What is a Three Way Home Electrical Light Switch?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Building Codes - Stairway Construction

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Retaining Walls Suffer From Moisture Problems

Whether you're driving down the road or through a neighborhood and you notice a retaining wall that has large cracks in it, or is severely discolored, or one that has white calcium deposits from moisture covering the entire wall, you've got problems with moisture.

The retaining wall is designed to hold the dirt back, that's it's sole purpose. It's not going to hold any moisture back unless someone has installed a waterproofing membrane to separate the soil from the concrete block wall. If the soil isn't ever going to get wet, then you probably don't need to waterproof the retaining wall.

However that's normally not going to be the case. So we need to waterproof the interior of our retaining walls to eliminate future moisture problems that could eventually, deteriorate as moisture starts to accumulate, inside of our block wall for a longer periods of time.

If you don't know anything about waterproofing, I would suggest that you hire a waterproofing expert. Waterproofing looks easier than it actually is, and might be out of your scope of work.

I'm not going to suggest that you use waterproofing paints, because I haven't seen great results with these products. However, if you're not that concerned about your retaining wall and are looking for a cheaper way to apply any waterproofing materials, these paints might not be a bad idea. Sometimes, Something is better than nothing.

If you live in a relatively dry climate, it might not be necessary to waterproof your retaining walls. But if you live in a damp or moist area, especially an area where the ground is moist all year round or more than six months out of the year, I would suggest that you waterproof the back of your retaining walls.

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Dryer Vent In Basement Window.

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

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Don't Let This Happen to You - Home Computer Electrical Damage

If you've read any of my other articles, you know that I am always coming up with great ideas, tips and even a couple of stories that can save homeowners lots of money. Here's another one of those stories, that involves a friend of mine who asked me if I could fix his outdoor electrical outlet.

I was over at his house one day, and told him that I could probably fix the electrical outlet and if we needed any parts, we could run down to the lumber yard and pick them up and his problem would be solved within a few hours. This two hour repair was about to cost him the hard drive on his computer, but neither one of us had any idea what was about to happen.

We each agreed to give it a shot, I told him to go over to the electrical panel and turn off the breaker that went to his outdoor shed. He proceeded to turn off the breaker and yelled out," It's off, try it." I plugged in an electric drill and it was still working, as he was walking around the corner, towards me, I showed him that the drill was still on and he hadn't turned off the right electrical breaker.

He went back and turned off a couple of more electrical breakers and the drill was still running. Now he frantically started to turn off one electrical breaker at a time, until I yelled out," It's off, the electrical power is, off you can stop."

I repaired the electrical outlet and he went back to turn every electrical breaker back on that he had turned off. We were proud of ourselves and he now had electrical power, back to his shed and he was happy.

Now for the bad news, his computer was running and when he turned the electricity off and on, it must've done something to his computer hard drive and it now needed to be replaced.

The moral to the story, isn't that you shouldn't help your friends. It's that you should, make sure that your computers are safely off, before you attempt to do any electrical work to your home.

It wouldn't be a bad idea, to have a battery backup, for your computer, if you use it often, just in case there is an electrical failure or something happens like the story above.

If your really interested in saving money on your home electrical bills - Energy Saving Books

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take Pictures of Your Growing Foundation Damage Or Cracks

I champion people and try to get them to look at their house, at least once a year. One of the easiest ways to inspect your home is to use a home inspection checklist and if you really want a good home inspection checklist, there's a good chance that you are going to need to purchase one. You get what you pay for and don't ever forget that.

Foundation repairs usually start with a small crack and that's no joke. If you notice a crack, take a picture of it and save it somewhere. If you think, that the crack is actually getting a little bigger or starting to separate, you can simply take another picture and compare the two photos.

I would like to give you an example of what I'm talking about. Sometimes we look at something and we think that it's getting larger, but we don't have anything to compare it to. As time goes on, we think that the crack is still getting larger, but our mind is creating an optical illusion. This happens to a lot of people.

If you had a picture, from a few years ago, you could refresh your memory and this could be very helpful in reducing your anxiety or jumping to conclusions about foundation damage. Trust me, sometimes, I'm like a medical emergency crew, going to visit a homeowner to relieve their foundations stress. People panic over foundation cracks and I'm the doctor they call for any one of their home emergencies.

I would also advise you to take pictures of the rest of your home. How hard would it be to take about 300 pictures of your home each year and store them on your computer or on a disk, for easy access later? A picture is worth a thousand words and don't ever forget that.

Click Here for Some More Great Foundation Repair Solutions.

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

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Do I Need a Home Inspection? - Real Estate Advice

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Five Things That a Termite Inspection Company Might Not Ever Say

I don't think that I've ever heard of a termite inspector, ever go to a home and not find any termites. Even if the home doesn't have any damage that is visible from the termites, it seems like it's always a good idea, to tent the home, just in case, for protection. Anyway, here's five things that you might not ever hear a termite inspector ever say.

1. Your house is free of termites. This means that there isn't, one termite on your property and the termite inspector isn't going to make any money. Let's face it, termite damage, whether it's visible or invisible, keeps these guys working.

2. Your house isn't going to fall down, if I don't do anything to stop the termites. I have seen homes, where termites have been working on them for quite some time and they still seem to stand up and function properly.

3. Termites don't eat much and I wouldn't worry about the damage. Most termite inspectors will tell you how much a termite in Hawaii or Africa will eat in a day, but doesn't seem to have an honest idea, how much damage they are doing to your home, if they can't actually see it.

4. Every one that works for our company, has at least 30 years experience, repairing any termite damage. Don't even get me started with this one.

5. We will replace all of the termite damage wood, back to its original condition. What they might say, is that they will replace the wood that is damaged by termites, that you can actually see.

There are plenty of great termite companies out there and this article was meant just to have fun with most of them. Termite damage can be a serious problem with some homes and I would suggest that you contact at least three termite inspectors, before proceeding ahead with any home repairs or use of chemicals.

Try not to forget, the only way that a termite inspection company will make any money, looking at your house, will be to find something wrong with it.

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

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How to Protect Foundation Plumbing Pipes?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Plywood Roof Sheeting - Roof Framing Trade Secrets

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Tile Grouting Tips For Your Bathrooms, Kitchens and Floors

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Why You Should Go For Punched Tin Light Fixtures

Punched tin light fixtures are associated with early American chandeliers and lamps. Today, original punched tin light fixtures are going for a fortune, unless of course you want to settle for an imitation. Making them the old fashioned way, creates a high quality and beautiful product. Choosing between the finer hand crafted product and the mass produced product in the market is only dependent on the individual preference and the specific application that one needs the it for.

The handcrafted punched tin light fixtures are more expensive. They come in many different types such as Spun Wood Chandeliers, Tin Chandeliers, Exterior Lighting, Hanging Lights, Sconces & Lamps, Ceiling Light Fixtures, wall lamps, and lanterns. They blend in perfectly with a rustic home decor. Internet sites are one of the easiest ways to purchase these customized fixtures. You will be provided with high quality lighting fixtures inspired by American colonial traditions. they could be made of solid copper and brass. The lights are available in different finishes, aged finish, a dark gray color, wood finish and painted finishes.

