Great video on how to fix a hole in your wall .
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 your looking for some more home inspection or home building ideas.
Floor RepairsAll the homeowners can now get grant for home improvement repair and remodeling by the federal government who are lacking with the funds to do the same. These grants for repair of dwellings are only available for those people who do not have sufficient capital on the spot but really wish to improve the same. Home improvement grants are available only for those people who have crossed the age of 62.
Home Repair Grants offered by Federal Government can be used for the following purposes:
Repairing and fixing roofs
Fixing windows
Insulation
Fixing electrical and heating systems
Water and plumbing fittings
Grants for home repair can also be used for remodeling the dwelling to bring it to a level from low to high. This may include changing the interiors, white wash and proper furnishing etc.
Here are some useful tips to avail federal grants for home improvement, repair and remodeling:
1. First, find out what type of repair grant programs are available by the federal for the improvement in house and then choose one from your side that you think will be maximum benefit for you. Call up USDA for the same.
2. You nay also need to present a letter detailing how much funds you actually need for your home improvement, repair and modeling from a home improvement. Do not be in this impression that as these grants do not need to be refunded back you can get any amount as you wish. The maximum amount offered is $7500 and for availing the same you need to show that you actually need this much of funding.
3. These grants for improvement in residential dwellings are not refundable. Government will first verify all the things and you will get the money only if you are satisfied. So make sure that your house is actually in a bad condition before you apply for the loan. Unnecessary applying for the grant is going to be of no use.
4. Fill up the application form now with complete details that needs to be mentioned. You must be ready with all the information like pay stubs, income tax returns, bank statement, property papers etc before you apply for the grant. Federal government would need all this information for approving your grant application.
To know more about Grants for Home Repair and to check if you qualify for Government Grants
Click Here --> Federal Home Repair Grants
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Wood Fence DamageDo you know that home remodeling or home repair is an excellent way to increase the value of your home? Do you have any home repair design in your mind? You can do it yourself or hire someone else to do the job. Repairing your home is not easy, but take it easy, for there are quite a few useful tips which can help you start efficiently.
You should set up a financial plan. Before you start on you home improvement, you should workout a realistic budget. A good budget should include setting aside an amount of money for any eventualities.
Finding a good contractor is very important. You can seek help from your friends who had already done home improvement. If they are happy with a contractor's work they will be willing to give a recommendation.
If you do not have much experience with DIY home repair, you would better leave it to the professionals. Sometimes, you can not handle the complicated home repair project. Although DIY home repair can save you some money, a mistake may make things costlier later on. Some people may feel it is uncomfortable and inconvenient if hiring a professional contractor, for this means the strangers will be in and out of their home. But a professional contractor can help you lots.
Timing is a significant factor when setting up your home improvement project. You should choose a best time to start your home repair and make sure that it can be completed on time.
Remodeling your home takes more than just a design. It takes a lot of effort and dedication on your part.
Information for Your Life
Click to find more about Home Improvement, Repair and Remodeling
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.
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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/
Dust Clogging Bath Fan VentA marble kitchen countertop is one of the most sought after countertop materials that is around today and it has been so for many years. Marble countertops will add a definite touch of class and beauty that is by nature marble. Available in different colors and hues marble ranges in color from yellows and greens to the black and white which is most common.
Marble counter tops are a metamorphic rock in the limestone family. Over time limestone changes to slate under incredible heat and pressure and then further changes to marble when left under even higher amounts of heat and pressure. Marble is found in quarries around the world and can be sculpted to any shape which could be a benefit if you are trying to blend with a decorative piece.
Another thing that can be done to give it an even more defined look is a process that will give it an antique look that definitely add a certain something to even the most beautiful of kitchens. Due to its porosity marble countertops need to be sealed when they are finished or you risk changing the marble into something you will not be too happy with. The marble countertops today will last a few decades or longer with proper maintenance which can help justify the very high cost associated with a marble kitchen countertop.
Pros:
-Natural look of elegance all its own
-Every piece is unique
-Durable
-Perfect for a baking area because it retains its coolness
Cons:
-Can crack and break
-Most small blemishes can be sanded out
-High cost
A marble kitchen countertop will range anywhere from $150-250 per square foot installed the biggest variable is the amount of fabrication done to it. Marble countertops are a truly elegant and unique material that will add sophistication to any kitchen remodel that you are involved in.
Hello my name is Steven Tikas and I have a website that I have dedicated to helping people make an informed and educated decision when dealing with kitchen remodeling. For more specific information about marble kitchen countertops or just for general information about which kitchen countertop materials are available for your kitchen check out my website
The bathroom is often an area of the home that is not heavily decorated, yet the right decor can create a bathroom that is pleasant and reflects your personal style just as much as any room in your home. The centerpiece of the room is typically the vanity. The right unit can be found to provide the best combination of storage and design.
Whether you are working on a bathroom from the ground up or remodeling an existing bathroom, be aware of the variety of vanity options available. Vanities designed for smaller bathrooms can look out of place in a larger setting. Make sure that you have a clear picture of the room layout and your dimensions when shopping for your particular unit.
Consider how many people will use the bathroom. If the room will only be used by one person, there are many possibilities. An ornate single vanity serves the needs of one person while providing a large amount of storage space and a nice design aesthetic to the room. This extra counter space will add the space necessary to warm up a straightening iron or lay out a shaving kit. If you are interested in a more minimalist look and storage is not a concern for you then choose a vanity without cabinet space. These are usually very clean in design and give a bathroom a very sleek and contemporary look.
If the bathroom is being shared by two people, a double sink vanity may be the best option for you. Double units come in a wide variety of styles, antique to contemporary, and everything in between. A double vanity provides you with plenty of counter and storage space for both users.
Another important decision is whether you want a free-standing or a wall mounted unit. This is really dependent on taste, but is an important part of bathroom design. A very popular look currently involves a wall-hung sink combined with a floating vanity. You can get really creative.
Most retailers will offer you the opportunity to select your wood finish. Dark woods remain popular; add a glaze to give it a contemporary look. One of the hottest finishes at the moment is a dark cocoa color, which appears nearly black and has an opaque finish. Choose from antique, traditional, or contemporary styles. Mix and match aspects of each in your bathroom to make it your own creation.
When deciding on your color palate, try matching the vanity accents to the colors in the room. It's much easier to change the accents and drawer pulls later than it is to repaint the entire bathroom. Fixtures come in many finishes and can either match the look of the bathroom or completely alter it. Popular fixtures come in nickel, brushed chrome, satin nickel, antique brass, and more.
Whatever choices you make, your bathroom should be a beautiful addition to your home, an extension of your personal style, and a functional room for everyday use. There are a lot of options to consider in a large bathroom, but with a little shopping and some creativity you'll find the perfect vanity to complete your master bathroom.
Julia Ritzenthaler is Owner of boutique multiple online furniture stores, For more information about unique bathroom vanity ideas, visit us online or email us with your questions at uniquevanities@msn.com.
The supply of General Contractors and the price of building supplies make this the perfect time to build the home of your dreams.
If there is one good thing that has come from the Real Estate downturn is that General Contractors are looking for work. A far cry from 2006, when a builder was hard to find that had time to build a custom home. Now is a great time to find a builder to suit your custom home needs.
