all the cabinet door hinges you can get along with the other hardware that is out there, just go online and do some shopping. Really, online shopping is the way to go because you don't have to go anywhere besides your computer room to do it and in an instant you can breeze through all the selections available. And, when you do come across something you want and purchase it, it will be shipped right to your home. Really, nothing is more convenient.

Ultimately, if you want to spruce up the look of your kitchen or bathroom cabinets, but don't want to spend a lot of time and money doing it, just replace its hardware, including its cabinet door hinges. It's a simple way to make a great decorative impression and will have people coming to your for home interior advice.

Author Jennifer Akre is the owner of a wide variety of online speciality stores that provide consumers with both information and products perfect for either their indoor or outdoor space. Today, she offers valuable advice to consumers when purchasing luxurious cabinet hinges, elegant door hinges, and lavish hinges.

Spring Into a New Sunroom For Less Than You Think

Imagine an area of your home that is as close to outside you can get, has plenty of sunlight, and an airy temperature, only without the mosquitoes and weather to contend with. These enclosed areas, also known as sunrooms, can be added to the plans of most homes, and dont have to cost a fortune. Many homeowners see a sunroom as an investment to use as a home office, playroom, or seating area to relax in. Prices of sunrooms depend on how the sunroom will be used, how much exposure to sunlight vs. shade it gets, the size of the sunroom, and the various options like number of doors, number of windows, and type of glass. Take a look at the different types of sunrooms available.

Seasonal Sunrooms Single pane glass windows, screens full length or starting 2 or 3 feet up the wall after a knee-wall and natural ventilation categorize this type of sunroom. Usually not air conditioned or heated, the room can be used year round in temperate climates and spring to fall in parts of the country with cold winters.

Screened room or screened porch Economical for people who plan to just use their sunrooms in the spring, fall and summer, this can be a great way to get more use out of your patio and deck. The screen panels let in fresh air, but keep insects away. Usually can only be used during summer and when its warmer in the fall and spring.

Conservatories and Solariums These sunrooms consist of insulated glass and may be used year round as long as local building codes are followed because they can be heated or air conditioned. Typically, built with a curve or straight eave roof, these rooms may have full-length glass or include a knee-wall.

Other Decisions For Homeowners To Make That Determine Cost

• Do I want to use an existing space for the sunroom or add an extra space to my home?

Building another space instead of using an existing space like a patio or a deck will be costlier. However, homeowners may simply prefer adding an extra space to their home instead of using an existing space.

• Do I want a partial glass room or a full glass room?

Sunrooms can contain varying amounts of glass. Some sunrooms may be made almost entirely of glass, whereas others may have roofs and regular walls that start at the floor and go up the wall 2 or 3 feet before the windows begin. Deciding on a partial or full glass room depends on what look you prefer, what you want to get out of the room, as well as the architecture and code specifications of the building.

• When do I plan to use my sunroom?

Three season sunrooms are great if you just want to use your sunroom in the warmer seasons and keep out bugs, wind and rain. On the other hand, four season sunrooms provide a comfortable temperature all the time from the hottest summer afternoon to the coldest winter night with their insulated ceilings, walls and glass windows. In most parts of the country, where the seasons change, only the four season sunroom is capable of providing an enjoyable atmosphere during colder temperatures.

• What type of wall structure for my sunroom do I prefer? Wall structures can be made of wood, aluminum, clad or vinyl / PVC.

-Wood: Prone to rotting and needs regular maintenance but many people like the look it provides to a sunroom and its energy-efficient qualities. Most expensive to use.

-Aluminum: Good for structural support but not for insulation. Little maintenance needed. Second cheapest behind vinyl / PVC.

-Clad: Little maintenance needed and energy efficient. Moderate price.

-Vinyl / PVC: Little maintenance needed. Most have internal support of steel or aluminum. Inexpensive and good at insulating.

• Where should my sunroom be located? It really depends on what you want to use it for but here are the best locations for the area of the country you live in and for when you want to use it:

-Northern Exposure: Will be shaded most of the day, which is good if you live in the South. Homeowners living further north may need a heating system.

-Eastern Exposure: Provides sun in the morning and shade in the afternoon. Perfect for early birds who plan on using their sunrooms to eat breakfast or exercise in.

