Carlsbad Remodeling

Basement Construction - Is it For You?

2009-10-05T08:29:00.001-07:00

As with any part of the house, basement construction is just as important. The basement is untapped potential in your home, if you desire to do so; you can transform the basement into your favorite area of the house.

Many find constructing a basement as a necessary part of building your home; others find that it is just a waste of time and energy. Basements have been getting a bad rap because a lot of people neglect theirs.

It is true that the volume of space a basement adds to your home is considerable and the cost is small. But will the space be usable or will it just be wasted? Planning is important before doing any drastic actions.

There are several ideas on how to utilize the space you have down below:

1. Laundry Area

The basement could be utilized as a laundry room as what most people are doing right now. Washing machines and dryers can be noisy appliances and it is a good idea to shut the noise out from the other parts of the house.

2. Storage Area

With that much space, it would be a pack rat's dream come true. You can store all your memories in the basement.

3. Rumpus Room

The basement is a perfect place for a rumpus room. It is a place where you can forget all your worries because you seem to be in an entirely different place. You can let your imagination run wild when you decorate this room. And for the entire different place feel, it would be a good idea to design the basement differently from the other parts of the house.

4. Guest Bedroom

If your relatives and friends have a habit of sleeping over at your house, then the perfect solution to your extra space problem is a guest bedroom. There are a number of ways you can go through with the basement construction in order to give your basement a homey feel.

5. Basement Bar

This utilization of space is catching on with a lot of people. You can entertain your guests properly with a basement bar and you can incorporate a number of themes that you and your guests can enjoy. To bring it to the next level, you can even place a pool table and some big television sets.

No matter what you decide to do with all your extra space, basement construction can be a pretty good investment for your home at little extra cost.

Basement remodeling is easy with the professional basement contractors. Contact your nearest basement construction company.

I Can't Wash the Mold Off the Walls - Mold Repair

2009-10-05T00:01:00.001-07:00

If you have mold growing on your bathroom walls, ceilings or any other walls in your home and can't seem to remove it, that's probably because it's underneath the paint. This might not make any sense, but if the mold continues to grow back, it's probably growing between the paint and the drywall or plaster.

This is real common around moist areas like your bathroom or even behind your stove if you do a lot of cooking with pots that are releasing steam, you could have a moisture problem and moisture attracts mold and mildew. If the steam is condensing on the back wall, behind the kitchen stove, you could find yourself stripping the paint or even removing the drywall to fix the problem, correctly.

If the mold is growing behind the paint, the only way you will be able to fix this, right, is to remove the paint and treat the drywall for mold. This might sound like a lot of work, but there is a simpler way, but not a more effective way.

You can simply clean the wall with chlorine or bleach, leave the area that you treated alone for a few days for until its dried out thoroughly. Then you can simply paint over the area with a semi gloss or high gloss paint. Flat or satin paints could actually absorb enough moisture to start growing the mold again. A semi gloss or high gloss paint will act like a water resistant barrier and help to prevent moisture from soaking into the wall.

Now here's the bad news, the mold hasn't gone away, you're just sealing it in the wall or ceiling. Eventually you could start to see a dark spot under your newly painted wall repair. This will tell you, that the mold is growing underneath the paint, that you just applied and probably even underneath the layer of paint, you painted over.

If you're having problems keeping the mold away, there's a good chance that it's growing underneath the paint. Clean it the best you can with bleach or chlorine, read the directions thoroughly before using these products and if the mold keeps coming back, you can paint over the mold or remove the drywall, re-plaster it and then paint over it. You have a couple of choices.

Always try cleaning the mold with bleach first and if the problem is in the bathroom, you could always leave the door open while you're showering to prevent moisture buildup in the bathroom. Open a window or turn a fan on, keep the moisture out until you know for sure mold is gone.

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What is Mold and Toxic Mold Pictures

Greg Vandenberge is a General Contractor, published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing and personal development.

Bathroom Remodeling - Vanities, Mirrors, Faucets, & Lighting

2009-10-04T17:04:00.001-07:00

Few people ever really think about all the ways in which a bathroom can be remodeled. Some of the most popular and cost effective ways to make over a bathroom include using mirrors, vanities, faucets, and lighting. Taken on together, these make for a total redecorating project, but using just one or two to spice things up can be refreshingly cost effective.

Bathroom Vanities: There is a multitude of vanity options on the market today. You will be sure to find one that fits your personal style and budget. If you are working with a small space, look for single sink options, they are available as narrow as twelve inches wide. If you have a large room, consider a double sink vanity. If you cannot find the type of vanity you are looking for, you have the option of having a vanity custom-made. Custom-made units add a special feel because you can have the exact vanity you want.

Mirrors: A new mirror can truly transform a room. They are versatile and can serve multiple purposes. Mirrors are available in various sizes and shapes these days, so finding one that fits your style and your space will be simple. Select from traditional square and rectangle mirrors, ornate framed mirrors that add to the dcor of the room, or try a small mirror with an interesting shape. If the bathroom is small, the mirror can double as the front of a medicine cabinet or storage unit. Mirrors are also great for creating the illusion of a larger space.

Faucets: There is an incredibly wide selection of faucets to choose from today, from classic throwback styles to a sleek modern brushed aluminum look, the possibilities are almost endless. Keep in mind that if you decided to go this route, you should also change the shower head and bath fixtures too. It all depends on your style; try gold, bronze, black, or stainless steel. Faucets types include: single-handle faucets, double-handle faucets, center-set faucets, and more.

Lighting fixtures: New fixtures can create quite a statement in any room, especially if you change out your light fixtures for something really ornate or unusual. Every bathroom should have good lighting near the mirror so that you can see what you are doing. Other lighting should help to soften the room and create ambiance. Experiment with colored bulbs until you find the style that is just right.

All the features listed above can give your bathroom a comfortable and relaxing feel. The best part is you can do as much or as little as you want to ensure that you stay within the budget that is right for you.

Julia Ritzenthaler is Owner of boutique multiple online furniture stores, For more information about unique bathroom vanity ideas, visit us online or email us with your questions at uniquevanities@msn.com.

Tile Grouting Tips For Your Bathrooms, Kitchens and Floors

2009-10-04T08:45:00.001-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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Special Needs Bathrooms

2009-10-04T01:57:00.001-07:00

For most of United Kingdom's history, bathrooms were designed and built to simply be functional and they were built the same way. This was not an issue for the majority of the United Kingdom's population, but for people with special needs, the "standard" in bathroom designs and fixtures proved difficult and frustrating. The truth is that people who have special needs often have a difficult time in bathrooms that have been built for people who do not have special needs.

Bathroom designers and builders understand that people with special needs have different requirements than those who do not. They design bathrooms specifically for people with special needs. These designers understand that people with special needs require bathroom fixtures that can hold a person's body weight. They understand that things need to be higher or lower and more accommodating than bathrooms that are built form before function.

Usually a bathroom that is constructed for a client with special needs will feature a stand alone sink, a toilet that has a wider seat and is either higher than usual or lower than usual (depending on the client's needs) to accommodate people who are shorter or people who have trouble bending or people who need to transfer from a wheel chair to the toilet (or another fixture).

A bathroom built for a special needs person will usually feature a shower stall with a seat that is separately contained. If there is a bath tub, the bath tub is usually equipped with jets and is raised up off of the floor to accommodate the transfer from a standing position to a sitting position or from a chair into the bath tub itself.