Contractors aren't the only thing sitting around. The materials like lumber, blocks and roofing are in abundance and the prices are good too. Finding a bargain should be easy if you act soon. By the end of this year, this could all begin to go away...again.
In the Tampa Bay area, with new home sales plummeting, you have your pick of the contractors that you want to build your house. Take a drive in any direction and you can see cleared lots that have grown over. You also see signs in front of model homes begging you to stop in.
Shop around for the ones that most strike your fancy. Take the model home tour with them as well. You might even find one of those that you like, or one that is fully customizable too. Either way, finding one that isn't busy is much simpler now than it has for a very long time.
There is an upside to the stagnant new home sector of the real estate market here in the Tampa Bay area, and that is the shoddy builders have packed their wares and gone away. Today, only the strongest, most reputable contractors are still in business. So you can be fairly assured that you will be dealing with a Certified General Contractor.
The other side to the 2-sided coin is that building supplies are in less demand so that the prices have come back down some. They haven't come down all the way, and probably won't go much further, but they are plentiful. Shop this around too. Go to all the local lumber yards and the big box home improvement centers to compare.
Finding a home builder that will meet your needs should be easier now than ever. You still have to do your due diligence to check them out. But you will find that almost all of the really good ones are still here and ready to work. They will give you what you want, and that is great, friendly, cost and time effective customer service.
If a recession teaches us anything, it is how to treat one another professionally. Having a job and keeping a job are commodities that are a rarity as well. So those that have them want to keep them so they will treat customers with more respect. It is a business model we should adhere to all the time, not just when times are tough.
The bottom line is this. While you might not find the existing home of your dreams on the market today. In the Tampa Bay area real estate market, finding a contractor to build one for you is simpler now than it has been for a very long time. Don't expect this trend to continue too long past 2009, as the markets will have begun the upward swing and this supply of not so busy contractors will begin to dwindle. Shop and compare, and you will find what and who you are looking for. And soon you will be on the inside looking out!
Julia Vakulenko is a licensed broker associate with Tampa4U.com Realty. She has one of the hardest working Tampa Real Estate team in Florida specializing in Tampa Condos.
Hip RoofThe mere idea of green construction, much less the practical application of the philosophy is fairly new. The field is evolving quickly which means periodicals are a good way to keep up with it.
The green construction movement has become well established in the United States and Europe. One sign of this growth is the number of magazines that are devoted to the subject. One such magazine is Green Source - The Magazine of Sustainable Design. The new magazine is a product of McGraw-Hill Construction and is targeted to the over 40,000 architects, interior designers, building owners, and members of the U.S. Green Building Council.
Environmental Design + Construction is another magazine that is directed toward architects and designers and that addresses green construction issues. There are articles concerning research issues and current design trends. There are reviews of various products. You can find out about the latest environmental issues that impact green construction.
Green construction is certainly a modern concept. This is reflected in the large number of online magazines and newsletters that are devoted to it. EcoIq is one of these. It is an online journal that claims to be dedicated to a future that works. Environmental Building News is a monthly news letter that gives unbiased information on green construction. You can check them all out to stay abreast of the latest developments in the field.
There are two very popular green construction magazines published in Canada. Green Living is dedicated to the lifestyle. It is aimed more at consumers than at the builders and designers. It gives information on all of the environmental choices that we are going to be facing in the future. Healthy Living is the other magazine and it is from the same publisher and stresses the healthy aspects of green construction. In keeping with the totality concept of the green lifestyle even the pages of these magazines are made from glossy tree friendly paper that is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.
These are just some of the periodicals and online publications that are being produced to capitalize on the popularity of green construction. The issues that are raised in these periodicals are of great concern to a wide variety of readers. Builders and designers are kept informed of the newest trends and research, as well as the newest environmentally sound products. The consumer is able to follow this information also, but can take it further. They are able to learn of how these environmental concerns influence the health and well being of their families. Although none of the periodicals have made it into the very top tier of magazines, the day is coming when one of them will move into the best seller list. Green construction is still a rising star on the horizon of the American landscape, and before long a magazine will come along to catch the imagination of the public.
Zack Verde is with GreenBuildingCompanies.com - providing green building articles.
Wood Stair Tread DamageKitchen and bathrooms have to be given the foremost preference while it comes to home improvement or remodeling. Though remodeling a kitchen may be difficult, a complete overhaul helps you with many advantages when you sell your home. You can make small changes to create a great impact. You can also buy new cabinets and appliances which are user friendly and convenient. In case you are not in a position to replace the kitchen cabinets, you can at least replace the doors. Bathroom remodeling is the next most important improvement and the biggest merits come from changing the old sink, toilet, bathtub and shower stall. You can also change the tiles and the custom cabinets. If you cannot afford a complete makeover, you can at least think of changing the faucets, taps, shelves, and showerhead and redecorate the cabinets by painting it.
Once you have decided on the crucial home improvement projects, you must focus on upgraded flooring and new window covering. You can select from a range of window dressings and styles. You can also just buy the fabric, using iron on tape you can make hems and drape the material over nice curtain rods to give a dramatic feel. You can also select from a range of shutters which can be found in many different decorating styles.
Your taste and budget can help you decide on the type of flooring to be used. You can tear the old carpet and replace it with laminate flooring or hardwood flooring. In case you already have used hardwood you just have to give them a clear finish or re-stain it for giving the lift they need. Other flooring options that can be chosen are vinyl, tile, textured rubber or linoleum.
You must lastly also concentrate on improving the appearance of your yard. You may just have to improve the landscape by planting a few more flowers and by weeding and trimming the lawn etc. It will also be worth the effort to upgrade or restyle the deck, patio or walkway. Choosing the best redecorating and modeling projects will not only help to increase the long-term value of your home but will also help to give you pleasure and satisfaction on seeing a well-turned out home. You can also concentrate on changing the color scheme and add metal furnishings or anything else that will add value to your home.
Thomas B. Chuong is currently writing about topics related to home improvement & decor, personal fitness, and home & garden. Find out more by visiting these sites Futon, and Trampoline.
Putting On Metal RoofingThe method of home renovation is definitely a mind-bending process. Just the time when you thought that you must refinish the floors just before you can finally start in painting the walls- you will start to think that you should have done the other way around. Are you starting to experience this kind of problem? You should understand that when doing home renovations, you will be given an infinite number of methods to precisely skin a cat.
As much as possible, stick with the small home renovation techniques before you finally jump into the hard process since doing this can at least lessen the stress that you are going to feel. It would be wise to set aside large building projects land they should come last. You should do it last in order for you not to deplete all of your money and energy because of a project which is not related to renovating the house. On the other hand, an alternate view is that it is wise to build an addition early on in order for you not to ruin any work that must be done in the main parts of the house.
However, despite the fact that this home renovation technique actually works for some people, there are others who wish to do the process differently. If you would like to follow the other way around then you don't have to worry because you can do so as long as you can obtain a good result of the job. It's wise to picture first your dream house before doing anything.
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The Right Kitchen DesignFinding the best garage doors for your new home or business can be a problem for many people. Looking at the different ratings of garage doors can also be misleading as well. One of the most important things you must do prior to beginning your search is to make a list of the features that you feel are important. Once you have this list you will be able to make a more logical selection.