-Western Exposure: Can provide harsh afternoon sun exposure so is best for the sunset views and those using their sunrooms in the evenings.

-Southern Exposure: Location that allows the most sunlight in, great for northerners but those living in the south may find they need a cooling system.

Many homeowners choose other amenities to add to their sunrooms like a ceiling fan, fireplace, blinds, and skylights if the roof is solid and not all glass. Costs, not including labor and installation, start at about $5,000 for a screened room, $10,000 for a seasonal sunroom and $15,000 for a conservatory. Prices can go up to $30,000+ depending on types of windows, wall structure, and other factors. Keep in mind, however, that sunrooms rarely depreciate in value over time and add greatly to a homes appeal.

All Around the Home (http://www.allaroundthehome.com) is a national home improvement contractor directory. Homeowners can find established, quality contractors such as sunroom contractors with experience in planning and building sunrooms.

Freestanding Bathtubs Add A Touch Of Class

Things do tend to go in circles. This is true of fashion, with styles of clothes that we thought were dead and buried suddenly returning to become this year's thing. This is true of bathroom design and the movement of the last few years to make everything neat and with straight cleB4Fan lines, with all the hardware of the bathroom encased in wooden frames has in many ways been replaced by a much more freeform look with relaxed lines and a more open plan design. One thing that this movement has brought about has been the return of the old-style freestanding bathtub.

However, if you think that a freestanding bathtub needs to be in an old-fashioned design, then you can think again. That is not to say that many people really do prefer an old-fashioned traditional look, such as that transmitted by claw foot bathtubs for instance, but there are now many styles of freestanding bathtub that owe much to modern designs, albeit with a splash of classical antiquity thrown in for good measure, and which can look absolutely beautiful in the most modern bathroom filled with ceramic and chrome.

Some of the bathtubs on offer from American Standard, for instance, are based on very pure classic designs, with some of the tubs being almost square, and looking for all the world like miniature swimming pools in your bathroom. These hark back to the bathrooms of antiquity, and that means Roman times rather than Victorian times. Install one of these bathtubs in your bathroom and you can suddenly find that the whole look of the room can be transformed, turning it into somewhere that looks something like a shrine rather than a place to have a bath.

The great thing about this move to a more open plan design is that it makes the bathroom exactly that - open plan. And with the new style of open plan design comes a really great feeling of spaciousness, which means while you relax in the tub you can look out as a much more spacious room, with the bathtub being the center of attraction, rather than it being something stuck in the corner.

So if you are thinking of redesigning your bathroom, don't think that your bathtub has to stay in the same position. If you have a bit of space to play with think about placing your bathtub - a freestanding bathtub of course - on a pedestal in the center of the room, and then when you have your bath you can look around your bathroom and see all parts of it rather than just simply looking in one direction. There is nothing better than being the center of the room for a feeling of luxury, and that is what bathing is supposed to be about in the first place.

Carl Formby owns and operates http://www.bathtubworld.com, an online resource for helping you choose from one of the many Bathtubs available on the market today, and with some great information on Freestanding Bathtubs

House Styles for Homes Lovers

Colonialary House
The characteristics of colonial house follow to Georgian architecture is a square area house, that may have one or two story rectangular shape, roof dormers and eaves-front of symmetrical building with the central door. Straight lines of multi-paned windows with double-hung sash are on the first and second floor. The entry of the house is frequently decorated with classic style such as columns, pediments, pilasters, fanlights, etc. A colonial style house5B4 usually has a formally-defined living room, dining room and family room. The bedrooms are typically on the second floor and may have staircase at the center or to either side.

Modern House
The characteristics of Modern House Designs is the house that composed of geometric shapes suit for new technology and young adults, flat roofs and smooth wall surfaces. The windows are set flush with the walls with no decorative trim. The entrance to the house is asymmetrical. Decorate the front of the house with modern style architectures.

Country House
The country houses are usually built in rural areas outside of cities, suitable for people who love natural environment and beautiful view. The characteristic of country house styles are combine several traditional architectural details on their well-proportioned. The house always has gabled roofs higher in pitch than other home styles. Large wrap around porches, cozy facades, gables, lap siding, shuttered windows, and dormer windows. Inside the house, use tall ceilings for ventilate the air.