Lastly, the bathroom that has been constructed for a person with special needs will be built with additional support beams and bars located around and throughout the bathroom. These bars are usually bolted to the walls around the individual bathroom features. These bars are built to aid in the transfer of the person with special needs from one location to another. The bars are usually installed next to the toilet, the sinks and the bathtub and shower areas. These bars are sturdy and are meant to hold a person's entire body weight.

It is important to remember, when putting together a bathroom for someone with special needs that function is more important than form. The bathroom needs to have proper support for a person who has trouble getting from one place to another and for people who might not be very good at holding him or herself up. Softer corners are always a good idea for special needs people as are bathroom elements have been designed to hold a person's body weight.

When designing a bathroom for a person with special needs a good rule of thumb for the designer is to follow is "function before form."

Tal Potishman, editor of Heating Central, writes articles about efficient heating, plumbers, Dartford boiler, underfloor heating and solar thermal. He specializes in helping save money by advising on efficient heating.

Plywood Roof Sheeting - Roof Framing Trade Secrets

2009-10-03T18:08:00.001-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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Experience The Joys Of Personalized Attention In Hotels In Mexico

2009-10-03T10:41:00.001-07:00

Mexico is a tourist destination which is just waiting to be explored and its ancient Aztec pyramids are an absolute beauty. Travelers to Mexico will simply love the authentic food and the fantastic shopping experience that the country offers to travelers from all over the world. Mexico is a fantastic sightseeing country where one can simply enjoy lazing on the beach area or even go back into history to have a glimpse of past civilizations. Mexico has a good number of hotels which provide the finest of accommodation possibilities to the guests and travelers. The hotels in Mexico provide excellent facilities and amenities which are absolutely wonderful for a perfect stay to ensure the guests have a very comfortable and satisfying stay.

The tourism hotels Mexico have made a mark for themselves with respect to providing excellent hospitality and services to the travelers in order to ensure they have an unforgettable experience. This experience essentially helps to attract travelers from around the world who are enchanted by the hospitable nature of the Mexican hoteliers who go out of their way to entertain the tourists in order to make them feel like they are staying at a home away from home. These hotels have an information desk which provides travel information and arranges for vacation guides in order to help and guide tourists to discover the fascinating world of Mexico. The attractions in Mexico include ancient Aztec pyramids which are a delight to watch even today.

Mexico is an accommodating country to various tourists from across the globe and holds fascination for tourists who would like to visit past civilizations or just simply laze around on the beach or even simply just enjoy a fabulous game of golf. Mexico literally puts almost everything at the tourists disposal to ensure they enjoy their vacations to the fullest. The Mexican hotels provide lodging options to suit every taste that will please the most demanding of guests. The personalized attention and warm hospitality in the hotels in Mexico very typical of the Mexican people will ensure that travelers have a vacation they are likely to remember for a very long time.

Paula Thomas is an associate editor of http://www.stayresmexico.com The website offers exclusive information of Mexico and hotels in Mexico. We also provide online hotel reservation of tourism hotels Mexico. We appreciate your feedback and queries at info@stayresmexico.com.

Building Codes - Stairway Construction

2009-10-03T03:31:00.001-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pros and Cons of Having a Bathroom Mirror

2009-10-02T19:17:00.001-07:00

A bathroom mirror is a new permanent accessory for your precious bathroom. Modern homes today all have one to give their home a specific look that compliments the style of the rest of the household - as well as making sure that anyone who goes into your bathroom will enjoy the experience. With its growing popularity, we must delve deeper and determine if having a bathroom mirror is really a good thing or not. In this article, we will determine the pros and cons of having a mirror in your bathroom.

The Advantage Of Having A Bathroom Mirror

The bathroom's function has evolved. Gone were the days that we just go into the room to do our routines or freshen up. Now, bathroom rituals include putting on make-up, personal hygiene, storage, and more. These functions will not be possible with a bathroom mirror.

A bathroom mirror can be used to dry and style one's hair and to put on their make up rather than doing everything in your bedroom or living room - which will only add to the task of putting it away. You can just get the required tools from a storage cabinet that came with your mirror and get right on the task of pampering. Store it on the same place and you're ready to go.

As for men, a bathroom mirror is useful when shaving or testing out a new set of wardrobe to see how they look. This fixture can also become a medicine cabinet if you bought one with this purpose - a space saver for those who have limited home space - especially their bathroom.

But aside from these advantages, a bathroom mirror's main purpose is to give the room a specific design. They are commonly used as decorative items to fit perfectly with the taste of the owner. So instead of going through expensive home remodeling projects, you have that theme you always wanted with a simple design. Easy and cheap.

Some Disadvantages To Having A Bathroom Mirror

A bathroom mirror is definitely not for kids who are on the habit of breaking things at home. These may prove to be very dangerous to children who love to tinker in the bathroom. To avoid this problem, you can install your bathroom mirror with some modification to make sure that no accidental falling will occur while your kids are around. Additional support helps as well.

http://mhnshopping.com/bathroom-mirrors/ - Bathroom Mirrors

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Nailing Or Screwing Drywall

2009-10-02T12:23:00.001-07:00

Nails versus screws who will become the winner. When drywall first came out the installers used everything from regular steel nails to galvanized roofing nails. After a short amount of time they started to develop major problems from nails popping out of the finished drywall.

Nail popping results when the nail is driven into moist lumber and as the lumber shrinks the house settles and nail can actually pop out to the walls. Hard to imagine the nail could actually pop out of the drywall as the wood was drying out.

How far the nail would actually pop out was determined by how far it was driven in to the framing studs or ceiling joists. Well pretty soon drywall installers started to use ring shank nails to eliminate this problem. This worked great but these nails were hard to drive in and would often break.

As time went on the nails improved and were made out of galvanized metal with cupped shaped heads and came in a few different sizes. The size of the nail used was determined by the thickness of the drywall. These new nails worked great and had good holding power and eliminated a lot of nail popping.

Using nails means driving them in with a hammer. If you miss the nail you damage the drywall. This seemed to be a big problem and was virtually eliminated with the screws.

Well pretty soon people started using screws which had greater holding power and pretty much nail popping. Another advantage to using screws over nails is the simple fact you need less screws than you do nails to attach the drywall to the metal or wood framing.

This means less labor installing and finishing the drywall.

There is one problem with the screws and that is they have to be set perfectly. They can not break the paper surface on the drywall but have to be set enough into the drywall so that it can be finished properly. Most screw guns have an adjustable setting used to get just the right depth for the screws installed in the drywall. But this also was a problem when screwing into a hard piece of wood you can actually snapped the screw head off, strip the screw head or break the screw.

Nails on the other hand can bend while driving them into a hard surface.

Who wins the nails versus screws while installing drywall? I have got to give it to the screws. That doesn't mean the nails just got screwed or the screws just got nailed.

I couldn't resist. I actually preferred the screws over the nails except for when nailing the drywall corner bead on. Some drywall professionals use nails to hang the drywall and go back with a screw gun and some screws to finish the job. The nails sometimes seem handier than the screws when installing the drywall.

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 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 Carlsbad Home Improvement

Garage Presents A Golden Opportunity

2009-10-02T03:50:00.001-07:00

The garage is a wonderful storage area. Even though the space is limited, it still presents great storage opportunities.

The garage is a great choice when it comes to improving on storage space. There are many ways to go about this task.

One way is to purchase a modular storage kit that has parts and components that you can switch up to assist in solving many storage issues. Another choice is to add to the garage. If you have too much stuff stored in your garage, a modular storage kit may not give you the needed solution. Reduce the clutter of seasonal items and items by placing some of them in a basement.