Before buying punched tin light fixtures there are a few details that you need to check and certify; Check to make sure that the wiring is properly put in place, what kind of bulbs they use i.e. do they use fluorescent lights or light emitting diodes? Is it easy to access the bulb during replacement? How practical is the fixture? does it hang too low or too high? There are many small family businesses out there that deal in the production of Punched tin light fixtures as a matter of tradition and you can expect them to give you high quality finishing of these cultural and historic heritage of the American nation.

Peter Gitundu Researches and Reports on Light Fixtures. For More Information on Punched Tin Light Fixtures, Visit His Site at PUNCHED TIN LIGHT FIXTURES

Long Dryer Vent Problems

Increasing the Appeal of Your House by Means of Home Renovation

They say a man's home is his castle and since it's where we spend most of our hours away from work, it should be one that we're always looking forward to come home to. Whether it is a two-story Victorian, a hillside hideaway or a cozy beachfront bungalow, our homes should be a reflection of ourselves and our character. Also, it should be an embodiment of what we perceive to be the ideal hideout from the pressures and chaos of the outside world.

A person's home should be a place of relaxation and bliss, relatively free of the stresses of day to day living. It is where we spend our time unwinding and meditating and it is where we wake-up to the light of a new day- gathering energy for the activities that await us.

There comes a time when people get bored with the appearance of their homes. Maybe the paint starts to peel, or the plumbing starts to drip. In any case, when our haven from the pressures of the outside world ceases to be a place of Zen and becomes a source of angst in itself, it might be time to consider a few changes and doing a home renovation.

Renovation is the most practical thing to do for homeowners who've had their dwellings for quite a few years. Times are harder nowadays and unless you're one of the lucky few who have extra dough, it doesn't really make sense to sell the home you've become attached to and purchase a new one.

If what's bugging you is just a drippy faucet or a few stains on a wall, you can certainly grab a monkey-wrench or a paintbrush and save yourself some money. If it's something bigger like a new all-around color scheme, an overhaul on the plumbing or actual remodeling, you might still be able to do it considering you've had experience in those things. Otherwise, it's wiser to hire the services of a contractor to avoid making costly mistakes and irreversible damage to your castle.

Contractors have years of experience and expertise on anything you might want to have done. There are general contractors and there are those that do specific tasks: roofing contractors, plumbing contractors, painting, etc. All that you need to do is sit down with one recommended by someone you trust and tell them what you have in mind and how much you're willing to spend.

There are several things folks should look into when having major home renovation done. The first thing obviously, is your budget. It wouldn't make sense to start a major remodeling project only to stop halfway because you've run out of funds. Have a realistic figure on how much you can spend and how much you want done.

When it comes to remodeling and renovation, it's also important to know exactly what you want from the beginning. It's ultimately better to have a clear picture of what your goals are and do your planning from there rather than decide on what you want along the way.

Having a timeframe on how much the project is going to take will also help you manage the adjustments your family has to make. Timing is a big issue when it comes to construction and it's best to plan around holidays, celebrations and family gatherings to avoid unnecessary headaches.

During these tough financial times, home renovation is the better way to go if you want to address problems of wear and tear, increase the value of your home, or just change the appearance of your dwelling and make it more pleasurable to live in.

Jo is a writer for 'EBL Group Limited' (http://www.eblgroup.co.uk), a family managed, established and recommended house insurance repairs outworker stationed in Runcorn Cheshire. If you need insurance building repairs as a result of storm, flood, fire, malicious or fortuitous damage or any other reasons or if you have home and buildings improvement requirements then you should check out EBL Group.

Painting A French Door

Tips to Get the Best From Your Bathroom Remodeling

Many people mistakenly believe that the bathroom is the least important area of the house. Considering that this is the first place you visit after you get up, and probably the last place you go to just before bed, nothing could be farther from the truth. In fact, many people spend many relaxing moments in their bathroom, luxuriating in a bath while listening to soft music or playing with their kids before they go to bed. Therefore, it is only reasonable that many people want to remodel their bathrooms to give it the looks and comfort that the rest of the home provides.

Often, people are totally defeated by the thought of giving this small space a new look. After all, what is there to do? How much can one move the lavatory or the bathtub, and what would be the point anyway? Well, there are many ways you can use mirrors, lighting, free-floating cabinets and light to give this space a large, roomy and extravagant look. In fact, a properly done bathroom remodeling job could leave you open-mouthed! But you needn't call in the experts or pay through your nose for expensive designers before you get the bathroom of your dreams. Just follow the tips below and you could well be showing off your bathroom to your friends and family.

1. If your bathroom is cramped and starved for space, get rid of the tub. Go for a compact shower unit that has gleaming faucets and controls. On the other hand, if you have a large bathroom, make use of geometric designs instead of the conventional tub, and demarcate this area from the rest of your bath space.
2. Ax bare cabinets and vanities. Instead, make use of cabinets that are concealed nicely behind large mirrors. Mirrors increase the illusion of space and give a nice touch to your bathroom.
3. With the wide array of sinks and washing bowls available, it is not too difficult to get sleek designs that are compact as well as stylish. Glass fittings are popular these days.
4. Go for compact fittings. This will increase the illusion of space.
5. Make clever use of lighting to give the bathroom a bigger look. Allow light to pour in through frosted windowpanes. Use cool colors. Vertical stripes add to the feeling of space and height.
6. Get rid of dark fabric that makes the bathroom look dowdy and depressing. Instead, use light fabric in cool colors. Glass block windows should never be covered up, as they are great style statements.
7. Place lights above mirrors. Use stylish light fixtures so that bald tubes do not give off glaring light that hurts the eye. Place lighting fixtures in a way that they are nicely reflected around the bathroom.
8. Lastly, avoid clutter. If the space is small, keep unnecessary things out of it. Functionality should nicely be amalgamated with style so that you get maximum mileage from what you use in the small space.

Bathroom remodeling is not the tough job that it is made out to be. In fact, since you have to think sleek and slim, it is by far the easiest room to remodel and convert.

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Exterior Wood Beams

Contents Cover - Hints and Tips

While content cover is not compulsory, taking out the insurance could make a great deal of sense. If the worst case scenario were to arise you could lose everything. With contents cover behind you there would be something to fall back onto and while this would not be able to replace lost memories, it would at least allow you to buy new items for your home.

When considering taking out contents cover you have control over the amount you choose to insure. This sum insured is the amount you get back if you should have to make a claim on the policy. To get a good idea of this amount you could go around the home and jot down what it would cost to replace all of the items in your home. When taking this measure items which are stored away in cupboards, loft, kitchen cupboards and drawers and your wardrobe. Even the smallest of items would soon add up to a considerable amount which of course if not included means you could lose out if you needed to make a claim.

Usually when covering your contents with the insurance you should be able to claim for damage by such as the result of theft, vandalism, flooding, fire and water damage. However you may want to check the small print of the policy you are looking into taking before actually buying as some policies may not cover flood damage.