In terms of garage door pricing the all metal garage doors are probably the cheapest door on the market today. In many cases these doors can be purchased and installed for as little as $500. The most expensive doors on the market are custom made wooden garage doors that may exceed $5000. As you can see the ratings of garage doors using price alone is generally not a good Idea. Modern garage doors are constructed using a number of different materials. One of the most popular garage doors is an all wood door. The beauty of wood will accent almost any home. The most common woods used include Cedar, Hemlock and Redwood with Cedar being the most popular. Cedar is not only light but also very rot resistant. Be aware that all wood doors have two major deficiencies they being lack of overall strength and requiring a relatively high degree of maintenance. The rating garage doors that are made of wood should include the type and look of the wood, door design and the required maintenance and care that is required.
Metal and composites materials should also be included in your ratings of garage doors. In terms of strength and durability steel garage doors are pretty unbeatable. The galvanized steel frame along with a quality maintenance free surface will provide protection for many years. Always pick a door that features panels that use at least 25 gauge or heavier rating. However steel is a poor insulator and if you are heating or cooling your garage your energy bills will most likely be unacceptable. Better ratings of garage doors include those with an all steel door that has panels constructed of two or more steel sheets that sandwich some form of insulation in between them. The best designs include polyurethane foam that is sandwiched between two layers of galvanized steel. Your ratings of garage doors should include the fact that metal doors also allow you to select a wood or composite exterior finish if you are looking for the look of a custom door.
When considering your ratings of garage doors you should consider the various styles including the popular carriage door designs as well as the window options that are available. It would be wise to visit one of the big box home improvement stores such as Lowes or Home Depot and ask the qualified staff what the best ratings of garage doors are for their products. In most cases they will provide you will valuable insights on picking the best garage door that will meet your home construction design.
James Kesel, MS, is the publisher of the Garage Doors Pricing Website located at http://www.garagedoorspricing.com Providing information on Ratings of Garage Doors and the purchasing, installing and operation of a garage door.
Home automation has proved to be a boon to our busy lives. The hi tech world where every work gets accomplished super fast and smoothly is now no more a figment of imagination but it has become a reality. Imagine the entire home and all its appliances under complete control right from the TV screen to the blinds of the window, sprinklers in the lawn, the audio system, your PC, your TV remote control, etc. The complete range of home security, home automation and home entertainment systems can now be bunched together and used with complete ease and peace of mind.
So it will soon turn out that the users TV is his dashboard for controlling everything in the house right from audio, video, movies, television, to security, lightings, sprinklers, room temperature, etc. The users will be able to manage every aspect of their house with the help of a remote control. An electronic remote control will help them open the garage at the press of a button, shut it down, decrease or increase the room temperature, pull the blinds of the window, turn on the sprinklers in the lawn, adjust the lights in each room of the house and many more.
The home security is also entirely automated with hidden surveillance placed at strategic locations of the house, which will monitor every nook and corner of the house all round the clock. Hence now the user will be at complete ease because each of his loved ones may it be children, pets, elderly relatives or valuables, everyone and everything is protected and safe. It will now be possible to pause Live TV, to record shows and movies, plan a complete home theatre experience. The users can manage their entire music collection, watch all their DVDs, and maintain their entire movie collection in an organized way. Completely automated homes such as these where the houses security, automation and entertainment needs are covered in the best possible way will be known as intelligent homes. They will take care of the complete needs of the house occupants and that too with complete efficiency.
Copyrights protected article written by Andrew Stratton for http://www.surveillancetechnology.com/ More articles and information about the home automation and security products can be viewed easily altogether at this location
http://www.surveillancetechnology.com/home-automation.htm/ Please be free to explore the website for more information on every surveillance products and their features.
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Home Fence BooksRecently, a question was asked in a forum on a website. "Is it possible for companies to save money and lower their carbon footprint?" The answer is yes for many companies. In fact, going Green may be the only way many companies could survive this recession. In the past, companies have survived recessions by cutting employees, performing business process re-engineering, and other techniques.
Energy efficiency/Green solutions are an area which most companies have not focused on in past recessions. As a result, this route represents a new area of cost savings. Business Process Re-engineering (BPR), employee cuts, and other techniques have been done many times before. Each time these cost measures pull in less cost savings. Process have been re-engineered .Employees have been cut to the point where companies lose revenue and services if they cut anymore. Companies are becoming desperate for new avenues of costs savings. Even profitable public companies have to cut available costs because of the economic forces driving down the stock market.
With new technology and favorable tax codes, new avenues of savings are possible. Areas which have traditionally been considered fixed costs are now no longer fixed. The problem is the box. You remember the box. Traditional thinking is referred to as thinking inside the box. Non-traditional thinking is called thinking outside of the box. The problem is that many companies are stuck thinking inside the box by repeating the same old recession cycle cost saving strategies. They know that cutting employees had saved money in the past so why not cut employees again? Why? There are many reasons: loss of employee morale/loyalty, productivity loss, and the eventual rehiring costs for recruiting and training. What about re-engineering business processes? Most companies have re-engineered processes repeatedly. Any significant cost savings have already been saved.
Ecologically friendly cost savings have rarely been investigated to any great extent by the average company. Paper recycling is done in more companies than energy audits. Most companies go through a similar cycle during economic downturns - cut employees, cut product lines, and re-engineer the business. When the economic cycle returns to the positive, the same companies go through the same cycle. Rehire employees, expand the product lines, and re-engineer the new business processes. The problem is that this cycle reduces not only costs but limits production and revenue.. Cutting employees removes productivity. Rehiring employees incur costs through recruiting and training
How do companies get these savings? There are many ways depending on the type of company. They include using energy as a consideration when doing projects. In many cases, no savings are possible. However, in some projects huge savings are available. Using telecom companies as an example, energy efficient data centers cost about the same as regular data centers. This concept is at least five years old. However, regular data centers are still being built, even when energy represents the majority cost in a data center. Companies are stuck thinking inside the box. They take the easy route. Regular data centers are still being built. As a result, companies are forced to rely more heavily on cost savings are being sought through employee cuts, BPR, etc.
"Is it possible for companies to save money and lower their carbon footprint?" If a company looks at conservation from the standpoint of cost saving, then yes. Companies can increase revenue and reduce its environmental footprint. With this economy and the reduction of available capitol - cost saving measures become more important than usual. Unlike during previous recessions, the technology exists which will save energy and may also qualify for tax credits. Tax credits are available at the federal, state, and municipal levels for green buildings.
How do companies get savings from reducing their carbon footprint? UPS for example identified more cost efficient delivery routes. They identified routes which focus on right turns rather than left turns. This was made possible through the use of traffic simulators. Other companies are making the heating/cooling in their buildings more cost efficient while at the same time reaping benefits from tax breaks.
Are there other benefits from companies seeking savings through reducing their carbon footprints? In the words of James Champy.
'Not a company exists whose management doesn't say, at least for public consumption, that it wants an organization flexible enough to adjust to changing market conditions, lean enough to beat any competitor's price, innovative enough to keep its products and services technologically fresh, and dedicated enough to deliver quality and customer service.'
This is easier for a company to obtain if it does so through green technologies and green tax credits in addition to other techniques.
Andrew Horan is a member of the Paskamansett Project.