Some of the solutions that are available are cabinets, storage units and more shelving. . If items need to be protected from dust and moisture then cabinets are perfect. Shelves will give you more space and they are less expensive than some of the other options.
Nifty clear containers for storage can be purchased for very low prices.

Think of how great it will be the next time you are thinking about pulling out your bike and you don't have to search for it in the garage. Consider what it would be like not having to get up an extra hour early just to locate your fishing equipment in the garage. Just think about how great it will feel to walk into the garage and know exactly where things are. Imagine all of the time and stress you can eliminate by cleaning out the garage.

Put like items with like items. This is the best way to keep things in their place. By separating everything into categories you will be able to go into the garage and know that whatever you are looking for will be in a certain spot.

Use you imagination when deciding what to do with your garage. It is a great place for storage but it can be so much more. Clean out the garage and find that extra space you have been longing for. Change it into a place of relaxation or a neat storage area.

When you are cleaning out your garage, toss out those items you never use. Do not flip through every magazine or search through old bags of clothes you haven't seen in years. All of the stuff that you have not used in the past year should be thrown out. If you have not seen it in a year, you really do not need it. This can be a difficult part of the organizing process but once you do it, you will feel so much better. Months later you will have forgotten all about whatever it was you threw out.

Focusing on latest developments in woodworking benches, he works almost entirely for http://www.insidewoodworking.com . You might see his contributions on garage writings bench plans over at http://www.insidewoodworking.com/workclam/workbenchplans.html and various other sources for garage contributions bench plans knowledge.

Fixings Squeaky Stairs - Home Repairs

2009-10-01T12:59:00.001-07:00

Oh yes the common problem of squeaking stairs in an older house. This could become very frustrating and annoying as you walk up and down the stairs. There seems to be one or two stair treads that are always squeaking. That annoying sound as you walk as softly as you can on your way down to the kitchen in the middle of the night to grab a quick snack.

The number one cause of squeaking stairs is when the nails used to fasten the stair tread to the stair strainers has worked its way loose. Over time as the lumber shrinks in the stair treads and the stairs stringers. You will start to develop a separation or a gap between the stair tread and the stair strainer.

The stair stringer can shrink as much as 3/8 of an inch in just a few years. I was building a home and went to measure the stair stringer that was 11 1/2 inches wide originally. Then I measured it after two months outside in the summer sun it now measured 11 1/16". I was amazed that the lumber could shrink that much in such a short period of time.

As the stair stringer shrinks it starts to pull away from the plywood or hardwood stair tread. As it starts to separate from the stair tread the nail will stay in its original position until the stair tread starts to put pressure on the nail eventually lifting it up a little bit higher than its original position.

As you step on the stair tread the squeaking sound you hear is the nail rubbing against the stair tread. There are a few ways to fix a squeaking stair tread. If you have access to under the stairway you can apply some adhesive along with a 10 inch 2 x 4 under the stair tread and attach it to the stair stringer.

First apply adhesive to two sides of the 2 x 4. The adhesive will be used to glue the stair tread to the stair stringer. You can use screws to screw the new 2 x 4 onto the side of the stair stringer.

If you cannot access the underside of the stairs and you have carpeting you can actually locate the stair stringer and drive a 2 inch screw through the carpeting in to the stair stringer. This will pull the stair tread down and will not allow it to rub up against the nail making that awful sound of a squeaking stair case.

If you have a finished wood stair tread you will not be able to screw through it into the stair stringer without damaging the finish on tread itself. It will be easier to access the stair stringer from below somehow and apply the 2 x 4 with the adhesive to stop the stair squeak.

You can apply these methods to as many stair treads that are squeaking without taking apart the entire staircase and rebuilding it.

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

Stair Building

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

2009-09-30T01:54:00.001-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Take Pictures of Your Growing Foundation Damage Or Cracks

2009-09-29T19:39:00.001-07:00

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.

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

Do I Need a Home Inspection? - Real Estate Advice

2009-09-29T13:11:00.001-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Plywood Roof Sheeting - Roof Framing Trade Secrets

2009-09-29T06:31:00.001-07:00

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

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

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

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

Thanks For Reading My Articles

Subfloor Damage From Poor Bathtub Installation - Read Bath Tub Fixture Manuals

2009-09-29T00:05:00.001-07:00

You should never under estimate the amount of damage that water can do to your wood subfloor. Especially if this wood is underneath your bathtub. If the bathtub is not installed properly, you could find yourself replacing the wood underneath, within a short period of time. This repair is not uncommon and as more homeowners and handyman seemed to be doing projects like these, without the proper experience, it's becoming even more common.

I wish I had a solution to the problem, however, I don't. The best advice I could give anyone who is going to be involved in any home remodeling project, would be to get some books on what ever task you are about to undertake and read all of the information that you possibly can about the products you are going to be installing. This is extremely helpful for anyone who has never installed a bathtub or any bathtub fixtures.

If the product fails and was installed properly, the manufacturer should be responsible for the water damage. I have been reading the manufacturer's installation manuals for quite some time now and every once in a while, I find something that is of great value to me and I get to pass it on to my readers. That's what I'm doing right now.

Whether you want to remodel your bathroom to save money or you want to accomplish a task that you haven't done yet. I would recommend, taking the time to understand, exactly how the water flows off of and on to another section of the bath tub or shower on its way to the drain. Understanding the basics of bathroom remodeling can save you big money in the future.

Save yourself some money and make sure that you install your bathtubs properly. Taking a little time before you start to read the bath tub fixture manuals, can save you some money and grief in the future.

Find More Facts On Home Water Damage.

Check out These Amazing Home Damage Videos.

Five Things That a Termite Inspection Company Might Not Ever Say

2009-09-28T17:57:00.001-07:00

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.

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

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

Thanks For Reading My Articles

What If My Contractor Does Not Return My Call

2009-09-28T11:02:00.000-07:00

This is one of the biggest problems in business today. You have some work done on your home in good faith that the contractor knows what he is doing. When all is said and done you have a problem that needs to be resolved as soon as possible. I really don't care how long it has been since the work was done. If you have a problem the least that your contractor can do is answer the telephone.

Some companies go out of business and others get to busy to respond to your problem. You will hear the old excuse "That's not my problem" or the ever popular " I didn't do that". I have been in business for over twenty years and had very few problems. Of course I built things to last as long as possible.

Keep in mind that some contractors are a one man operation and they might be on vacation. Some contractors do not answer their phones over the week ends or after business hours. So don't sink the ship to fast.

Do not call the Contractors Licensing Board or the Better Business Bureau unless it has been at least a few working days. I would give it at least a week or so. Oh yeah don't assume that the contractor got your message. Call a few times at the least.

It has always made me mad when I have to fix someone else's problems. I get the call when the other contractors won't respond. I listen to the home owner with regret for being in a business where I am considered a crook. This is one of the reasons why contractors in my business get out of it.

If you have the contractors address and they aren't responding by phone you can always send them a letter by certified mail. Request a return receipt. That's your proof that the company received your letter. Keep a copy for your files.

The good news for a home owner when a contractor will not respond to your calling them is the Department of Consumer Affairs. Most states have a complaint department of some sort that will listen to your complaints. Does this mean it will get resolved? NO there are no guarantees here.

If your state has a licensing board for contractors, this will be your next step.

This will get your contractors attention and there is a great chance they will respond now. If there are enough complaints against the contractor and they do nothing about them the contractors board will take their license away.

If your contractor does not respond after all of this. There is very little you can do about it. Hire someone to fix the problem and look at it as a very important lesson learned.