Thai House
The characteristics of Thai house are different from another style. Thai House use high floor level allowing an average height man to walk under the floor. The reasons of high floor level are safety from wild beasts during night time and used for producing handmade products. The other characteristic of Thai house is a high gabled roof and ample sl5B0anting eaves. Forty percent of the total floor area is a large platform area for receive to sunshine and good clean air. The major material of Thai house style is teakwood and decorates with Thai traditional potteries.

Cape Cod House
The Cape Cod house is the most common building type. The characteristic of the house is symmetrical design which front bay central entry, one and a half stories eaves. The roofs are usually low to moderately pitch and the dominant rooflines extend down the front and the back of the home to the first floor. The Cape Cod houses have side gables and a small overhang, a central door, multi-paned, double-hung windows and low ceilings. The floor of the house often uses hardwood.

Navivar Athi is a pharmacist. Any questions of health and medicines, you can consult him at Health-Care His websites include: Computer Games and Home-Garden

Put Some Beauty To Your Open Spaces With Awning

Awnings could be a good addition to any terrace, balcony, patio, doorways, decks, windows, poolside, driveway, Jacuzzi and other open spaces that should require decreasing warm weather temperatures and protection. Aside from providing additional shelter from the elements, it can enhance the exterior beauty of your home. Awnings are also good energy savers.

Depending on the direction that your house faces, an awning can save you considerable cuts on air-conditioning costs. There are different kinds of awnings that can be used for residential and commercial purposes.

The Retractable Awning

The retractable type is the most versatile of all awnings. It can provide direct protection from the sun and can be tilted up to 45 degrees. It is a good option if you need an awning that can be adjusted from time to time according to the requirements of shading that you will need. Retractable awnings come in different shade, color, design and retain the brightness of the space where it is placed. Retractable awnings are easily installed and can be removed just as easily. Provided the awning is not supplied with an electric motor, which is one of its options, you would not need help from a licensed electrician.

This awning has retractable arms that are spring loaded providing the tension to the fabric when it is rolling down its tube. Using this awning is like creating and additional space to your structure without the need for contractors. It is also the least expensive as it does not require construction.

When sufficient slopes are made, retractable awnings can keep your terraces, balconies, patios etc. clean and protected from rain. It however should be guarded during inclement weather, never during snow and must be rolled up when there is hail.

With retractable awnings, light and shade can be controlled. It can provide protection to your furnitures, carpets and fixtures from fading.

Most retractable awnings have options for an electric motor. These are recommended for outdoor plug ins and will need indoor switches. When you choose to install a retractable awning with motor, have a licensed electrician install it for you.

Stationary Awnings are good protection for the structure and can save you money for utility costs.

Canvas Awnings can provide additional protection to your deck window, patio and balcony aside from beautifying them. The shade it provide can help you enjoy more outdoor activities while protecting your drapes, carpets and furnitures from premature fading.

Canvas awnings come in different shade colors, patterns and designs, Styles could either be the double bar standard, dome shaped, open sides, the traditional closed sides, waterfall, quarter barrel and semi-circular. Canvass awnings are durable. It can last up to ten years and replacements are not expensive. There are also a wide variety of frames that you can choose from. Selection of frames can be aluminum or steel, anodized and powder-coated.

Metal Awnings or Aluminum awnings have three main categories the louvered awnings, the stationary awnings and the door hoods/canopies. These types of awnings are designed for durability. However like all awnings, the Aluminum awnings can bend when heavy load is placed on it like the accumulation of snow or hail.

Awnings support and paneling are constructed from tough double-gauged aluminum panels that are designed for all-weather durability. Its sides provide extra ventilation allowing hot air not to accumulate on the shaded areas. Metal awnings are available in designs that will fit and add beauty to window doors and pathways.

Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides awning resources on http://www.your-awning.info

Remodeling Porches Can Add More Fun to Your Home

Homeowners in Atlanta, Georgia found a way to enjoy the spring and summer without being disturbed by mosquitoes. They turned a plain porch into a screened-in palace of enjoyment.

Of course, a screened-in stump is not attractive or appealing. Creating a screened in porch that is enjoyable and eye catching takes a little more effort and the right tools. The environment also needed to be taken into account. The humidity and high temperatures of Georgia and the exterior of the house had to be considered. The first task the homeowners knew was necessary was cutting the inside of the frame to accommodate a slope in the porch.