When taking out cover the majority of insurance companies will allow you to choose between wear and tear cover and new for old. If you should decide to take out new for old protection then any items that were destroyed, damaged or stolen would be replaced as brand new. Wear and tear as the name suggests would take depreciation into account. As a result this type of protection would offer the cheaper premiums.

Contents insurance would generally protect any item in your home that you would take with you if you should choose to move home. However all insurance policies will come with some limits and exclusions and you may wish to check these before taking on the policy. Some very expensive items such as collections and expensive jewellery may not be protected unless you mention them to the insurance provider, who could ask you cover these separately. When considering insurance for your contents always check to find out if accidental cover would be included in the protection. Some insurance providers will include this, for example if you were to be decorating and spilt paint on your carpet which ruined it, you may get a replacement. If you accidentally broke such as a mirror or glass topped table you could also be entitled to claim for this too. However some insurers will ask that you pay a little extra to have accidental damage included.

Allowing a broker to search around for the cheapest premiums for your contents cover may lead to you getting the cheapest premiums for the protection. By choosing this option you will have access to some of the top UK insurance companies without having to spend hours searching online yourself.

David Thomson is Chief Executive of BestDealInsurance an independent specialist broker dedicated to providing their clients with the best insurance deal on their home insurance, car and life insurance

Advantages Framing With Steel

Kitchen Fire Damage - Carlsbad Home Repairs

Kitchen fires are possible and they happen a lot every year around the world. Kitchen fires can be started from the stove, oven, cooking in general, wires, and other things. So it is good to keep a close eye on your cooking and the appliances you use. If you buy a house, you need to check if there has been any fire in the kitchen because if it is not checked out fully, it can cause it to happen again. Wires can still be burned or be exposed or melted that may have been left there after the fire that no one found.

You also need to check if there is any fire damage left behind the walls because that is not good to have in the house. Those areas might be weak. Make sure all the walls and boards to the floor have been changed so there is not charring and danger to you. When you are cooking, keep kids out of the room so they will not get hurt, and you need to watch every pan you use and watch how you cook. Because if you don't, things can happen, such as fires, flames shooting out, which can burn the wall, and it can run the wires to the burner. Also if you do not watch what you are doing and how hot the pots can get, the metal to the pot can form a hole in it and can shoot sparks everywhere.

This can happen whether there is something frying or boiling and it can melt the burner as well. If you are frying something you need to watch the oil because it can splatter out and get on the floor, which can cause you to slip and fall. If it causes you to get burned by the oil, it will cause fire damage to your skin. You have to keep all plug-ins away from the oil because the oil can get in the plug-ins and cause it to spark. Watch your appliances because they can cause fire by malfunction in the cords and if the appliances do not work right. They can cause shorts on the cords and start the plug-ins on fire, which can cause melting and damages to the wires.

This can cause a fire in the walls, and it can start the appliances on fire as well. You need to watch what you cook in the oven because if it cooks for too long, it can start the food on fire, causing smoke to come out of the oven. You need to have a fire extinguisher. It is very important that you do just in case a fire comes up and it is burning your house. To prevent a fire, you can turn the stove on low or medium-high so it will not get so hot and you might not burn your food. Check all appliances before using them, watch everything you do, and check all plug-ins as well.

Adyan Corkern is a writer for bogalusa blog and water damage virginia.

I Have A Squeaky Floor

Ceiling Fan Parts - How To Choose The Right Parts For Your Ceiling Fan

If you have an interest in adding an element of elegance and function to a room in your house, one feature that you will automatically look to is the ceiling fan. To better understand the workings of your ceiling fan, however, you should be familiar with the various and essential ceiling fan parts.

This will make future repair and replacement a great deal easier, as well as help you maintain the integrity of this device. Listed below, you'll find five of the essential parts that make your ceiling fan run smoothly.

Blades

The blades of your ceiling fan are the most recognizable part, and luckily, due to the fact that they can wear out and even break, are often easily replaced. Even if your fan is of foreign construction or is simply less common, replacement blades can always be drilled to fit.

Replacement kits, which contain only the blades themselves, can be easily acquired. Similarly, you'll find that the blade arms, which hold the blades on to the turning mechanism, can be found in generic replacement sets, though these are more generalized. If you have an older fan whose appearance you want to preserve, contact the original retailer

Capacitors

The capacitor is the part of your fan that controls the speed and movement and fortunately, it can often easily be replaced as well. Make sure that before you go to buy a new capacitor that you check the rating o the model, due to the fact that your fan should only use a capacitor that spins at the appropriate power.

Motors

The motor, as the power source, might be the part of the fan that is the most difficult to replace. Motors these days are are built to last, though, and it is considered a fairly rare problem if it is the motor itself that fails. Replacement might be necessary if the motor fails, although if you are attached to the ceiling fan itself, you can always check with a specialist.

Pullchain Switches

Pullchain switches are the most common part of a ceiling fan to require repair, most likely due to the fact that they are the part that is most often handled. You'll find that the chain can be pulled out of the socket if yanked too hard, but luckily they are easily taken care of.

When you go to the hardware store to replace the pullchain and socket, make sure you match it up with the fan you have. Find out how many wires are used in your pullchain and how many speeds your fan has, and make sure that the chain you buy is identical.

Mounting Bracket

The mounting bracket is the part of your ceiling fan that holds it to the ceiling, and failure of this part is extremely unlikely. However, water damage or loss during a move can occur, an the mounting bracket can easily be replaced.

If your ceiling fan utilizes a downrod, you'll be able to replace the mounting bracket at just about any hardware store or home center. If you have a different arrangement, you will need to get in contact with the manufacturer.

Copyright 2008 Ceiling-fan-wizard.com, all rights reserved.

Mark is the editor Ceiling-fan-wizard.com which Provides you with the best ceiling fan reviews and ratings. To Find More Ceiling Fan Parts ratings and reviews for your home visit http://www.ceiling-fan-wizard.com

Lowest Construction Bids

Foundation Repair Choices

This day and age homeowners have many choices when faced with a structural foundation problem. The choices include helical piles, push piers, helical tie-back anchors and plate anchors. Each one of these solutions should only be implemented under the supervision of a qualified engineer and foundation repair contractor. Foundation repair is not a do-it-yourself home improvement project. Intimate knowledge of structures, soils and available products are necessary requirements before repair design can be implemented.

Homeowners must educate themselves to keep ignorant or slick talking salespeople from selling them a bill of goods. Many times the salesman does not represent all of the products that your structure may need to completely solve your foundation repair needs. If he only does waterproofing he will, at best, only slow down or prevent further problems. If he is only a pier guy, he may not have the knowledge of what caused the problem (i.e. water). This is why contacting a qualified foundation engineer is a form of checks and balances to allow for the best possible solution.

Foundation engineers will give you a written assessment of your structure including a recommended procedure to solve your homes issues. This evaluation is conducted on site and usually takes over an hour to complete. The written assessment involves an examination of the interior and exterior of the home, interior floor elevations, load calculations and recommendations on repair methods. The written report should include an imprint of his seal with the date and signature across the seal. Many times the engineer will recommend a foundation repair specialist, that he has worked with before, in his report.