If your state doesn't have a contractors licensing board contact the Better Business Bureau or your local government for their recommendation. Ask some of your friends if they have had any problems like this and how they handled them.

For some more tips about hiring contractors go to
http://gregvan.com/library/homeowner_checklists.htm

Greg Vandenberge has been in the home building and remodeling business for over 30 years. With this knowledge he has created a few websites that provide useful information for home owners as well as contractors. His main goal is to educate professionals in the home related businesses, dealing with problems that can easily be avoided with just a little bit of information.

His website http://gregvan.com provides all kinds of answers to remodeling and new house building issues that could create major damage as well as possible damage to your pocket book.

Don't Hurt Yourself When Seeking Bathroom Window Curtain Ideas

2009-09-15T00:01:00.001-07:00

Think bathroom window curtain ideas, and your mind traipses past a series of resplendent images. Images, all decidedly delightful and dazzling that have the amazing alacrity to ignite a thousand dreams. So why would anybody turn a blind eye to their sizzle? When you are trying hard to infuse a dose of freshness and verve into that quiescent space, these sparkling ideas come to your rescue instantly.

Can you think of a more economical yet efficient way to give a refreshing new twist to that tired, old bathroom? These spectacular ideas are sure to just blow you away.

Sure To Be Hung Up On Them

The massive assortment of ideas for bathroom window curtains will surely make you completely delirious with joy. You can find fabulous fabrics that have passion interwoven with skill, captivating colors that send your senses galloping and intricate designs and patterns that would leave even a high-profile designer completely breathless.

However, it's more than just the selection of lightweight weaves or heavy-duty drapes. But don't let this ostensibly mind-boggling task dim your ardor. Here's what you need to bear in mind while making the perfect choice for your dream bathroom:

Since we love the way in which the sun bathes the space in a warm, surreal glow, we rather not have something that's a party popper. Ensure the drapes are lightweight.
If its silk, and not cotton that appeals to you, make sure you line it with cotton fabric to prevent its eye-candy appeal from fading.
Attention to detail is key when the fabric is being sewed. Let your sense of style guide you while creating awe-inspiring patterns. Consider the length of the drapes earnestly.
The color and designs must be completely in sync with the theme of your space. So while a sensational dark colored, heavily embellished curtain will burnish the aura of a contemporary space; a beige colored drape with an ornate diamond design and beautiful borders will be a sight to behold in a traditional bathroom.

Your bathroom is all set to take that gigantic, unimaginable leap to the frontline. Just hope you can catch up.

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

Wood Flooring Problems In Bath

How To Repair Holes From Door Knobs - Home Tips

2009-09-14T05:52:00.001-07:00

Fixing holes in your wall can be a challenge if you have no idea how to repair the wall or even how it is built.

Have you ever slammed a door shut because you were a little mad a something of someone. Well now have you ever slammed a door open a little to hard and then hearing a sound like something just stuck to the wall.

Well now that would be the sound of your door knob going through the drywall or plaster. Oh crap now what do I do. And don't try to blame this one on the kids either. Right about now you are wondering how in the heck am I going to repair this and not let it happen again.

You should have a nice round hole in the door. Try to remove the piece of drywall without it falling into the wall. After you get this piece of drywall out set it to the side for possible reinstallation. Now get a measuring tape to see if the wall is framed with 2 x 4 or 2 x 6.

If the wall is framed with 2 x 4 it will measure three and one half inches in between the drywall or plaster. If it is a 2 x 6 framed wall it will measure five and one half inches in between the drywall or plaster.

We will use the 2 x 4 wall for our example on fixing the hole from the door knob. Cut a piece of 2 x 4 about 5 inches long and taper both ends of the 2 x 4 so you will be able to slide the piece of wood into the damage hole.

When you slip the wood into the hole set it on edge and screw the sides into the drywall. This will hold the2 x 4 in place. Next reinstall the piece of drywall you removed and screw it into the drywall. Now for the secret to finishing the wall.

Go down to your local home improvement store and purchase a round rubber door stop that glues onto the wall. These rubber and sometimes plastic door stops will be about 6 inches in diameter and work great for these holes.

You could also buy a few more of them to protect the walls from big bad door openers.
Keep Your Temper In Check and You Won't Have To Keep Writing Them

Greg Vanden Berge has been in the home building and remodeling business in California for over 30 years. With this knowledge he has created a few websites that provide useful information for home owners as well as contractors. His main goal is to educate professionals in the home related businesses, dealing with problems that can easily be avoided with just a little bit of information.

His website provides all kinds of answers to remodeling and new house building in North San Diego Valley Center Remodeling

Visit us now for Drywall Ideas

Electric Dryer Gas Conversion Ki

Are Indoor Humidity Levels Affecting Your Health?

2009-09-13T11:48:00.001-07:00

The ideal indoor humidity level is either 35% to 45% or 40% to 50% depending on who you ask. Thankfully, the human body is quite flexible and you do not have too aim at an exact figure. The important thing is to avoid extremes. Living indoors is not entirely natural. The artificial environments that we create for ourselves can sometimes cause extremes of humidity to occur. For short periods of time this is nothing to worry about, but the long term effects can be quite unpleasant.

If the humidity level regularly exceeds 50% you are likely to experience a rapidly increasing dust mite population, which will affect allergy sufferers. Permanently damp rooms tend to have a musty smell. The damp air is a perfect breeding ground for mold, mildew and fungus, which can cause serious health problems. Where ever possible the cause of such conditions should be removed, but it is not always that simple and a dehumidifier may be required. A modern dehumidifier with built in humidistat can be programmed to maintain a humidity level below 50%. There are a wide variety available, so it is important to find the correct type for your situation. A useful guide to dehumidifiers can be found at DehumidifierTips.com

Consistently low humidity levels are also bad. This tends to occur when the weather is cold outside and we turn up the heat in our homes. The most noticeable effects are a sore throat and sinus pain, symptoms that are common in modern society at certain times of year. You can also get dry skin and itchy eyes. The solution is to buy a humidifier that will put moisture back into the air. Like dehumidifiers, these can be programmed to operate automatically, and there is a huge range available that make the most of a variety of different humidification techniques. These techniques are explored in detail at HumidifierInformation.com together with everything else you need to know on the subject.

If any of these symptoms sound familiar, maybe you should buy a hygrometer (humidity meter) and take some readings to find out if humidity is the cause. With modern technology at your disposal there is no need for your health to suffer.

You can find out more about optimum indoor humidity levels at http://www.humidifierinformation.com

Architects And Home Design

How to Get a Dry Basement - Home Repair Tips

2009-09-12T18:35:00.001-07:00

When you have a basement under your home, there is nothing better than having a dry basement. Having one that is moist and smells musty all of the time can become rather irritating. This is especially true when that smell comes through the floor of your home and into your house. So if you don't have a dry basement and you are wondering how to get one and keep it that way, there are several things that you can do to make this possible.

Here is what you want to do:

First, check the drainage systems around your home to make sure they are diverting water away from your home. Make sure shrubs are not too close to the foundation and plug any holes and cracks that may be in the walls. From there, you want to identify your biggest problem areas. You can usually tell because water leaves a white powder, which consists of mineral deposits.

The next step is to dig a trench with a jackhammer around the basement walls.

Cut a hole in the floor. This is the area that will hold your brand new sump pump. Make sure you take measurements before cutting the hole so that you can ensure a proper feet.

You can put up bright walls to hide water stains and to create a barrier that will channel any water that comes through the walls into the trench.

After the bright walls are installed, you can then install a series of drains in the trench. If you need other pipes, you can do this and use those pipes to channel water to the trench. The trench leads to the sump pump.