General Building ContractorState laws are making it really tough on contractors by requiring specific disclosures and statements in their home improvement and construction contracts. The days of handshake agreements are over. Failure to include state-mandated disclosures or statements in a construction contract can result in fines, or make any construction contract null and void.
Many contractors are unaware of these state changes in the laws affecting contracts. Contractors typically run small businesses and put their emphasis on building to state codes rather than keeping track of legal changes required by state contract law. Many contractors still do business on a handshake or use a simple "boilerplate" one-size-fits-all contract that most-likely omits specific state requirements.
Some of the toughest states on construction contract requirements are Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, New Jersey, Florida, and California.
Pennsylvania requires a long list of disclosures to appear in a construction contract - such as start and finish dates, names and addresses of subs, insurance coverage and a phone number for Pennsylvania Bureau of Consumer Protection. Omit these disclosures and your construction contract is unenforceable in Pennsylvania. Some clauses that are commonly found in home improvement contracts can actually render the contract unenforceable. Failure to comply with the state requirements is a misdemeanor if the contract is for a small job under $2,000. But if the job is a larger job - for over $2,000, a violation is a felony.
Texas requires that contractors deliver a 2-page disclosure statement before the construction contract is signed. Texas Property Code requires a notice in contracts for building or remodeling a residential property that qualifies as a homestead. Forget this notice and you're liable for up to three times the actual damages plus attorney's fees. Arbitration clauses in Texas construction contracts have to be in 10-point bold type, or they're void.
New York requires a long list of specific disclosures in contracts for home improvement, home repair, and construction of custom homes contracts. Failure to comply brings a fine of $100 to $2,500.
New Jersey requires all home improvement contracts for more than $500 be in writing. Failure to comply can result in offering the property owner a full refund, or awarding three times any damages caused.
Florida requires a 3-day right to cancel in your contract or you're subject to a $1,000 fine. Omission of the construction industry recovery fund notice in a contract risks a $500 fine.
California requires specific disclosures in every contract. Omit the ones required by sections 7030, 7159 or 7164 of the Business and Professions Code and you may be explaining to the State License Board why your license shouldn't be pulled. If your contract doesn't have the disclosures required by the Code of Federal Regulations section 460, you may be subject to a $11,000 fine! At best, you have no right to collect.
How can contractors protect themselves? Large construction companies hire lawyers to write their contracts. Smaller home improvement contractors have to figure out for themselves what they have to include in their contracts to make sure that they're in compliance. A contract that doesn't have all the disclosures required and that doesn't meet all your state's requirements is like not having a contract at all. Not only are you at the mercy of your customer's goodwill, but you could be in trouble with the law.
Bill Grote
http://www.construction-contract.net
http://www.constructioncontractwriter.com
For many years, hot tubs and home spas were the exclusive luxuries of the wealthy. They were expensive to buy, expensive to operate and not very reliable. With the onset of better manufacturing and better materials, and lower prices, however, the popularity of hot tubs and home spas began to soar.
Spas Throughout History
History gives us many examples of spas being used as integral parts of life for many civilizations. The Romans are perhaps the most famous for their bathhouses, which became centers of social life and a common daily activity for the elite classes. Other cultures made use of spa-like hot baths as well, including the ancient peoples of China and Japan.
What did these civilizations know that others didnt? Setting aside technological differences, some of the earliest spa enthusiasts appreciated the health benefits of using hot water to relax the body, open the pores of the skin, and generally promote better health. Cleanliness was considered healthful and a sign of prosperity after all, you had to be pretty well off to afford the bath facilities themselves and to have the leisure time to partake of their benefits.
Hot Tub Hydrotherapy
As medical science has advanced, there has been an increased awareness of the benefits of hot tub hydrotherapy. Many medical conditions, injuries and other health problems can be eased or improved with regular hydrotherapy treatments.
For example, people with arthritis, multiple sclerosis, paralysis and other conditions that involve deteriorating range of motion benefit from time spent in a hot tub. The warm water helps ease aches and pains, while loosening joints and making them easier to move and keep mobile.
Joint problems, chronic back pain and other painful conditions resulting from injuries are also helped with regular hot tub hydrotherapy. Those seeking stress relief, general relaxation, and quiet opportunities for conversation commonly experience significant hot tub benefits as well.
Modern Spa and Hot Tub Hydrotherapy
Modern technology, materials and production processes make it possible to design and build home spas and hot tubs with highly specialized hydrotherapy features. These features are typically based on a combination of seating position, jet position and jet function. Lets look at each of these aspects in turn.
Seating Position Traditional hot tub seating was bench-style, typically in a round shape and at a uniform depth so that everyone sat at the same level in the tub. This made it challenging for people of different heights to fully benefit from hot tub therapy.
With the development of molded fiberglass spa shells came the development of different shapes and sizes of seats. Manufacturers began to include lounge seats, where the bather reclines in the water, as well as seats to accommodate bathers of different heights. Some also included deeper seats, designed to fully immerse the bather and allow placement of jets in specific positions for specific benefits.
Jet Position Moldable shell manufacturing made it possible for the first time to place jets in nearly any position within the tub. Manufacturers began experimenting with placing jets in places where they would focus on specific areas of the body, such as the back, neck, shoulders, arms and legs.
The earliest jets were single-action nozzles with limited ability to adjust where they were aimed or the intensity of the jet action. This made it difficult to use them in positions where they would affect more tender areas of the body, such as wrists, forearms, ankles, feet and knees. As manufacturers developed more advanced jets with a wider variety of functionality, though, the technology of hydrotherapy advanced significantly.
Jet Function Modern hot tubs and spas can be customized with a surprising variety of jets that range from multi-purpose to highly specialized. Buyers often are able to select exactly which jets to install in specific locations within their hot tub or home spa.
The most common types of jets available today include:
Swirl jets water swirls in a circular pattern, with a massaging action that covers a wide area
Whirlpool jets a large, round jet that concentrates pressure in a specific area
Mini jets smaller than standard jets, they are often grouped together in clusters, especially in massage and therapy seats
Pillow jets combines massaging action for the neck with a pillow designed to let the bather rest their head without going under water
Shoulder jets positioned above the water line to focus attention of specific parts of the shoulder
Moving massage jets this oval-shaped jet moves back and forth in a sweeping motion to provide pulsating therapy
The benefits of different jet types have grown substantially with the development of independent seating control. In older spas and hot tubs, one set of controls ran all of the therapy jets, but independent seating control allows each bather to control the strength and intensity of therapy in their own individual seat.
Hydrotherapy for Fitness
The latest technology in hydrotherapy involves using jetted tubs for fitness purposes. This new generation of home spas is elongated in shape and allows the bather to choose traditional spas functions or switch over to functions that allow for a vigorous workout. They are commonly referred to as swim spas.
A swim spa has powerful jets that set up a strong resistance current that allows the user to swim as if in a full sized lap pool. The elongated shape allows even the tallest people to stretch out into a full-length stroke and the center depth is such that even a full arm extension will not bump into the bottom of the spa.
Adjustable current jets make it possible to adjust workout intensity depending on the users fitness level, and increase intensity over time as the level of fitness improves.
Summary
Spas and hot tubs have been around in one form or another for centuries, but only in the last few decades have technology, materials and manufacturing improved to the point where a home spa is affordable enough and reliable enough to be within reach of most people.