You first must understand what different foundation repair methods can and cannot do to determine if they are the correct method of repair for your home. There is no such thing as one size fits all in foundation repair. Each has their place and their benefits, so make sure that the tool that you pick is the correct one for your job.

Resistance piers, also known as push piers, steel piers and Micropiles. This type of pier is an end-bearing pier that does not rely upon, nor requires, skin friction to produce support. Each pier is field load tested after it is installed. The piers are able to develop a factor of safety because the piers are installed and load tested individually using the weight of the structure as the reaction force. Unlimited lifting capability is offered in continuous lift systems. These lifts should only be performed with a manifolded hydraulic system using single or double acting hydraulic cylinders.

Steel push piers are best suited to any structural problem that requires a large lift. No other system is as suited for these large lifts. Due to the fact that these resistance piers are an end bearing pier, thus developing their support from solid contact on a load bearing stratum. Continuous lift type steel piers are the best of the steel resistance piers due to the fact that they can support and lift a structure to unlimited heights.

Helical piers are an ideal choice when you are supporting or lifting a light structure. They are the ideal choice for light structures due to the fact that they do not need the structures weight to advance into the soil. Helical anchors are screwed in the soil with a hydraulic torque motor as opposed to be pressed into the soil like steel push piers. Like the resistance piers you should only lift the structure with a manifolded hydraulic system using single or double acting hydraulic cylinders.

Helical piers consist of a shaft fabricated from either solid square steel bar or tubular steel. Welded to the shaft are one or more helical plates. Typically the plate diameters increase from the bottom of the shaft upward and vary in thickness from 3/8" to ". The torque required to install the anchor correlates to their capacity. When used to support or lift light weight structures, helical piers are an excellent choice, due to their many benefits. These benefits include the ability to be quickly installed with little or no disturbance to the site and soil removal is unnecessary, they don't require a reaction force and are extremely versatile in their applications.

While steel resistance piers and helical torque anchors are excellent choices for supporting sinking foundation elements, helical tie-back anchors and plate anchors are just as able to support or straighten concrete or block walls. When a basement wall or retaining wall bows inward one must resist this inward movement to maintain the integrity of the structure. If such a system is not installed catastrophic consequences are forthcoming.

Tie-back anchors and plate anchors resist the lateral soil and water forces exerted on basement and retaining walls. While both systems have different advantages they both provide the same function. They use the surrounding stable soils to resist the pressures of unstable consolidating soils near the foundation.

While one or more of these systems my be needed to fix your foundation problem, understanding each method is the key to determining the solution that best fits your situation. The hiring of a foundation engineer is the most effective method of making this determination.

About the Author:

Jeff Tully invites you to view his website http://www.myfoundationrepairs.com if you are having any foundation issues including bowing walls, cracks in your foundation or any type of settlement issue. On this website you will find the truth about foundation repair methods and what you should expect. There are many misconceptions about foundation piers or tie backs, get the straight answers here.

This site was designed and built with the homeowner in mind is the only true source for foundation repair and waterproofing information. From determining if you really have a structural issue to hiring an engineer or foundation expert, you will find the answers on my site.

Pocket Door Problems

Building Concrete Forms, Tips and Techniques

Here you will find general information, strategies, and techniques when building concrete forms in carpentry. Concrete forms are built to hold wet concrete. Once the form is built the wet concrete gets poured in the form, this is usually done by a truck, wheel borrow, or shovel.

When the concrete dries the form is then stripped. After the form is stripped you will have your finish product. This method is used commonly when building bridges, curves, and foundation of buildings, pillar, steps, and walls. Majority of this work is done outside in extreme weather conditions.

Doing this work is very exciting. Sometimes carpenters are working in the middle of highways as cars are passing by at high speeds. Or they may be required to walk across a plank carrying a sheet of plywood on a windy day and one wrong move and they fall into a lake. Now that's exciting. Carpenters get dirty as well, having to work in the mud and rain swinging a hammer trying to put nails in wood or using a sledge hammer trying to sink a four foot steak in muddy ground. This is the hardcore part of carpentry building concrete forms.

_Before building the concrete form all material such as plywood and two by fours should be inspected for cracks and serious flaws. Using messed up material will give you weak parts in your form and result to a blow out meaning wet concrete pours or blows out the form which means you failed to do the job right. A carpenter's main objective is to not have blowouts plain and simple.

_While building remember to build accordingly to what your customer wants

_Always brace and support your forms correctly.
There are no short cuts.

_Its better to overbuild than it is to under build. Overbuilding assures you that there will not be any blow out.

_Using the right nails for the job is very important. Using the wrong size nails can result to a blow out. Also use enough nails.

_All steaks metal or wood should be nailed in the ground until they are at least 3 feet in.

_When swinging your hammer remember it's all in the wrist let your wrist do the swinging

_After you are done building the form look over your work make sure you did not forget anything.

For some additional information you can go to http://www.carpentrypages.com/concreteforms.html My name is Jereme from Plainfield NJ, Thank you

Installing A 32 Inch Back Door

How to Make a Coffee Table

Recently I decided I wanted to update my family room with a new coffee table. However, rather than spend hundreds of dollars, I chose to make a coffee table from inexpensive items I picked up from a home improvement store. The same coffee table could also be made from recycled items. Here's how to make a coffee table!

Step One: Choose the top of your table. I picked up an unfinished pine round at the home improvement store for $30. You could also use old shutters or a small antique door, or even an old ladder topped with glass. Use your imagination for a creative coffee table!

Step Two: Choose legs for the table and the appropriate hardware to attach them. Again, I just picked up screw in turned legs you can buy at the home improvement store, and attached them with simple and inexpensive brackets sold right next to the legs. The brackets are attached to the bottom of the table top with screws, and then just screw the legs into the brackets. Make sure you measure and mark where you want each leg to go before you attach the brackets. Also, take care to screw the legs in straight.

Step Three: Finish the table as desired. I painted my coffee table black enamel, and then finished with several coats of water based polyurethane for durability.

Designer look coffee table at a fraction of the price! No power tools required. If you wanted to use a precut wood round from the home improvement store like I did, but would like to cut costs, here's an idea. Instead of the finished piece I bought, pick up a pressboard round and then decoupage it with pretty paper to cover. Paint the legs, and then seal the entire piece with polyurethane to protect.

There you go, great directions on how to make a coffee table easily, quickly and cheaply! Remember, no matter how tight your budget, you can decorate your home with The Budget Decorator!

A photo of this project can be found at http://www.thebudgetdecorator.com/how-to-make-a-coffee-table.html

Want free home decorating ideas? Kathy Wilson is an author, home decorating columnist for LifetimeTv.com, and editor of several popular home and garden websites. For hundreds of free do it yourself home and garden ideas, please visit her websites now at http://www.TheBudgetDecorator.com

What Kind Of Wood Rot

Creating the Perfect Home Remodeling Priority List

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nailing Or Screwing Drywall

Window Header Framing Problems - Building Problems

As a building contractor it is my job to assemble the house to meet the specifications from the architect and the structural engineer. I do this by looking at the building plans and installing the specified lumber sizes. I can take it upon myself to install a larger size wood beam or window header adding an additional cost to the job of course. I don't think so.