Any spaces between the trench and the floor can be filled in with crushed rock to avoid any gaps.

Once this system is in place, the sump pump will pump the water outside of the home. Just make sure that the water is diverted away from the home via a drainage system so that the water does not come back into the basement. If it comes back into the basement, then you're dealing with a never ending cycle of water coming in and out. This can weaken your basement walls, can cause water to seep below the basement floors, and many other issues. Any time the walls and floors become weak, they crack. When they crack, more pressure is put on the walls of the home itself and this can cause them to crack as well. This also occurs when your home sits on soils that are known for shifting. Keeping the soils dry is the best way to keep this from happening. The only way you're going to keep them dry is to have a good drainage system outside of your home and to ensure that your basement stays dry.

You'll find that having a dry basement is a great way to save a lot of money on future repairs from water damage. So make sure you're high and dry and keep it that way.

Craig Powers is the owner & CEO of Power Jack Foundation Repair, a Texas-based residential foundation repair company serving Dallas/ Fort Worth, and the greater DFW since 1991. For more information on foundation repair services check out http://www.PJFR.com

Extreme Temperature Building

Stair Treads - Stair Building

2009-09-12T00:37:00.001-07:00

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.

Stud Spacing And Wall Framing

Creating Your Own Ventless Gel Fireplace

2009-09-11T06:48:00.001-07:00

Do It Yourself is springing up all over the place. Its a great thing because there really is no reason why a person cant learn to do interesting projects for themselves. If you have an idea for a fireplace but you just dont like the odds you are up against, there really is no reason why you cant figure out how to do it for yourself.

The old way of doing things used to be to call the general contractor and get a quote on a project idea you had. But, there was always a risk that the work wouldnt come out looking like the image you had in your mind. Did you communicate your wants as clearly as you possibly could? Its hard to know until you see the finished project.

But if you have a fireplace idea, there is no reason why you have to go through all that. You have the image in your mind. Do your homework and learn how to do it yourself. Thats the only way you are ever going to be completely happy with an idea you have.

Ventless gel fireplace has fireboxes that help you design your own fireplaces by yourself. The firebox contains the fire, holds your inserts and gives you a safe place to stack your ceramic logs. So, take a second and see how it works.

One project I recently helped complete was the fireplace in the bathroom. Of course, electric wont work. But, the traditional fireplace and a gas fireplace would be very expensive. In comes the firebox.

We knocked a hole in the drywall and cut out a square where the firebox would be installed. I built a wooden structure that would house the firebox. The firebox was installed and I finished the wall with a concrete border and a rock design that added a beautiful touch to the bathroom dcor.

Relaxation in the bathroom is greatly enhanced after you install a fireplace. Taking a bath and feeling the warmth while you are hypnotized by the crackling of the fire is a great way to enjoy an evening. But, its not that common to find a fireplace in the bathroom.

That idea and others are just what Im talking about. You can install your own fireplace in your living room. You can create a patio fireplace if you want. There is no limit to how far you can go to enjoy the fireplace experience anywhere you see fit.

The bathroom project took a day after the firebox arrived at the house. I truly believe anyone can have a fireplace anywhere if they just use their imagination and followed through with these great ideas we all get from time to time. Call for help if you need. I really wouldnt want you to destroy your own home if you have absolutely no construction skills at all. But, its worth the time if youd like to give it a try and learn how to do some home improvement projects on your own.

Jessica Brylan has been a student of construction all her life, under her father who retired in 2004. Her passion strangely enough turned to the design and structure of the fireplace. You can look forward to her newest publication, Pros and Cons of Ventless Gel Fireplaces after it's scheduled to publish soon.

Electrical Outlet Problems

Bamboo Flooring - One of the Better Going Green Choices

2009-09-10T12:38:00.001-07:00

Bamboo flooring is becoming one of the popular choices in hard flooring surfaces today. This is even more true for those homeowners who wish to use "green products" that are easily renewable.

An oak. maple, or pine tree needs to be cut down to get the benefit of lumber products. Another new tree needs to be replanted in it's place, taking many years to reach maturity.

Bamboo, on the other hand, will replenish itself and usually grows to stage that it may be harvested in about three years.

Bamboo flooring-What Does It Offer In Appearance?

When selecting bamboo flooring, the choices in appearance are many. Surprisingly, this product takes on the look of traditional wood flooring and can be found in many finishes.

There are shades as light as a pale bleached look. You will find all of the standard tones as well in light tones, medium tones with reddish overtones, dark tones like walnut, and even an almost black. The choices in appearance are many.

Bamboo, like other hard surface flooring will be beneficial to any in your household who suffer allergies. It will be easier to clean and maintain and keep your household environment more allergen free.

Shopping For Bamboo Flooring

When shopping for bamboo flooring, and especially if you are going to install it yourself, do be sure it is accompanied by manufacturer instructions for the installation process. Do not rely on a sales person. Read and follow the manufacturer instructions and recommendations to the letter. The manufacturer will recommend whatever products, tools, or methods are best used in the installation process to reach the most desirable outcome.

Most bamboo flooring, unlike standard laminates is either installed with glue or fasteners. Use the installation recommended, be sure underlayment is clean and flat, and acclimatize the product properly before beginning installation.

It is advisable to purchase bamboo in either the mid or upper price range. This is true of most flooring products in order to get a better quality that will provide the most in durability and performance.

With proper selection and installation you can enjoy the beauty of your bamboo floor for years and feel that you have made a step toward going green and still get the benefit of a beautiful wood look floor.

Find information on other flooring choices as well as a variety of bathroom remodeling tips and advice at=> http://www.bathroom-remodeling-hints.com

Pocket Door Problems

The Benefits of Under Floor Heating

2009-09-08T06:45:00.001-07:00

Under floor heating (UFH) is becoming increasingly popular in homes throughout Europe and it is no wonder as its benefits for health, energy efficiency, visual appeal, space saving and cost effectiveness are vast.

Under floor heating is most commonly used in bathrooms but it is also a popular choice for extensions and conservatories or anywhere wall space is limited or there is a desire to maintain a high standard of visual appeal without wall mounted radiators spoiling the look.

How Under Floor Heating Works

Under floor heating has been used since Roman times as a central heating system.

Any type of gas fuelled boiler can be used to provide the heat for a UFH system. Pipes are usually run underneath the floor surface and the heat from the water passing through the pipes transfers directly into the floor.

A warm floor creates warm air convection and this in turn heats the surrounding living space. Under floor heating is an exceptionally straightforward but highly effective way of providing a comfortably warm indoor climate with an even distribution of heat.

Five Reasons to Choose an Under Floor Heating System for your Home

There are many benefits associated with Under Floor Heating and these include:

1. Comfort
Heat radiating from the floor upwards is far more evenly distributed than heat that emanates from wall mounted radiators. Heat from wall mounted radiators is confined to a small area and rises upwards. This means that the warmer air stays around head height which does not tend to create the most comfortable feeling. Additionally, compared to traditional radiator systems there are no irritating noises arising from expanding and contracting pipes.

2. Cost effectiveness and energy efficiency
Under floor heating systems can give you a 15-40% energy saving over traditional heating methods.

3. Health
Under floor heating helps to keep moisture content levels low which means that house dust mites can be reduced. This will benefit anyone with asthma or breathing difficulties or any other allergies.

4. Ease of control
With a UFH system, the temperature of each room can be controlled individually. Being able to adjust temperature settings in each room of the house is a major benefit for any family.