Hot tub hydrotherapy is one of the most popular and effective ways to treat a wide variety of medical conditions, injuries, or simply promote relaxation and stress relief. Once you have experienced the benefits of a home spa or hot tub, you will wonder how you ever lived without one!
Julie Ann-Amos is a freelance writer for Hot Tubs 'N Home Spas.com, providing consumer information onportable hot tubs and home spas. She has reviewed dozens ofhot tubs and home spas and contributed articles on choosinghot tub spa enclosures and gazebos.Copyright 2005 Hot-Tubs-N-Home-Spas.com
Permission is granted to publish this article on your site only if the author's byline is included and all 3 links are hyperlinked.
One of the most entertaining things you can do with your basement is turn it into a great bar. Make that unused space count for something.
A basement bar idea is a great way to add a place in your house where you can relax, and a great place to entertain guests.
As a matter of fact, you might not want to ever leave this area!
What you will need
- You will need to purchase or build the actual bar itself. You can pick up the pre-made kind for your basement bar idea, or if you are good with a hammer, give it a whirl. With either option, you could choose to install the bar yourself or get help from a professional.
- Pick up a sink and hardware for your wet bar. A basement is usually where all of the plumbing and water lines run through anyway, so it should be fairly easy to add a sink for your bar. For this option as well, you can do the installation yourself or hire a plumber.
- Shelves for glasses and bottles. You can buy these ready to go, or you can build them. Once you get your lighting in, the bottles and glasses will look spectacular, and you have everything you need at your fingertips.
Okay, bartender. You now have your basic supplies for your basement bar idea. Now, here is a really fun theme and what you might need to make your basement bar idea come to life.
Tiki Bar
Are you thinking something really tropical? Perfect, then this is the article for you. You can add a top to your bar, which will extend on chains or hooks from the ceiling. This will be like a little roof' to your bar. Then get some great raffia or straw and staple it all over the top. If you do it in rows, it will look much neater. You may be able to find these already made.
Another great thing you can do for your basement bar idea is to get some small palm tree plants. This goes great with the tiki bar theme. You can get fake ones or real ones, whichever you choose.
Hang a hammock in one corner for a really cute look and a great place for a nap! You can also hang surfboards, tiki god masks, and tropical flower leis. These are some really great decorations for a tiki basement bar idea.
Some other really great decorations are candles, hula skirts, or paper lanterns. These will really dress up your basement bar idea, and look really cool. For sitting areas, try to find some wicker furniture to stay with the themed look.
If you want to go way out there, make one corner a sand floor. You can block it off with stones - the kind you would use outside around plants and things. You could get a local artist to paint a sunset mural on one wall for you. This would look really great.
This basement bar idea is great for a place to unwind and entertain. Be careful, though, you might not be able to get your friends to go home.
Visit Basement Idea to discover more fantastic basement ideas and simple ways to finish your basement.
Most of us only dream of building your own home and living in it for the rest of our lives, well maybe not for the rest of our lives. My grandfather built his home when my father was nine years old and lived in it until he died. As a Carpenter and general contractor, I have always wanted to build my own home but never got the chance.
For anyone interested in building the home of your dreams, I found a few books on home building that seemed to be pretty helpful. I have been remodeling, building room additions, worked on track house framing for years and have done more home repairs than you could possibly imagine. I have found some of these books to be very resourceful and helpful, when it comes to solving some of the problems I run into.
When it comes to building the foundation, it's not just about pouring a concrete slab or footings. You need to run electrical conduit, plumbing supply and waste pipes, make sure the building foundation is square and level, and if you forget one thing, just one thing, you could find yourself in a world of hurt. I have worked on homes where the builder forgot to install electrical conduit and plumbing for a kitchen island. The contractor needed to saw cut the foundation and repair at it, during the home construction. This cost the building contractor around $4600.
Sometimes a checklist makes sense but where you get a checklist for building homes. Well maybe one day, I will try to make one. These home building books have been valuable resources to me for many years and have saved me grief and agony over simple things that often get overlooked.
It's a little overwhelming to even think about building your own home, if you don't have some construction skills. Construction knowledge can be gained through on-the-job training and by reading construction manuals. The best of both worlds would be to have both of these skills.
Construction knowledge can be gained or improved, over time with experience, combined with a couple of great books.
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 your looking for some more House Remodeling Pictures or home building ideas.
Drywall BooksA penny saved is a penny earned. I had my buddy call me up and tell me about this article on consumer reports about it taking 20-25 yrs to recoup your initial costs on a tankless water heater. That just really gets under my skin because it is not true. First off the technology has been around for 40 yrs and is rock solid and extremely efficient. Your fuel costs will be cut significantly and your risk of a flood is virtually eliminated.
I am sure that at least 50 percent of homes in the U.S. will at some time have to use their homeowners insurance to cover the costs of damages caused by busted water heaters. Well I am sorry folks but tankless is the only way to go and you will not only benefit from the savings, your lifestyle will improve as well. I know it's worth something to dad to be able to take a shower after all of the girls get out without having to wait for an hour.
And you can rest assured that a wife who is able to use her garden tub to take a bath in instead of a dust collection bowl will gladly pitch in a little. So if you are going to write an article about tankless water heaters at least know something about them or keep your mouth shut. I have personally installed over 100 units and have received zero complaints. I have a tankless on my house and it has paid for itself with peace of mind and reduction in our fuel costs. Clean consistent hot water is priceless to modern man.
Log onto http://www.atlantaplumbingdirectory.com to find the Atlanta Plumber you need now.
The combination of a washing machine and a dryer is the latest development in the laundry machine field for the past years. The combination of a washer and a dryer is basically designed to save space than having a washing machine and a dryer separately.
Disadvantages:
It can only handle small laundry loads.
Value of time. It will take about 4 hours to finish a laundry load that weighs about five pounds. The dryer could only dry of a full load of wash at a time when the laundry is done. This means that you have to remove the other half from the washer-dryer and replace it with the other half.
Advantages:
One of the advantages of having a washer-dryer is it's price. It's like purchasing two machines with the price of one.
Another is the machines expenses. It will actually save you more money with your utilities and it is energy-saving.
And, it is advantageous because the combination of the washer and dryer utilizes the space in your home.
Do a little research or canvassing when you are planning to purchase a washing machine and dryer combo. You can visit online or stores to know the price and the different kinds of the machines. You will be grateful if you take your time before you go ahead to buy a washing machine.
If you don't have enough space in your house or living apartment or small home for the machines, you should find a stackable washing machine and dryer combination because it can save up a lot of space, money, and time.
Do you need a new washing machine? Visit http://www.washingmachineadvisor.com for more tips, washing machine reviews and advice on various washing machines brands.
Skylight Using C16 Metal StraplThe MOST important maintenance for any dryer is a clear exhaust. The shorter the venting run with the least amount of 90 degree turns, the better the performance of the dryer will be. Improperly maintained dryer vent systems can cause premature failure of some of the inner components of the dryer as well as pose a fire safety risk.
For the best drying results, clean the lint filter before beginning each load. If you use dryer sheets, periodically take a soft bristle brush and gently clean the screen with hot soapy water. Over time the sheets leave a waxy film that clogs the screen and prevents good air flow. You may not be able to see this residue well but you can test this by simply running water over the screen to see if it flows through or beads on top.