It's not uncommon for a framing contractor that has an additional 5 foot scrap piece of 4 x 8 left over that he now has no use for. He can then choose to use the 4 x 8 instead of a 4 x 6 for the window header. This type of building is common and acceptable.

If the structural engineer calls out for 4 x 6 window and door headers do not take it upon yourself to replace the 4 x 6 with a 4 x 4. I have seen too many framing contractors or carpenters make an on-the-job judgment like this.

A good example would be a single story house with 2 foot wide windows that require a 4 x 6 window header. As the carpenter builds homes over the years he can come to his own conclusion that a 4x4 will work fine for this application. Again keep this in mind as a framing contractor and a carpenter you are assembling the home not designing it.

Do not change the sizes of any headers or beams.

A long time ago carpenters used a standard rule of thumb, you could go up two sizes larger than the window opening for your header. Let me give you an example of what I'm trying to explain.

A 4 foot wide window opening would require a 4 x 6 window header. A 6 foot window opening would require a 4 x 8 window header. This should give you an idea of what I mean by going up two sizes larger than the window opening to figure out the lumber necessary to use for your window header.

This rule of thumb does not necessarily apply in today's building industry. The reason for this is structural changes from earthquake damage. The structural requirements that are required for building a home require a lot more metal bracing and strapping. Therefore some of the lumber requirements for beam sizes and window headers will be different.

This message is for general contractors, framing contractors and carpenters. When installing a window header and you take it upon yourself to change the size you also assume the responsibility if the building fails. This type of mistake is common and you guys know what I'm talking about.

It's not worth it. Keep in mind you are the assembler and not the designer of the building you are working on.

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

Visit us and get more information on building and remodeling your homes and House Framing Structural Repairs

4 Ways in Which You Can Make Money From Green Renewable Energy

Going green can be economical. Just because you're helping to save the environment and provide a better future for everyone, who says you can't be rewarded in other ways. If you were curious about the powers of green renewable energy to save you money, consider these 4 ways in which you can save and make money by going green.

Power Bills - This one is obvious. The average homeowner spends $2500 annually on their monthly power bills alone. That's a lot of money which could be better spent elsewhere. Using do it yourself guides, you can easily build your own solar cells or windmill to harness the green renewable energy of the sun or wind, respectively and use that to power your home instead of relying on the power company. People who do this live off the grid, and they save themselves a fortune by doing it.

Abundance of Electricity - When you use solar cells and windmills to harness green renewable energy, you're converting that free energy into usable natural electricity. When you produce more than you use in a given month, you're not only eliminating your power bill, you're also creating an abundance of natural electricity. Now you can hold onto this electricity for yourself, or you can sell it back to the power company for a tidy profit. Many people make a decent living from this each year, especially those who live in choice regions for green renewable energy, such as along the coast for harnessing wind or anyone with extra unused land. It's really up to you as to how much natural electricity you produce and the possibilities are endless.

Tax Cuts - The government is incredibly lenient on those homeowners who use green renewable energy and live off the grid, as well. So much so that they offer decent tax cuts to those who do it and don't contribute to the energy crisis, but help to alleviate it.

Self Employed - Using the do it yourself guides discussed in the first section, you can easily build your own windmills and solar cells, with the learning curve being so easy that even a child could do it. Odds are, you're not the only person interested in these money saving tips. You'll find that many people out there are interested or curious about using green renewable energy, but don't know how. Many people take the information they learn in their do it yourself guide and go on to build solar cells and windmills for those who are interested in paying them. Keep in mind it costs over $3000 to have them professionally installed, so people are willing to spend good money to own and use these tools.

If you're interested in making money from green renewable energy, visit http://www.renewableenergyreviewed.com for reviews on the leading do it yourself guides and start saving yourself an annual fortune today.

Stair Treads - Stair Building

If you've built as many stairways as I have, this is a very simple question to answer. Should I use 2 x 12 or 3 x 12 for my stair treads? Without a doubt I would use the 3 x 12 for a couple of reasons.

The thickness of the three by material gives it some additional strength and that strength could prevent someone from falling through the stairway and getting injured. Visually looking at the 3 x 12 it gives you the illusion that the stairway is safe. Once you start walking up the stairway and the stairs seem solid and well constructed, it takes the illusion and makes it a reality.

If you're walking up a poorly constructed stairway every day, not only is it a safety problem but it takes a little bit of effort as you walk up the stairway, holding on to the hand rail with a death grip, this can easily wear someone out physically and mentally, over time. Stairways should be constructed and maintained with safety as the main priority.

If you've ever walked up and older stairway that was built using 2 x 12 for the stair treads, you probably know what I'm talking about. Walking up and down the stairway, while the stair treads are moving, does not give you a strong sense that the stairway is safe. And of course sometimes the stairway isn't.

For example if you have a 3 inch knot in a 2 x 12 stair tread, over time as the wood expands and contracts, the knot can loosen up and fall out of the stair tread, often creating a weak spot in the step. With a thicker stair tread, it will take a little more expanding and contracting to create a weak spot in the stair step.

If you're building a stairway wider than 36 inches, with no center stair stringers to support the stairway, I would suggest using a 3 x 12 or 4 x 12 for your stair treads. 2 x 12 should not be used for stair treads on any staircase wider than 36 inches.

If you choose to use 2 x 12 for your stair treads, select premium grade lumber for safety. Try to avoid using center cut building materials and 2 x 12 with knots larger than an inch and a half. Large knots are one of the biggest problems in construction safety.

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.

Learn more about the parts of the stairway, whether you're a experienced carpenter or homeowner. Stair building does not necessarily have to be as complicated as most people make it out to be. There's also a book on how to build straight stairs that can save you a lot of frustration, if you've never built a stairway before. Visit the website.

All About Retaining Walls - Home Repair Advice

Introduction to Retaining Walls

First, a retaining wall is a structure that holds back, or retains, lateral faces of dirt, water, or other materials. Retaining walls are used to prevent erosion or collapse of higher level ground onto a certain building, structure, or general area. The earth that is retained is often referred to as backfill. The word backfill is also used as a verb to describe placing more dirt behind a retaining wall to make the ground more level.

Retaining walls can be the answer if you are blessed (or cursed) to a contoured lot. They can turn a steep slope into a terraced yard, creating a stair step effect instead of a slope.

Retaining walls can be constructed from many different materials using many different techniques. There are several factors that influence which choice will be the best choice for each situation, including cost, height of the wall, soil characteristics, and ground water conditions.