5. Space and Aesthetics
Under floor heating saves space and offers heightened visual appeal in a home by eliminating the need for wall mounted radiators. Additionally, wet floors dry more quickly and dcor is maintained due to a lack of damp walls.

If you are re-thinking your home heating system, refurbishing a room or adding an extension or conservatory to your property then you should give serious consideration to installing an under floor heating system as opposed to a traditional wall mounted radiator central heating system; the benefits are many!

Ivor Bates is the director of Bates Heating and Plumbing Limited, a plumbing and heating company established in 2001 and covering all areas of London, Docklands and Essex. Bates Heating is CORGI registered and all engineers are fully qualified and specially selected for their experience and range of skills. A 24 hour emergency plumbing service is also offered. For more information visit http://www.batesheating.co.uk or telephone 020 8924 3558.

Country Kitchen Designs

2009-09-08T01:45:00.001-07:00

Kitchens figure amongst the important rooms of the entire house. Recently, a lot of attention is being paid to their presentation and decoration. This is because the concept of a kitchen being just an interior-cooking place has undergone transformation. Today, kitchens attract architects to provide them with the challenge of designing and decorating each kitchen uniquely. The designs of a kitchen can be done in numerous ways depending upon the desired style, preferable location, available area, and specific budget. The basic elements of the kitchen are to attribute the right kind of items to their appropriate places.

A country kitchen differs from a regular kitchen on the grounds of its plumbing fixtures, ventilations, dishwashers, flooring, and refrigeration. The peculiarity of country kitchens is that all its cabinets and counters are made of wood to give an authentic atmosphere. Two types of wood are used to make the furniture, namely Cedar wood and Oak wood. Another specialty about these kitchens is their in-house plant life and window dressing styles. Flowers such as daises and posies provide freshness to the kitchen. The window-dressing, if done in bright colors such as in red, yellow, or blue, illuminates the entire surrounding.

The country kitchen tables are traditionally round or oval, having matching wooden chairs that can be cushioned with pillows to complement the window dressings. The color combination of the furniture, window dressing, and other modern appliances should be harmonious. To give the kitchen a touch of inimitable charm, accessories such as old model car candleholders, old aluminum serving trays, wooden clocks, and variety of mug collections can be used. To make the bona fide atmosphere complete, country kitchen floors can be made of hardwood floor paneling for the required rustic look.

Country Kitchens can be designed according to the needs of the family members and their tastes. Sometimes professionals are hired to provide expertise on the designing and setting of the entire kitchen.

Kitchen Designs provides detailed information on Kitchen Design, Kitchen Cabinet Design, Kitchen Design Ideas, Kitchen Design Software and more. Kitchen Designs is affiliated with Small Kitchen Remodeling Ideas.

What is Green Power & Why is it So Great?

2009-09-07T20:24:00.001-07:00

Green power or green energy is an environmentally friendly way of consuming power and it is a non polluting source of power. You can use solar energy and wind energy and convert it into usable energy or power. There are several ways of doing it.

Green power helps the current problem of global warming by using the available energy instead of creating new form of energy by using the natural resources. However it is considered to be more expensive than the traditional form of energies and that is one of the major reasons that it is not being accepted widely. Mostly green energy is conceived as a source of electricity and heating and generating power for various needs.

The industries that can use this form of energy are businesses, organizations, and consumer industries. They can easily purchase green power for their business needs and also have a huge positive impact in the green earth concept. Whenever a company invests in the such technology they get special certificates and today these certificates are being purchased by several organizations in the United States and Europe. Even individual users in some European countries are investing in green power by large.

So basically it is just an alternative term for renewable energy and it is named so because it environmentally friendly source of energy. The energy is derived from power sources that do not pollute the environment, such as solar power, energy from wind and waves. Water and wind are considered as natural resources in the power industry. Also when this form of energy is used the output and waste after consumption is almost none and therefore they are considered to be safe for the earth. You should go green as soon as possible and start enjoying free power.

Green power allows people to get free electricity and save thousands of dollars on energy bill. One of the ways to do it is to make your own windmill or sometimes also called a wind turbine. To find out how you can do it and get instructions, please click here.

Suspended Ceilings - A Few Tips

2009-09-07T18:44:00.001-07:00

Suspended ceiling or known also as dropped ceilings are ceilings that are placed underneath the existing one and hide any kinds of wiring or piping that may be sticking out of the current ceiling. Suspended ceilings are a great idea as they allow you to hide all of the clutter that is up there already allowing for maintenance to be carried out on anything that is there without as much risk as you would without the suspended ceiling being there.

They are made up from a grid that contains metal frameworks which is held together with wires which connect up to the existing ceiling, in this grid tiles are placed and linked up, this is what makes the basis of a suspended ceiling even thought there are many different types of suspended ceilings, they all seem to follow the same basis.

Suspended ceiling started being made to help with sound levels in rooms and offers sound absorption. This is made by adding insulation above the tiles, this helps to absorb the sound in the room.

Now though sound absorption is not the only reason for getting suspended ceilings installed, nowadays you can have a lot of different reasons for example you may want to hide pipes or create air ducts for you building, if this is the case then suspended ceilings are definitely the way forward for you.

When you are thinking about getting your suspended ceilings installed there should be one main concern on your mind, this is Safety. You need to know that your ceilings are going to be safe and cause no harm to anyone or be a hazard in any way. You are going to need to make sure that the tiles and anything else you place up in the suspended ceilings in firmly attached to the grid otherwise there can be problems with the ceiling falling down or in the event of an emergency where the ceiling has to be pulled down I.e. a fire, then the whole ceiling can be brought down as one and doesn't come down in pieces causing major hazards.

If you are going to install suspended ceilings in a clean room then you need to make sure that the suspended ceiling complies with all rules and laws that are set. If your suspended ceilings are in any way contaminated with dust or particles then your whole clean room becomes pointless and questionable.

Clean rooms are required in many different industries which include food, electronic and pharmaceuticals. If your room does not meet the industry standards you can be closed down, so therefore making sure that your suspended ceilings in no way effect your business you will need to make sure that you can meet requirements with your ceilings. You will need to have a steady flow of purified air being brought into the room; this can be easily incorporated into suspended ceilings in the ceiling void above.

So before purchasing your suspended ceilings you should make sure that it complies 100% with all of your health and safety regulations.

Find more about Suspended Ceilings

Acoustic Ceiling Removal - Home Repair Tips

2009-09-07T11:45:00.001-07:00

Acoustic ceiling removal is known by another term which is popcorn ceiling removal. It is necessary for your home to undergo acoustic ceiling removal at times, because you may want to update the style of your home and increase equity if you are able to get rid of the old popcorn ceilings and retexture your ceilings. It also becomes necessary for your home to undergo acoustic ceiling removal because the surface of your popcorn ceiling can attract dust particles. These dust particles will then accumulate so that the health of people breathing your indoor air will be imperiled (particularly if the room occupants are asthmatic or allergic to dust.)

So out with the old , in with the new. But do it right when trying to remodel your home, start with the roof, and proceed to the ceiling before trying to upgrade other parts that are lower down or nearer eye-level. The process of acoustic ceiling removal is called ceiling scraping.

Before the contractor proceeds to tell you how we scrape your ceilings, it is necessary to have him explain first how we protect your personal belongings and furniture. This is because there is a right process and a wrong process in trying to undertake ceiling scraping. And the right process means all the personal belongings and furniture of the homeowner has to be removed from the affected room first before ceiling scraping can proceed.