If you decide to run a cycle with just a few items inside of the drum, toss in a few other items of varying size to promote good tumbling. Dryers with an Auto-Dry cycle will not dry properly with a very small load because of the difficulty of the clothing items making consistent contact with the wetness sensors.
Never use the white plastic exhaust duct on any dryer. This is the inexpensive venting that can be found at many hardware stores. They are not recommended because they create a fire hazard from the plastic materials propensity to attract lint. Over time this lint buildup will clog the vent and force lint to accumulate in the interior of the dryer near the burner tunnel. Try to only use the flexible metal duct or rigid duct that can be purchased from a home improvement or appliance store.
Improper venting or a clogged vent will give the following results:
1. Long dry times
2. Clothes still hot and damp after cycle ends
3. Premature failure of the safety thermostat (often when this thermostat fails, the dryer will not turn on at all)
Venting dryers indoors is strongly discouraged because of the combination of moisture and heat that can produce mold resulting in chronic illness and respiratory problems. Also, the drying time will be extended as the dryer pulls this warm moist air back inside instead of dry air.
Stay tuned for more appliance repair and maintenance tips from St Paul Appliance Rescue.
Andrew Mandel is the owner of an appliance repair company in St Paul, Minnesota
More often than not, most items found in your home serve primarily the purpose of decoration. Take your vases, paintings, and carvings, among others, as examples. However, some items serve for particular functions but may also serve as a decoration. Take your crystal chandelier (it is primarily to give light to your home but also serves as dcor to your ceilings) and your antique mirror for instance.
One thing that is not actually furniture which can be both useful and decorative in function is the stairway. Oftentimes, they serve as pathways from one level of our house to the next. Obviously, this is really a great help in houses with two or more floors. There are also houses which opt to put a stairway's platform in direct vision of a person entering the house from a front door. It gives out this appealing impression. Given this, it is therefore necessary that a stairway is not only sturdy and secure (for purposes of safety) but also must demonstrate "grandiosity" in its own right. Usually, this is attributed to the entire design of the stairway, but can also be tracked down to the specific stair parts, too. You have to remember that even the smallest detail, in this case part, can affect the totality of a whole structure to function and serve its purpose. This goes the same for the stairway and its stair parts.
A stairway may be built in different fashions. It can be helical, straight, or sectioned with a balcony. These final structures usually depend more or less on the materials used for the stair parts. Colossal mansions and castles usually have marble staircases of regal grace and elegance. Suburban homes have staircases of wood. For high buildings and skyscrapers, they have cemented or stone-made staircases. There are also some which have more than two or more materials mixed.
Some stair parts may be made of wood, while the others with cement or steel or other materials. For example, the steps are made of cement, the balusters from steel and the handrail from wood. However, when a staircase is made of marble, it is almost always the only material used for its stair parts, too. Oftentimes, the color of these stairways is usually the same with the rest of the house. This is because a stairway is a part of the entirety of the structure of the house.
There are various designs and materials of stair parts which when combined properly may produce a great look for the stairways. The general consideration is on the structure of your home. Also, consideration is also given to your budget to achieve the one which you like and is fit for your home. Most construction stores and depots offer various stair parts with affordable and reasonable prices.
Stairways, just like any general structures, rely greatly on their stair parts to achieve the final look to be visually stimulating to your guests and visitors and also for its solidity. Be certain that you only get what is best for your stairway to produce the effect of a royal pathway, to the next floor that is.
For more information about Stair Parts feel free to visit http://www.elegantstairsandwoodfloors.com
Eliza Maledevic Ayson writes for Jump2top.com - SEO Company
By taking time to plan and design your patio, you can create an area where all the different features combine to produce a unique space that possesses character, comfort and charm. In effect, transforming a popular garden feature into an outside room.
To create the perfect patio for your garden, consider the size and position of the patio area carefully. Most people prefer the patio to be close to the house but you may wish to choose a location in a sunnier part of the garden or a position offering a better view.
By placing the patio near to trees and shrubbery, you create a naturally sheltered area similar to an arbour. But this type of location can bring problems. Firstly excavating the footings for the patio may cause damage to the roots of the trees and shrubs that were the chief attraction of that particular location. Close proximity to trees and shrubs will almost definitely result in the unsightly problem of leaf mould forming on the patio creating a slippery and hazardous surface.
For a patio that complements the house and garden, proportions are all-important. When deciding on the size of the patio, you must also think practically about how it will be used. If you want to put a table and chairs on it, you will probably need at least 3m x 3m but to accommodate sunloungers and possibly barbeques a larger space may be required. So it's worthwhile deciding on the type of patio furniture you will be using at this early stage.
Shape is another important factor in your patio planning. Don't be constrained by the traditional rectangular template - a curved patio is often more space efficient and can blend more harmoniously with the rest of the garden. Experiment with shapes and geometric patterns to highlight garden features or mirror flowerbeds. Mark out the patio area with a hosepipe or string line to help you visualise the space.
Once you have decided on the shape and size of your patio there is another important feature of the design to consider that many people overlook - colour. The variety of stone available to the patio builder is matched, if not surpassed, by the rich diversity of colours in which stone paving materials now come. A quick glance at any paving stone supplier's catalogue or website will vividly illustrate this. We will look at the colours available later, but at this stage it is a good idea to consider whether you want the colour of the patio to complement or contrast with the colour of the walls of your house.
Then there are the questions of patterned or plain and mix or match? Are you going to use stone of the same colour or do want to create a pattern on the patio surface?
Matching different materials is yet another option worth considering. A patio constructed of two different types of stone can be very effective, as can the inclusion of an area of decorative gravel in the design. But if the mix and match approach appeals to you take care, for not all materials will work well together.
As with so much connected with design, personal taste plays a significant and overriding role. Nevertheless, it is a generally accepted rule that natural stone does not work well with reconstructed materials.
The patio's perimeter also offers the opportunity for other design elements that can enhance its overall appearance. Firstly, you may want to build a low ornamental wall around the perimeter of your patio. Once again it is at the design stage where you should be looking into the height of the wall, the type and colour of the brick you are going to use and whether the top of the wall will be finished with coping or incorporate areas for planting.
Another option worth considering is having contrasting edging at the patio's perimeter, which can be in terms of both colour and material. A patio constructed of slabs can be given an elegant block edging, providing a simple but effective counterpoint to the main patio area.
Whatever design you are looking for, it is advisable to produce scale drawings to visualise the finished patio. Scale drawings can also assist in calculating the quantity of materials needed.
Patio slabs
Stone slabs or flags come in many shapes, sizes and colours. The main types of stone are natural stone and reconstructed stone. Natural stone is what its name implies and is the more expensive of the two; but natural stone slabs can vary in size and thickness and consequently will require a higher degree of expertise to lay.
Reconstructed stone slabs - sometimes described as reconstituted or artificial stone - are concrete units where a specific concrete mix has been designed to resemble natural stone. A wide range of natural stones can be imitated including Bath stone, Portland stone, Stainton stone and red terracotta.
A word of caution on reconstructed stone slabs. Although they are the less expensive option, the quality can vary greatly and the cheapest stone slab often bears little resemblance to the natural stone it is trying to imitate. So it's advisable to look around to find the best supplier.
Traditionally the most popular stone for building patios has been sandstone, as it comes in a wide range of attractive colours and textures. But there are other interesting and decorative alternatives.