Generally, most municipalities require that any retaining wall over four feet in height be engineered or approved by a licensed engineer. It is important to check local building codes before starting any retaining wall projects, even if it is below four feet tall. After all, retaining walls should be structurally sound before there is any thought of aesthetic appeal. The retaining wall must be able to stand up to the pressure exerted by the backfill, also called lateral earth pressure. This lateral earth pressure is a majority of the force that the retaining wall will need to bear. Lateral earth pressure is determined by studying the weight of the soil unit, slope of the soil, soil type (for plasticity and adhesion purposes with clay soil types), and ground water levels. Engineers do many calculations with these factors to determine what design to implement with the wall. To homeowners and contractors that do not want to go through engineering steps, it is generally a good rule to overdo it. Many structural methods to build retaining walls with withhold earth, at least temporarily, with a height up to four feet, are adequate, which is why most local building codes require engineering if the wall will be over four feet tall.

However, even methods that may seem adequate for retaining earth can fail if they are not built properly. Many times, it is elements below grade that can make (or break) a retaining wall. Problems including bowing, slanting, or cracking are evidence of retaining wall failure because it was not successful in retaining the dirt. Cutting costs with a bad contractor, insufficient materials, or neglecting the below grade elements can turn out to be more expensive over time if replacement or repair is necessary often or if collapse of earth causes damage to nearby structures. For example, erosion can cause foundation issues if dirt erodes from under the foundation. This is just one example how a retaining wall failure can cause expensive problems aside from the cost to repair or replace the retaining wall.

Another aspect that is often neglected or underestimated that can cause failure of a retaining wall is drainage. Inadequate drainage of retaining walls can mean that water is trapped behind the wall, adding to the weight that the wall must hold back. Usually weep holes and/or drainage pipes are used to flush rain water and ground water from behind the wall. It is important that the drainage system, whatever it be, have a filter barrier to keep dirt from clogging the drain or weep hole.

Options for Retaining Wall Materials

Railroad Crossties Railroad crossties, also shortened to railroad ties, can be used as a retaining wall material; however, as with most every retaining wall material, it must be installed correctly in order to be a solution. For example, most railroad tie retaining walls will need a substantial footer to tie the crossties to in order to keep the bottom from sliding out. Also, there needs to be perpendicular members placed into the ground behind the wall to keep the wall from overturning. These members, called deadmen, should be at least 1.5 times as long as the wall is high and should be placed at minimum every 6 feet or so. Because railroad ties are wood (even though they are treated most of the time), there is a risk that they may rot over time or be subject to termite infestation, which can lead to a weak wall likely to bulge or break. And, even though there are areas for water to slowly seep though, it is still a good idea to have a filtered drain or weep holes designed into the wall.

Treated Wood Treated wood retaining walls offer many of the same risks as retaining walls because over time it is susceptible to rot and termite infestation. It is a labor intensive construction, but it is usually lightweight and decently strong if built correctly. It is recommended to build a concrete footer to attach the wall to in order to keep it from shifting. Construction usually requires a clear area to be backfilled after the wall is built, so it is not always the best material to use if you are replacing an existing retaining wall. This wall still needs weep holes or drains designed into the wall. Standing water behind the wood will only increase risk of rot.

Concrete Concrete is a great material to use for retaining walls. Of course, there is a right and a wrong way to build a concrete retaining wall, which makes choosing your contractor a big job. There are many different designs that can lead to a successful concrete retaining wall, but one thing is for sure: there needs to be a footer beneath the wall to ensure success. Concrete is one of the most durable man-made products known to man. Most concrete poured today is engineered to last for over 50 years. Plus, concrete offers many decorative options as well. Aside from a plain, white concrete retaining wall, you can also pour a colored concrete retaining wall, stain a retaining wall after it has cured, pour into a patterned form, apply a vertical stamp material and pattern after poured, etc. Sealing the concrete wall can lead to an easy-to-maintain surface that rinses free of most dirt and grime.

Blocks or Paver Stones Engineered blocks that stack together to make a wall must be as simple as building with Legos, right? Nope. These retaining walls should also have a significant footer in order to support not only the weight of the dirt but also the weight of the wall. These blocks can be a unique look, but it may even be necessary to place a concrete retaining wall behind the blocks if there immense lateral earth pressure. In such a case, the concrete would be the structural element, using the blocks as a visual feature.

Rock or Brick One of the favorite looks for a retaining wall is natural stone or brick. These materials usually look more permanent and traditionally classy. However, just as we have seen with the other materials, it is necessary to have a concrete footer below grade to carry the weight and ensure success of the retaining wall. Like architectural blocks or paver systems, it may be necessary to back a masonry retaining wall with a concrete retaining wall for structural support.

Tasha Lucas
Monster Constructors - http://www.monsterconstructors.com
Retaining Walls - http://www.monsterconstructors.com/dfw-retaining-walls.htm

Your Energy Efficient Metal Roof

In these modern times we must all make an effort to reduce our energy consumption while making sure we are using environmentally responsible, sustainable resources. Using metal roofing is one of the ways we can achieve this goal but the best part is, it can save us money in the process.

Many advances have been made in recent years in the field of metal roofing material. Metal roofs are now recognized as one of the premier materials for cool roofing. Cool roofs provide the advantage of reducing the home's energy consumption and lowers cooling loads during peak consumption hours.

Metal roofs that are lightly colored and more reflective can reduce cooling energy costs by up to 40%. Many metal roofing materials are now coated with an extra-reflective surface so that most colors of your roof can have these energy saving qualities. Available in many colors and textures there is a metal roof that can suit any type of house, from brand new to newly restored, and provide the added peace of mind of being non-combustible and resistant to high winds.

Since metal roofs absorb much less heat than other roofing materials there is less impact on the urban air temperature, making a metal roof better for all who live around you by keeping temperatures down. The reduction in air temperature also helps to improve air quality since less smog is formed and less fossil fuels are used to cool the home.

Cool metal roofing is the sustainable choice for those who are concerned about human population's effect on our environment. Metal roofs are extremely weather resistant and will last up to 50 years or more, and contain 25% or more recycled content. Metal roofing materials that are no longer useable are 100% recyclable, so there is no need to worry about clogging up landfills when you replace your roof. And in the spirit of not filling up landfills, since metal roofing weighs much less than conventional shingles, you can install a metal roof right on top of your old roof without adding much load to the structure or you can remove your previous roof and improve the static and dynamic load on your home.

Metal roofs do not support growths of moss or lichens, and do not deteriorate over time like asphalt shingles. Your roof will remain looking beautiful as ever, even 20 or 30 years after it is installed. Inside your home you will find that in the height of summer the air is much cooler that when you had heat absorbing shingles.

You are also making a conscious decision to use materials that are environmentally friendly and recyclable, and improving the air quality around your home. With all these advantages it is no surprise that metal roofing is becoming so popular with homeowners and contractors.

Visit http://www.MetalRoofingSource.com to learn more on the money-saving benefits of metal roofing.

Bathroom Remodeling Made Easy

Ok, you have made the decision: Your bathroom is in need of a face lift! The next question is "Where Do I Start"? This very simple question creates the basis for your project.

This article provides a "road map" to help you make sure your bathroom remodel is a success. By careful planning, you will save money, time and (more importantly) grief and frustration. The following issues should be determined before hiring a contractor. This way (if you are getting multiple estimates) you will have "apples for apples" estimates as each contractor will know exactly what they are bidding on.