There are also two products that the contractor has to have to conduct ceiling scraping properly a ceiling texture scraper, and a popcorn ceiling texture removal solution. In addition, you should inform the contractor if your acoustic ceiling was installed before 1979 because popcorn ceilings dating back to those years may have asbestos in them.

When that concern has been gotten out of the way, the ceiling scraping team can proceed to seal off the affected room with plastic sheeting stretching from the crown molding and extending to the floors. It is necessary to provide ventilation to the team with a window fan at the window.

A drop cloth featuring waterproof backing must be laid out over the floor. The team will then start spraying the acoustic ceiling surface with a standard garden sprayer to allow the surface texture to soften and allow ceiling scraping to proceed at a much easier pace. Be careful that the ceiling does not get sprayed with too much water though. The top layer of water allows dust to be contained as well so that it doesnt get in the eyes, nostrils and other body parts of the ceiling scraping team.

The ceiling texture scraper will then be used to remove the wet surface of the acoustic ceiling. You may employ a putty knife instead for the ceiling corners, as well as the crown molding areas. As you can see, it is a relatively easy process though special care must be taken not to damage the underlying wallboards as the team proceeds in this home makeover project.

Extreme Makeover Pros is your affordable contractor serving Orange County, Ca. for nearly 25 years. Specializing in Home Improvement and Renovation. For more details visit http://www.extrememakeoverpros.com

The Pros and Cons of Using Solar Power

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

Proponents of solar power would say that it is the way to fuel the future. Cynics tend to find reasons why solar power will not work. The truth is that there is some validity to both sides. There are both advantages and disadvantages of using solar power.

One reason solar power is so convenient is that there is not any requirement to find any source of fuel beyond the light of the sun. This means that no excavation or pumping is required to access the energy source, as in fossil fuels. Since the sunlight is readily available every day at least to some degree, it is easy to make use of its energy.

For every solar power system that is used, pollution is cut down that much more. Solar power is clean and puts off no harmful emissions into the atmosphere. It causes no pollution of the water supply and no fouling of the soil. There is simply no energy source that causes less damage to the earth.

Solar power systems can be expected to last a long time. They are tough-wearing and sturdy. They have to be built to last so that owners can recoup their investments. It turns out that solar power systems last much longer than that.

The reliability factor is important for any power source. Solar energy passes the test of dependability with flying colors. With a proper system, solar energy can keep a house off the utility power grid completely with a consistent power supply.

The costs for maintaining a solar power system are very low. Some components of the system may last decades without any maintenance at all. Solar panels are often warranted to maintain 80% of their efficiency for up to 25 years. Other parts will need to be replaced sooner, but if all goes well there should be no maintenance costs at all for the first five years.

A solar power system is neither too dangerous nor too complicated for most people to run. It requires no supervision from the government or any other agency because it poses no risks. The cost of running the systems is also very low.

There are certainly a few negative aspects of using solar power. Before consumers can have any solar power, they have to invest thousands of dollars. In five to ten years, they will make up the cost by saving on electrical bills. However, if people do not have the capital to make the initial outlay of cash, it is easier to get their electricity through their local utility company.

The other main reason that solar power is not ideal is that it doesn't perform well on cloudy days or at all at night. Since most people still need power during these times, they have two choices. They can hook up to the power grid and get part of their energy from the utility company, or they can use battery storage. Both ways cost additional money.

In the end, the advantages of solar power far outweigh the disadvantages. It seems that the main sticking point is price. Yet, as green technology comes down in price, this kind of energy becomes even more desirable.

To learn more about how to use solar power for your home or business, check out The Ultimate Guide To Solar Power at http://errolhoward.com/solar/

Handling the Money Issue

2009-09-07T04:38:00.001-07:00

Okay. You found a contractor or service provider that you like. You received an estimate to your satisfaction, you understand the terms of an agreement (i.e. down payment, time to complete, materials to be used, etc.) and have decided to move forward.

First understand that an estimate, by definition, is just that. An estimate is a rough idea to produce a statement of the approximate cost of the project. It is not a promise. Also understand the estimate is for the time it should take to complete the project understanding that if something gets in the way of that completion, oftentimes it will, that a satisfactory resolution to the completion will be set in place immediately upon discovery.

Contact the service pro and let him/her know that you are ready to take the next step and enter into a formalized agreement (contract). At this time, the service pro will set up a time to meet with you to discuss in detail every aspect of the project possible, i.e. materials to be used, color selection, setting a final cost and setting the start and end times. Be realistic about the time it will take to complete the project. This will mostly be determined based the professional experience and labor personnel.

Regarding down payments. We all have our own horror stories and have heard stories from others. However, it is not ethical to make the professional buy all your materials with no money down from you. This is where trust comes into play. If you are not comfortable making a materials down payment, ask to pay the supplier directly. Be advised that if you wish to purchase the materials directly, you most likely will end up paying the full price rather than a discount offered to the service pro if he/she chooses to share that with you. Ask for it.

The best way to handle payments, in my opinion, depending on the size and scope of the project, is to break down the project into segments. Say the job is for a painting project that will take you one week to complete. Half down payment and half due at completion should suffice. If you are not comfortable with paying half, then reason with the pro. They want your business, but you want their trust. In the event that 99% of the work is done, but something else needs to be completed but cannot at that time for one reason or another, agree on a partial payment of the remaining balance due. This keeps honesty in place and you are not looking for someone else to finish the job if the service pro does not finish. This rarely occurs, but it is good to keep everything in fair balance.

That said good luck with your project. If you have any questions or comments about a project you wish to begin or questions about the way a service pro handled your estimate, do not hesitate to contact me. I would be glad to assist and offer my opinion.

Ryan M. Bruzan

http://www.littlethings.biz

Thriving in Today's Building Industry

2009-09-06T23:48:00.001-07:00

For nearly 20 years Sony ruled the portable music industry with its popular brand Walkman. Through cassettes to CDs Sony Walkman was an industry leader in portable music players, yet in 2001 this seemingly unstoppable force fell from the top down to just another name in crowd of generic alternatives. In October of 2001 Apple launched the iPod and completely overtook the market. Apple recognized that the consumer market had changed and the demand for digital music and Mp3s was taking over traditional forms like CDs. Meanwhile the Walkman was left behind still doing things the old way.

The reality is that the past is the past. Markets are always changing and for businesses to remain successful and thrive they must adapt with them. The building and remodeling industry is not the same as it was 5 or 10 years ago, so if you are still approaching customers like you were back then, you are probably seeing a decline in sales. What do you do about a drop in sales? Adjust to today's marketplace.

Will energy costs rise, fall or stay the same? No matter what, the new normal is that energy for your car at the gas pump (According to Money Magazine this expense is 5% of a typical budget) - energy to heat and cool your house (According to Money Magazine this expense is 4% of household budgets) are high. What can a consumer do today to lower their gas expense for their current car? Right, not much. But what can a consumer do today to lower their energy costs on their home? Right, allot!!!

From Jonathan Sweet, Senior Editor, May 1, 2008 Professional Remodeler Magazine:

"Two major factors will combine to make green have staying power: rising energy costs and the more environmentally friendly attitudes of younger consumers - the homeowners of the future."

"This is certainly not the end of rising energy costs, so people will continue to be looking at energy efficiency," says Sekley. "It appeals to people who are more environmentally conscious and there's a dollar and cents benefit."

According to Money Magazine:

Home energy - Seal up your house

4% of your household budget.

Up 9% from a year ago

To find air leaks, conduct a home-energy audit following the instructions at energystar.gov or hire a pro to do it for $200 and up.