Travertine is a hardwearing stone common to southern Europe. The largest building in the world constructed predominently of travertine is the Colosseum in Rome. A noticable feature of travertine stone is its naturally pitted surface that is excellent for simple, rustic designs. But it's the colours of travertine stone that make it so attractive to patio builders. In addition to grey, beige and white there are rich browns, reds and golds that are ideal for creating a patio with a Mediterrannean appearance.
Another stone favoured by professional patio builders is granite. The reputation granite has for toughness and durability often overshadows its natural beauty. Natural granite slabs are usually dark and silver grey, or pink. But its beauty is heightened in the sun as it sparkles and glints providing a glamorous sophistication.
When looking at the variety of stone available you will soon discover that patio slabs can come with different finishes offering another dimension to patio design. These finishes are produced by specific operations: acid-etched, smooth or coarse ground, grit or sand-blasted, rubbed or polished, giving the stone a different appearance and character.
A riven surface refers to stone that has the appearance of having split away from the main rock mass resulting in a rough, textured appearance. Tumbled stone has a distressed look marked by rounded edges and a well-worn quality. Polished stone has a smooth surface imparting a refined elegance, while in stark contrast slabs that have been shot-blast have a coarse, roughened surface.
Block paving and setts?
Although the patio slab or flag is the most popular stone material for building patios other materials are available, namely block paving and setts.
Block paving comprises of rectangular shaped blocks similar to bricks. The most common size for block pavers is 200mm x 100mm with a depth of around between 50mm. They can either be made of concrete or clay and come in a wide selection of colours. Clay paving blocks are more expensive than the concrete variety but both can be tumbled or polished
Paving blocks are usually laid in one of three patterns: herringbone, stretcher bond and basketweave.
Whatever stone material you decide to use, accurate plans will help you estimate the quantity of materials needed and get quotes. Remember to check that there are no underground pipes and cables in the area. If the patio is to butt onto an exterior house wall, it must be below the damp proof course.
John Burry is the editor of http://www.lets-do-diy.com He has extensive experience writing for a broad spectrum of UK publications coveringindustries as diverse as health, automotive, beauty, new media and construction. Before taking up his current position he worked in PRwhere he was account manager for a number of blue chip clients. John has gained a reputation for detailedresearch and presenting information clearly and concisely.
Warped Shake ShinglesVinyl Railings for Your Home
For many years when we thought of railings and appropriate materials, wood always came to mind as the material of choice. While wood is still widely used because of its beauty, whether in the home or out, vinyl railings are being a great alternative to wooden railings. Many companies that deal in deck and railing products sell PVC (synthetic resin) railings. These are very popular because they are sturdy and resistant to fading from sun exposure. They also will not rot or warp like wood deck boards and furniture tend to do as well as requiring regular maintenance.
Why Use Vinyl Over Wood For Railings?
Vinyl railings are very convenient to use because they are lightweight and often come in easy-to-assemble kits. The parts can also be customized to your preferences of sizes and shapes. Because they are so light, the shipping is going to be relatively cheap. Unless you get really close to the vinyl railings, you won't be able to tell them from wood railings. Vinyl railings are not just popular in homes, but also in agricultural and commercial uses. The beauty of vinyl railings, their warm inviting look as well as low maintenance have made them very popular. With the rising cost of lumber, vinyl railings are the ideal choice because of their low life cost for maintenance.
As we said, vinyl has an appearance very similar to wood. You'll often see vinyl railings in high-rise apartments as well as expensive buildings. Another advantage of vinyl railings, which makes them so perfect is that they come in a variety of styles including colonial, contemporary, standard or even custom styles. Many architects or contracts will recommend vinyl railings because of their durability, resistance to weather conditions and their little or no maintenance requirements.
The one characteristic of decks that must be considered when purchasing materials is the amount of time they will be outdoors in the many elements of weather. For this reason, people are choosing the material that will last the longest in all types of weather, which is why vinyl railings are chosen most often today. They can be subject to many different weather conditions and still look great. If they do fade in color, they'll fade evenly. They also will not blister, rot, rush or peel, which are qualities you see in wood decks and products. Rock salt or other products you use for ice and snow removal also will not affect vinyl. Most importantly is the fact that vinyl is not a fire hazard. PVC vinyl railings are used in some of the most influential homes in the country.
Cost & Time For Installation of Vinyl Railings
Installing vinyl railings is very similar to installing wooden railings. With both products, you need to attach the post to the post mount, followed by the installation of the bottom horizontal rail. Next comes the pickets and then the top railing. The vertical pickets secure the bottom railing. The top railing secures the pickets and vice versa. You may think vinyl railings are very expensive when you start pricing them. While they may appear to be more expensive at first, what you save in maintenance costs will more than make up the difference.
Adam Peters is the editor of many articles on vinyl railings published at http://www.deck-porch-railings.com - A website with tips on PVC railings and PVC
Stairs Without CarpetingEco friendly paint additives are the buzzwords of modern day society. Fueled by constant demands for energy saving products coupled with a psychological desire to limit the damage being caused to our environment through our actions and daily lifestyles. These products promise to be the future answer to some of these problems.
Products of text book marketing theory referred to as "social marketing" for those in the industry. These products are the result of socio-economic demands as an essential component in the complete insulation of homes, building and other premises. Combining the other buzzword of modern day society - convenience, the product ranges are on the whole efficient, effective and very simple to use. Typically applied by adding to paint and away you go, is the claim made by leading manufacturer and distributor Thermilate, based in the UK.
In using such products society will benefit with a win-win situation. Benefits to consumers of such products are the energy saving they promise, which can be as high as 25%. This in turn impacts on costs and provides users with greater control over the temperature in their homes and other buildings where used. The gains for the environment are the resultant reduction in the usage of damaging carbon fuels, one only has to imagine the millions of homes and buildings out there to visualise what the impact on the environment of the absence of such products has been thus far.
These products work by reducing the amount of heat escaping through walls, which many people have yet to realise are a major form of heat loss in their homes or buildings. Social marketing messages to inform consumers across the world about heat loss through windows proved very successful in the 1970's and 1980's backed by multi million pound marketing campaigns. However, in time it has transpired that the messages were incomplete and failed to inform consumers about the heat loss through their walls, which ironically can be far greater than that which takes place through their windows.
How do they work?
Although technologically advanced and safe to use, these paint additives are amazingly simple in their application. Leading eco-friendly additives company Thermilate stated, "they work by reducing the amount of heat escaping through walls via their insulation and reflection properties. The technology has taken years to develop and the resulting product is highly effective."
Heat loss is a fairly simple process - the walls, roofs and flooring are not impenetrable and they allow significant heat loss. These additives are featured in a multitude of journals. Products such as those mentioned above can slow down this process and inhibit this heat loss permanently.
The technology is based on simple micro-spheres, which create an invisible vacuum effect and thus reflect the heat back into the house, creating a double glazing effect for walls. The brand leader in the industry says its products have proved to reduce significant energy losses and energy consumption when these products were utilized. He is very excited about the future of this technology, particularly in its contribution to the global effort on climate change.
Off course the reverse is also true, these products also prevent heat entering a building in hot climates therefore keeping buildings much cooler, which anybody from such a climate will appreciate is a major problem and in doing so saving on air conditioning costs and creating a far more comfortable living environment.