These are the steps they followed:

1. They started with sheets of pre-primed 4x8 foot beadboard ceiling paneling was trimmed to fit.

2. Next they installed the ceiling panel and fan. Instead of holding the paneling in place they used a nail gun. Next they wired the ceiling fan and panel. The light and fan made the porch even more accessible by providing illumination for night time and dropping the temperature by up to ten degrees. Two people will be needed to install the fan. One to hold it and one to connect the wires and make sure the it is in place.

3. The 2x4 frame of the porch was measured to fit the screens that were installed later on. The vertical braces were nailed to the crosspieces.

4. A staple gun was used to connect pine and plywood beadboard interior paneling. The panel was level across the top but trimmed at the bottom because it needed to slope to handle rain runoff.

5. The hardboard exterior panels were put up one at a time, beginning at the bottom and moving up. The first panel had to be custom-cut due to the shape of the ground. The homeowners worked hard to match a pale yellow paint with the weathered color of the house.

6. The final step of the project was finishing off the screen. The vinyl grids had channels in them that were screwed right into the wooden frames. Aluminum or fiberglass screens can be put in to create a seamless look. Use a mallet to close the caps on the vinyl channels.

For homeowners that are searching for ways to renovate their porch, there are plenty of different ways to do it. Porch renovations can spice up a dreary backyard. They can also add value to your home if they are done properly. Find out what other homeowners are doing to improve their porches.

Vince Paxton's news stories can be found on countless web pages linked to kobalt tool boxes and kobalt tool box. His publications on kobalt tools are found on http://www.insidewoodworking.com/topto/kobalttools.html.

Remodeling Your Home - Remember Your Neighbors!

If you are planning a major home renovation, an addition or landscaping, dont forget about your neighbors. Although you may be willing to put up with the dust, dirt, debris and noise in order to improve the value of your home, your neighbors may not see it in the same light!

Within a subdivision or where there are other properties close to yours. Your construction project will be an annoyance to the neighbors. This can affect the relationship with your neighbors for years to come.

What might they face?

• Noise from vehicles, power tools, and other mechanical equipment coupled with a continuous noise of driving in nails and banging on metal ventilation pipes can be extremely annoying. Your neighbors, who feel they have the right to a peaceful lifestyle, while at home, can truly be upset. Small children need to have afternoon naps, as well if you have neighbors who work night shifts and need to sleep during the day, they will not be allowed to accomplish their goals.
• The numerous trucks parked on the street, in front of your neighbors homes, may create driving and parking problems. This can also create a safety problem if there are a lot of young children in the neighborhood.
• All that is needed is a little wind and dirt, dust, waste construction materials, and garbage will conveniently end up on your neighbors properties.
• The closer your neighbors home to yours, the more of an annoyance it will be. Where homes have side-by-side driveways, heavy vehicles may do actual damage to your neighbors property.
• Your neighbors may have to put up with an unappealing visual image of a garbage dumpster and tons of building materials in your driveway for an extended period of time.
• A situation that can be uncomfortable not only to your neighbors, but to your own family is inappropriate language used by the work crews. (This is something that should be discussed with all contractors at the time of contract. Contractors should be informed that inappropriate language will not be tolerated under any conditions).

What can you do to help reduce the pain and anguish suffered by your neighbors as you increase the value of your property?

• The first point is to notify your neighbors before the project starts. Dont let them wake-up to the sound of trucks rolling into your driveway. If you tell your neighbors what you are going to do, how long it is going to take and that you will do everything in your power not to inconvenience them, it will go along way to peace and harmony.
• Be sensitive to the hours of the day. Tell contractors that they can only work between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm. There is nothing worse than being woken up, or not being able to enjoy your dinner. If possible, dont allow contractors to work on weekends.
• Ensure that the contractors understand that they are responsible for any and all damage to your neighbors properties.
• Ensure that the contractors understand that they are responsible and that it is a priority, that they retrieve and cleanup any and all garbage and/or debris that ends up on your neighbors property. All though this applies to all home renovation, remodel or landscaping projects, it is especially important with any Roofing project. Roofing projects have a tendency to have enormous amounts of debris scattered for long distances.
• If it is a project such as landscaping or an addition where a lot of the work is being done outside, you should ensure that the work area is properly protected in order to prevent children from using your construction zone as a playground with the possibility that they could get injured.
• If your project is raising a lot of dust, it is a good gesture to provide your neighbors with car wash coupons. On the same note, it may be appropriate to offer to have your neighbors windows and siding washed.
• Once the project is fully complete, people can hear themselves think again and the garbage has been hauled away throw a neighborhood barbeque and dont be cheap, hamburgers for the kids, steaks for the adults and you supply the beer, wine and other alcoholic beverages. The neighbors will be dieing to see what you have done to your home to see if they might be an annoyance to you and your family in the near future.