There are numerous decisions to be made when remodeling your bathroom. These decisions will not only determine the cost of the project, but will have direct a impact on the success (or failure) of the final product. It is crucial that you spend sufficient time addressing theses issues prior to commencing work. As with any home renovation, the key is in the planning.

One of the best ways to begin planning is to draw up a simple floor plan of the bathroom space, including the size of each wall. From here, you can begin to put the pieces of the puzzle together.

Here are some basic questions you need to ask yourself:

What is your proposed budget? If you can answer this question first, the material selection process will be much easier. Case in point: Tile (material only) is priced anywhere from $1.50 to $30.00 per square foot! Considering an average tub enclosure is around 80 sq.ft., just the price difference in tile selection can change the cost of the project by thousands of dollars.
Are you keeping the same configuration of the bathroom as the existing layout? When moving walls or changing the layout requires framing, electrical, plumbing and drywall work. Replacing existing components (without relocation) is the most cost effective way to remodel your bathroom.
Tub or Shower: Are you replacing the tub? Or are you converting the tub into a shower? When converting a tub into a shower, additional costs incurred will be in re-locating the plumbing drain, shower valve, building and sealing the shower pan among other things.
Shower or Tub Enclosure: Do you want a tile or fiberglass enclosure? If it is a shower; do you want a fiberglass shower pan or tile. Prefab fiberglass units are (of course) more cost effective than tile however tile is much more aesthetically appealing.
Tile Selection: Stone, tile (ceramic or porcelain), marble? Same tile for floor and enclosure? Any decorative tile additions? Shampoo nooks? Shower seat? Material and color choices are almost as infinite as the price points.
Floor Covering: Using same material as tub/shower enclosure? Wood or tile base board? Wood base is more cost effective, however tile has a much classier look.
Wall Covering: Paint, wallpaper, tile or a combination?
Vanity Cabinet: Type of wood? Painted or stained? Low profile (31 1/2" height) or regular (34 1/2" height)? Master baths usually have the 34 1/2" height while hallway or secondary bathrooms typically use the low profile cabinets.
Vanity Top: Granite, tile, prefab unit?
Sink: Surface mount or undermount?
Toilet: Round or elongated? White or special color? Prices change dramatically for "designer" toilets and even the color choice can change the cost for the fixture.
Lighting: Wall mount or recessed lighting? Re-locating lighting (requiring electrical and drywall work)? Installing or replacing exhaust fan? Keeping fixtures in the same location will (of course) save you money.
Shower or Tub Door: Same configuration as existing (sliding or hinged)? Again, choices of doors "run the gamut" with regard to pricing.
Replacing a Window? Retrofit or standard replacement (standard window replacement involves stucco/siding and drywall repair)?
Bathroom Door: Replacing the existing bathroom door? Same style? Paint or stained? Hollow core or solid core? Pre-hung or replace door use existing door jamb?
Hardware: Style and finishes for shower door, vanity cabinet knobs, sink faucet, towel bars? Pricing for fixtures changes dramatically when it comes to design and material choices.

Below are some basic space guidelines provided by the National Kitchen and Bath Association:

Lavatory

15" (38 cm) or more of clearance space from the centerline of lavatory bowl to a wall or similar obstruction.
30" (76 cm) or more of clearance space between the centerlines of double-bowl lavatories.
At least 30" x 48" (76 cm x 122 cm) of clear floor space in front of the lavatory.
Toilet / Bidet
16" (41 cm) from the centerline of a water closet or bidet to a wall or similar obstruction, or fixture adjacent to it.
At least 48" x 48" (122 cm x 122 cm) of clear floor space in front of the water closet or bidet.

Bathtub / Shower

Shower size large enough to comfortably use, at least 34" x 34" (86.36 cm x 86.36 cm).
Tub size large enough to comfortably use.
At least 60" x 30" (152 cm x 76 cm) of clear floor space in front of shower/tub.
General Information
The bathroom entrance door swings so that it does not interfere with people in front of fixtures.
Fixtures located so that more than two people can use the space comfortably.
Water closet and bidet in separate compartments or shielded from entrance view.

Safety Requirements

Non-slip flooring used throughout the space.
Ground-fault circuit interrupter electrical receptacles used.
Electrical switches placed away from tub or shower.
Grab-bars at shower/tub entrance and inside enclosure.
Tub and/or shower easy to enter and exit.
No steps at the tub or shower.
Safety glazing on glass used for shower doors.
Shower door swings into bathroom, not into shower enclosure.
Bench/seat included in shower enclosure.
Pressure balanced water control valves used in shower.
Temperature regulating water control valves used in shower.

Storage Requirements

Adequate counter or shelf space around lavatory.
Adequate storage for grooming equipment, toiletries, linens, etc., 15" - 48" (38 cm - 122 cm) above the floor.
Towel bars /rings located within reach of fixtures.
Bathroom linen and paper product storage space provided.
Storage space for shampoo and such in the shower/tub area, between 15" to 48" (38 cm - 122 cm) above the floor.

Mechanical System Requirements

An efficient ventilation system is part of the plan.
Bathroom heating system will keep the space comfortably warm.
Task lighting provided at every functional area.

In closing, remodeling your bathroom is an exciting endeavor and one (with proper planning) which can provide you and your family with years of enjoyment; not to mention improving the value and re-sale potential of your home.

Steve Frick
Paul Davis Restoration, San Diego, CA

If this article has been helpful and you would like more information on our kitchen remodeling services, please visit our website at http://www.pdremodelingsandiego.com

For a free estimate, simply send us an e-mail at sfrick@pdr-sd.com and we will be happy to give you a free consultation. We service all of San Diego county

Building a Green Home - Six Ways to Save Energy (and Money)

There are many areas where you can experience significant energy savings when you are building a green home.By working with an architect in the early design stages, many of these areas can be addressed in the design of your energy efficient home, helping you to save money in the future and enjoy a healthier home:

1)Footprint:Reduce the size of your home.Your home design should be limited to only as much space as your family needs.This will keep your energy usage to a minimum right from the start.

2) Windows:Windows are a break in the thermal insulating barrier of your home.The higher quality window you choose the better performance the entire home will achieve.

3)Insulation:Even if you do nothing else, by choosing a superior building envelope for your home like structural insulated panels (SIPs panels) and/or an insulated concrete form foundation system (ICF), you will enjoy huge savings in heating and cooling your home (up to 50%-60% over a home without SIPs).

4) Passive solar design:By incorporating sunlight for lighting and heat and natural ventilation into the basic home design, you can reduce the size of mechanical systems and lighting in the home.

5) Heating system:Consider a renewable energy system to heat and cool the space and tap water in your home (solar, wind, geothermal).

6) Ventilation:Incorporate an air-to-air exchanger, or heat recovery ventilator (HRV) system into your home. This will replace stale air with fresh outdoor air while maintaining the temperature inside the home and conserving energy.