It is recommended that as your first port of call you Google Thermilate. Its many applications are already assisting in the global effort for climate change. The success or failure of the global climate change strategy is hinged upon the cumulative success of individual efforts which will impact on our collaborative environment in the years to come.
A handyman is a person who does odd jobs related to electrical fittings, plumbing, house cleaning, and garden upkeep. Salaries paid to handymen depend on whether they are self-employed or work for a contractor or franchisee. Self-employed handymen are paid on an hourly basis whereas handy men that work for an organization are paid monthly salaries.
Handymen salaries vary from state to state and are usually higher in big cities such as New York, Washington DC, San Francisco, Detroit, Chicago, and others. Handymen salaries also depend on the experience and skills of a handyman, which means that a handyman with more experience and skills will be paid more than a handyman who has lesser experience.
Based on independent salary surveys, the median pay range for self-employed handymen ranges from fifteen to twenty-five dollars an hour. The median salaries are however less than average salaries, which range from twenty to thirty dollars per hour. Handymen that are employed in an organization can get salaries ranging from thirty-five to forty-five thousand dollars, depending on the remuneration policies of the organization. Handyman services firms also pay commission to their employees in case they bring new work opportunities through their own contacts. They may also get bonuses if they complete their work before time.
Handymen normally prefer working for a contractor or other firms as they have plenty of resources for generating work opportunities. Working in an organization is better then being self-employed, as handymen do not have to use their salaries for purchasing tools and equipment, which is provided by the organization.
Individuals who cannot afford the services of a handyman due to their service rates can perform all the tasks done by handymen with the help of do it yourself (DIY) handyman guides available in the market. They can also take help from friends and acquaintances that have done similar type of work.
Handyman provides detailed information on Handyman, Handyman Services, Starting A Handyman Business, Handyman Tips and more. Handyman is affiliated with Home Remodeling
Most people who build a new home with a basement plan on making it an added living space. New homeowners want to install a large screen TV, a pool table or maybe another bedroom. They expect that their basement will be dry and free of water. But what they don't know is that it may be possible that their basements are not waterproof.
Water vapor that gets into a basement causes the musty odors that you smell in a basement. Any liquid water that gets into a basement can damage carpets, drywall and any insulation that is installed inside the basement. And it can cause mold to grow.
First the Basics
Not all foundation coatings are waterproofing. When foundations are built, many are coated with what is called dampproofing. This is a bituminous asphalt membrane that is black in appearance. While it has been used for decades, it does not truly waterproof a basement. Dampproofing can stop water vapor, but that is it. Dampproofing cannot stop liquid water from getting through the foundation walls and into the basement.
Foundation Waterproofing Membranes
According to the ICC-ES, a non-profit public benefit corporation that evaluates products and sets performance criteria for the residential building market, waterproofing must do three things. First, it must stop water vapor. This gaseous form of water is released by the surrounding soils and can move through the foundation walls and into the basement.
Secondly, waterproofing membranes must be able to stop liquid water under hydrostatic pressure. In easy to understand terms, hydrostatic pressure is the force exerted by liquid water that is in the soil. You can think of it just like the water in a water tower. The taller the soil and therefore the higher the water column in it, the greater the hydrostatic pressure against your foundation. Also, the amount of water that is in the soil itself can affect the amount of hydrostatic pressure. The greater the amount of water in the ground, the higher the hydrostatic pressure exerted against the foundation.
Third and most important is that waterproofing must span a crack in a foundation. Foundations crack as a normal process of concrete curing, and if that crack is not sealed against water intrusion, it can leak when it rains.
Why Dampproofing will not Stop Water
Dampproofing does not have the ability to stop liquid water under hydrostatic pressure. This is because it goes on very thin, only 10 mils thick in some cases. Water under hydrostatic pressure can go right through it.
Because the dampproofing is brittle and has no flexibility, it cannot span a crack in a foundation. When the foundation cracks, so does the dampproofing. Therefore, liquid water can penetrate into the basement area.
The terms waterproofing and dampproofing are incorrectly used interchangeably. So, when you are building your new home, be sure that your builder is using a quality waterproofing membrane. It will give years of protection and effectively give you a larger living space that will stay dry and keep your finished basement safe from water.
This article is written by Aaron Kuertz who's with Applied Technologies, LLC. Aaron has been in the waterproofing industry since 1998. Applied Technologies is a manufacturer and supplier to professional waterproofing contractors and homeowners in the United States. For more information about foundation waterproofing visit Applied Technologies on the web
First, it's important to know which pipes are frozen. If your water will not drain, this means your drain pipes are frozen. If no water comes out of the faucet, this means that your supply line pipes are frozen.
DRAIN PIPES:
What to do: If your sinks, toilets, showers or tubs will not drain, this means that your drain pipes could be frozen. If your drain pipe is frozen, open cabinet doors or cut into your walls or ceilings to allow the heat from your home to get to the pipes. To heat your pipes faster, a hair dryer is a great way to warm them up. Please use the hair dryer with care - if water starts leaking out, the hair dryer can short circuit.
Why it happens: Many times pipes freeze due to finishing off a basement. When the basement was unfinished, the pipes were exposed to the heat of the home. Once the basement is finished, the sheetrock and insulation blocks off the pipes from getting heat from the home. If the pipes freeze, the could cause damage to newly finished basements.
How to prevent it: A simple precaution for preventing frozen drain pipes can be as easy as cutting a 6x9 return air grate in the area to allow warmth into the joyced cavity. Always remember to insulate your pipes from the cold, but not from the heat in the house.
SUPPLY LINE PIPES:
What to do: If your water will not come out of the faucet or shower head, this means that your supply line could be frozen. Your pipes could be burst, so first you must shut your water off at the main. You will want to get heat to your pipes. The best way to heat them is to open cabinets and doors, cut holes in the walls and use fans or hair dryers to warm them up. Again, please use care when working with the hair dryer, if it gets wet, the hair dryer can short circuit. Warming the pipes is important, and the extent of the damage cannot be determined until they are mostly thawed.
Why it happens: Many times pipes freeze due to recently finishing off a basement or a change in insulation. The pipes in your home need to be insulated only from the cold on the outside, but not from the heat on the inside. If your pipes are insulated from the heat inside your home, they have no way of staying warm.
What do do after the pipes are thawed: If after the pipes are thawed, there are non leaks, many times full operation is returned. Sometimes scale and sediment move through the lines because of the glacial-like action of ice, which pushes sediment into blocked pipes. Because of this, ariators and shower heads may need to removed and cleaned for them to work completely.
If a leak develops because of burst pipes from ice, turn the water off again, and call a plumber. It is helpful to know exact location or even cut open walls to identify the exact location of a split pipe.
How to prevent it: If you are worried your supply lines are going to freeze because of past history or evidence to support that, some plumbers may recommend letting run to keep the water flowing - similar to a water tower. Please do not do this! This can be just as dangerous. The water usually cannot go down the pipes fast enough and it can develop layers of ice and plug the pipe, causing an unattended running faucet to overflow the sink. Another way to prevent a freeze is to take care of those leaky faucets. The dripping into the drain can cause an ice buildup and eventually cause a frozen pipe.
Amanda Klecker - Zell Plumbing & Heating