For additional information on home improvement, remodel or renovation projects, including landscaping and gardening, visit Renovation Headquarters.

Home Renovation Tip - Color Coordination - Critical

Colors are very important in home renovations. So are the correct materials You don't want all that time, effort and renovation money to be wasted by poor color or inappropriate materials selection. We had used the color-coordinator, Debbie, from the store where we purchased our paint in a prior home's main floor and because of the nice job she did there we had her come out and give us color recommendations for this entire house. However, it was the material selection that came first.

BEFORE

The first picture is the 'before' picture of the family room. Notice the blue carpet, blue walls and floor to ceiling fireplace. While blue may bring the sky into the house, it does nothing for bringing the forest directly behind the house inside. The carpet is man made. It does nothing to accentuate the view from the windows along the southern exposure. The floor to ceiling brick fireplace overpowered everything else. The curtains were at least 10 years old an935d there was no lighting other than floor lamps and the southern exposure windows out to the backyard & forest.

AFTER

The picture below is the first of two 'after' photographs. Pot lights on a dimmer switch were installed in the ceiling. The blue paint was replaced (after double washing of the walls with TSP for the smoke/ nicotine) with an earthy green to complement the forest view our the windows. The blue carpet was replaced with natural hardwood, Jatoba Espresso, which we think complements the wall color, the trees of the forest out back as well as the color of our kitchen counter of which a sneak peak can be seen to the right in the picture (more on the kitchen in further posts).

Also, we had the part of the fireplace above the mantle covered with fire-retardant drywall so it no longer is the focal point of the room; the focal point becomes the forest out the windows. The window coverings were replaced with a pull-down, see-through fabric shade. We chose this to keep the sun's rays from directly hitting the hardwood (and in time fading the dark brown stain) yet allow us to still see outside.

If the strategy is to bring more of the forest view inside the house, then the techniques of complimentary natural products (e.g. hardwood, not carpet), complimentary paint colours (earthy greens and browns vs light blue) and non-obtrusive products (see through curtains or wood shutters) can be very powerful.

For the photographs referenced in this article, and other articles on our home renovation experiences please use the link in the resources section to access our blog, Daily Home Renovation Tips.

http://dailyhomerenotips.com/

Shower Stall Framing

If you want to create a shower stall in your bathroom, you need to learn about shower stall framing first. By defining the space for this project, you will begin to create a stable area in which to begin your building. You can also do creative things like add only a half a wall to a part of the shower, helping to maintain privacy during the shower, but also to give a unique look to your bathroom. Here are the steps to shower framing - and they can all be done in one weekend:

Assuming that you've already measured your shower, the first step to shower framing is to create the actual frames for the walls. This will require 2x4s and some long nails to affix the pieces together. Be certain to measure out the pieces exactly -measuring twice and cutting once. You might want to lay the outside frame pieces down on the ground first and then include any supporting pieces in the layout before you actually start nailing everything together.

Adding wooden pieces to the walls and the floor of your shower will help you setup the perfect affixing point. To get a snug fit, try adding small pieces of felt along the edges of your bathroom stall area. With the help of a friend or family member, you will then want to lift the finishing stall framing and put it into place in your bathroom. Attach these pieces with galvanized steel nails that will not rust or weather in the moist conditions of the shower area.

Once the shower stall framing is up, you can add in drywall or the plastic shower stall setup that you want to put into place. This is easy to do when you have a shower stall that you simply have to place into the space, but for those that need tiling and other complicated steps, you might have to spend more time on this project. After caulking the edges of a precut shower stall and making sure that the framing is secure, you will be ready for a shower in your new bathroom within just one weekend.

This article was written by Gregg Hicks of http32A://www.reliableremodeler.com which provides Internet-based home improvement information and services. Offering homeowners a simple, quick, and free way to access, qualified home improvement remodeling contractors.