There are many other areas of the home that can be addressed to increase energy efficiency and save money over the life of your home. In the beginning stages of the home design, your green architect will discuss your opportunities to save money while providing a healthy environment for your family.

About the Author: Jeremy Bonin, a principal partner of Bonin Architects & Associates http://www.boninarchitects.com, is an award-winning green architect and the author of TIMBER FRAMES: Designing Your Custom Home. With a special interest in sustainable design and green homes, structural insulated panels (SIPs), as well as timber frame construction, Jeremy incorporates renewable energy practices where possible, including geo-thermal, solar, radiant heat, and energy-efficient foundation systems.

Overcoming Internal Barriers to Your Goals

If you're like I am, you don't see yourself as having any fear of success. In fact, it's likely that you actively strive for success.

So despite this confidence, why do you find yourself plagued with self-doubt sometimes? Or, occasionally, you just don't feel motivated to work on your goal. Worse yet, sometimes you do things that actually impede the achievement of your goal. Are these signs that you'll never achieve that goal or is something else going on?

One way to solve this puzzle is to ask yourself some key questions:

Are you taking on too big a goal?
Sometimes when there's too much to do to attain a goal, we can't focus on what needs to be done and we become overwhelmed. Rather than focusing on the big goal, focus on the smaller steps that need to be accomplished one at a time in order to accomplish the big goal.

Are there signs that you are progressing toward your goal?
It can be discouraging to feel as though you're not getting closer to your goal. It's easy to lose the initial enthusiasm and motivation once the work gets going. It's especially easy to lose the initial excitement and anticipation if you don't see any results from your efforts. If the steps toward your goal don't provide rewards, build your own. Treat yourself to a special dinner, a night out, or whatever you want, after making a significant step toward your goal.

Are you having to make too many sacrifices to achieve your goal?
If you're a single parent holding down a full-time job, you may be sacrificing sleep or time with your children to get that Ph. D. Most goals demand some kind of investment of scarce resources (i.e. time, energy, money). For some, these resources are a small investment and for others they are major investments. Make sure your investment is worth your goal.

Now that you've started working on your goal, is this something you can accomplish?
Some self-doubts are realistic and some aren't. Make an assessment of the skills and resources needed to accomplish this goal. Next, assess your skills and resources. It may be helpful to ask a friend who can be objective and honest with you to help you with these assessments. If your skills and resources are less than what is needed and will never be enough to reach your goals, then your self-doubt is an inner sign of reality (like wanting to be the next "American Idol" despite being only an adequate singer). However, if your skills and resources match or will match the skills and resources needed to accomplish your goal, this exercise should help eliminate some of your self-doubt.

Is accomplishing your goal too far out in the future?
When goals take a long time to accomplish, we can find ourselves working on things that have nothing to do with our goals, and in effect, wasting our time and making the achievement of our goals take that much longer. In this case, it may be helpful to make the halfway point to your goal the new goal instead. For example, if your goal is to lose 40 pounds in 40 weeks, make a new goal of 20 pounds in 20 weeks. At the end of 20 weeks, when you've lost 20 pounds, create a new goal of 20 pounds in 20 weeks. Break up your goal whichever way works best for you and keeps you focused on the end result.

You may not always be able to handle external obstacles toward your goals, but you do have control over your internal obstacles!

I have been helping people reach their personal and professional goals for the past 14 years. There's nothing more satisfying than helping someone reach their potential for success. I would like the opportunity to help you reach your goals. I am a Professional Coach with a Ph.D. in Psychology and a specialty in Goal Achievement and Transitions. Check out my website: http://www.ParamountTransitions.com then call me for a free consultation.

How to Buy a Refrigerated Compressed Air Dryer

Many customers are often confused as to which kind of dryer for compressed air would work well for them. While some people prefer high-end brands, others may want to opt for more cost-effective solutions. No matter what your prerogative maybe you should consider the following aspects before purchasing any air dryer system.

Reputation of the brand

First and foremost, no matter which kind of dryer mechanism you are looking for, make sure the manufacturer enjoys a good reputation in the market. You may end up purchasing a lower end model at a cheaper rate but the downside to this is that your maintenance and repair costs may go up in the long term. Always select a brand, which is well versed with the compressed gas treatment domain. Most manufacturers of compressed air dryer mechanisms should enjoy a good level of customer service not just before the sale but also post sales as that is when it counts the most.

Feature sets

Once you have zeroed in on a particular brand, you want to explore the feature sets available in their range of air dryer mechanisms. Always opt for the latest heat transfer technology enabled systems as they deliver the best performance in the long-term. Make sure the dew point is as low as is possible and that it keeps all of the pneumatic equipment in top class condition. Look for a model, which offers maximum air drying capability. Only such a feature will help you maximize savings in terms of energy expenditures. Even if the compressed air dryer were to dry around 1000 SCFM you can expect a savings of at least 1000 USD each year, which is no small amount! Compared to a non-cyclic dryer, such models offer good cost-effectiveness. The proper cleansing of the compressed air is also crucial especially if you or any member of the family suffers from dust allergies. Always ask the retailer or the manufacturer if there are any special provisions to remove air-borne ingredients such as pollen etc. as these can trigger an asthma or respiratory attack.

Pricing

Price is almost always a major driver when considering to purchase an air drying system. However, it is also important not to go by merely price alone. You should also weigh the overall cost savings in the long term in comparison with the initial costs while purchasing the system. Most often, the more reputed the manufacturer is, the higher will be the cost of the dryer but at the same time efficiency and drying ability is much more, accounting for a large amount of electricity cost savings.

Not sure which kind of compressed air dryer you need to buy? Select from our vast array of superior, state of the art dryers manufactured by some of the best brands in the market today. In addition, our sales personnel are subject matter experts in the realm of the air dryer segment and can assist you with any query or concern you may have. So come visit us at Van Air Systems today!

Day Light Savings Time

Daylight savings time is a clock time advancing technique that makes afternoons have more of daylight when compared to mornings.

In British English it can also be referred to as the summer time. To be in the right track the clock must be adjusted one hour ahead near the start of spring and in autumn the clock is adjusted backward to achieve the highest advantage of the later hours of daylight between February and September.

History has it that during the World War I in the process of preserving energy for war production day lights savings was introduced.

The day light savings has one major advantage which is "it saves energy". Experts explain more that if calculated in hours, energy saved throughout the day could equal to the sleeping time. In other words the energy used in lighting our homes in the day is directly proportional to energy used at night.

The day light savings time has its procedure. For instance, on the second Monday in February at 3.a.m. the clocks are set ahead of the standard time by an hour as time proceeds the time is brought back to the standard time at 3 a.m. on the first Monday in October by bringing one hour backwards.

The name of time zones in the US changes for example Eastern Standard Time will be called Eastern daylight time and Central Standard Time (CST) becomes central daylight time this continues like this.

The day light savings time is usually experienced from September to February where summer comes in December in the Southern hemisphere. Due to different in the time schedules and patterns of other regions the Asian region nearly did not experience the day light savings.

Where To Get More of Day Light Savings Time and Finance Online?

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