You can cut up to 25% of your heating and cooling costs by adding insulation and using caulk, spray foam and weather-stripping to seal leaks around windows and doors and in attics and basements.

Potential savings: $1,375 in five years, after materials

Today's successful home improvement contractor needs to realize that yesterday's solutions do not solve today's problems.... Green and Energy Conservation are not fads...they are trends that affect behavior and drive consumer's decisions.

Today's homeowner, although concerned about their home's aesthetics, are looking at much more practical ways to invest in their home. Studies today indicate that they want to improve the energy efficiency of their home, 87% of homeowners rank energy efficiency as the most important upgrade and 90% say they would pay up to $5,000 more for an energy efficient home. Energy efficiency will not only save you money on energy bills but will add value to your home.

Mark Willinger
Modern Builders Supply, Inc.
Building Industry Articles

Senior Safety - Quick Fixes For Yard, Entryway, and Living Room Hazards

2009-09-06T21:30:00.001-07:00

Did you know that falls are the leading cause of injury deaths for people 65 years of age and older, per The National Safety Council? Do you worry that your parents have physical or judgment deficits which impact their safety? Do they open the front door for anyone who rings the doorbell? In this article, I will show you how to identify and reduce safety hazards in the living room, yard and entryways of an elderly persons home.

1) Yard and entryways into home:

Are walkways level and clear of debris and plant overgrowth?
Is there enough light to see obstacles? A simple motion sensor light makes it easier to insert the key into the lock.
You may want to install a railing on both sides if there are stairs up to the door.
Post a No Soliciting sign outside the front door to minimize trips to the door and to lessen the risk of intruders.
External doors and windows: Be sure that all windows can lock when fully closed and when partially opened. Have deadbolt locks on all external doors and install wide-angle peep-holes. This is a good opportunity for the "avoid opening the door to strangers", "always lock the doors", and "don't give strangers any personal information on the phone" discussions with your elderly loved ones.

2) Living Room Safety:

Clutter: This may sound like a no-brainer, but it is often overlooked. Clear away unwanted items, especially from all pathways in the home. Besides reducing tripping hazards, this will help lessen fire risks.
Floors and floor coverings: Don't use cleaning products and floor waxes that leave the surface slippery. Check for loose carpet and tighten it to avoid tripping. Loose rugs should be attached to the floor with double-sided tape. Be sure to move electrical and phone cords out of all pathways. If a walker or cane is used, it is important to remove all throw rugs.
Lighting: Check all light bulbs to be sure they are working. Light switches need to be within easy reach. There should not be any areas inside the home that can not be illuminated. Use night lights in all pathways, especially from bedroom. Light timers work well for an elderly person who keeps a fairly regular schedule; program to automatically turn off an hour after bedtime, so that they leave the room while still lighted.
Furniture: All furniture should be sturdy and in good repair. Elderly people tend to grab on to furniture as they walk by; not recommended, but frequently done, so the sturdier the better. Chairs with arms and higher seats are easier and safer to access.
Emergency plan. Be sure there is a working smoke detector and fire extinguisher on each level of the home. Attach an easy-to-read list of emergency phone numbers near every phone and review emergency procedures with your elderly family members. Since many seniors spend lots of time in the living room, installing a phone in this room is a great idea. You may want to consider a mobile safety alarm which is worn on the wrist or as a pendant, to automatically summon help with the push of a button.

Most elderly people cherish their independence and will do just about anything to keep it. Because many older adults have mild to moderate sensory deficits, balance issues, memory loss or other cognitive deficits, it is important to evaluate their safety at home. Sometimes a simple device or two in the home is all that is needed to keep them safe and independent. If you still are not sure whether your senior loved ones are safe at home, you may want to obtain a safety evaluation performed by a Physical or Occupational Therapist specializing in geriatric care. They are experts in determining safety and judgment while performing activities of daily living and also can recommend appropriate assistive devices and environmental modifications.

Ronna Sather is a licensed physical therapist with over 30 years of professional experience, assisting and guiding thousands of families dealing with the safety and independence of elderly loved ones at home.

You can visit her website at http://www.seniorsafetyathome.com to find more articles, resources and products which promote senior safety and make life easier in the home environment.

Using Fire Rated Glass Blocks to Create Safe and Stylish Windows and Walls

2009-09-06T14:14:00.001-07:00

If you've got a 60 or 90 minute fire rating requirement and you're looking to enhance the looks of your building as well what product can you use? Answer - a stylish and contemporary option are 60 and 90 minute fire rated glass blocks. In this article you'll learn the following about these products:

The features and benefits of fire rated glass masonry units
Where to use fire rated blocks.

The features and benefits of using fire rated glass masonry units

The main reason to use a fire rated glass block vs. a standard block is to meet UL ratings of 60 and 90 minutes for window assemblies (a standard block has a 45 minute rating). The following are some additional benefits you'll get with these specialized glass units:

1. Transparency, looks, and light transmission - The blocks are available in Vue (see through) and higher privacy patterns (Endura and Decora from Pittsburgh Corning and Wave from Mulia) and provide 75% visible light transmission.

2. Noise reduction - Fire rated blocks have thicker faces of 3/8", " and 3" of solid glass. The thicker face result in an improved sound transmission class to reduce noise of 53 for Solid Vistabrik glass bricks, and 48 for the sixty and ninety minute rated blocks.

3. Added security- Since the fire rated assemblies are mortared together, and the blocks have thicker faces, they have increased impact resistance and are harder for vandals to break through. The faces on these blocks are 50% thicker for 60 minute blocks and 300% thicker for 90 minute blocks than a standard block.

4. Architectural design flexibility - Use one pattern or combine all 3 patterns to create unique designs with increased fire ratings.

5. Bullet and graffiti resistant - The Vistabrik 3" solid glass blocks and bricks can resist penetrations from high impact weapons with .357 magnum and 9 mm bullets. The non-stick glass surface makes it easier to remove graffiti as well.

Where to use fire rated blocks

Since fire rated glass block windows and walls will generally cost about 50 to 100% more than a standard glass block project (and will visually appear the same to someone looking at your building) they are generally used where the additional fire rating capabilities are either required or desired for additional safety. Here are some of the more popular places this product is used:

1. Limited lot line communities where the side walls of adjoining homes are close together - A project in Columbus Ohio is considering 90 minute fire rated Thickset Decora pattern block for condominium style homes that are 12 feet apart from each other. The fire department requires a 90 minute rated window product and the builder wants to make sure all the rooms are light filled and feel open for prospective buyers.

2. Stairwells in schools, hospitals, parking garages, libraries, and homes - Provides light and the feeling of safety.

3. Windows in gymnasiums, homes, factories and other commercial buildings - The blocks are hard to break with gym equipment or in a harsh industrial setting.

4. Building corridors.

5. Multi unit apartment and condominium complexes - more light gets into each unit without sacrificing the tenant or owners privacy.

As you can see fire rated glass blocks can do much more than simply increase fire safety in a building - they can enhance looks, increase privacy, and make a more secure and safe environment as well.

Mike Foti is President of Columbus Glass Block, Cleveland Glass Block, Mid America Glass Block Cincinnati, Dayton, Akron & Vice President of Eastern Glass Block New York & New Jersey - nationwide factory direct suppliers of fire rated glass block for security and safety. Mike's companies also professionally supply and install glass block windows, walls, and showers.

Nationwide 877-668-5888

http://www.columbusglassblock.com/products-security.aspx fire rated glass blocks for safety & security.

http://www.columbusglassblock.com/ - glass block windows, walls, showers, and colored glass block.

"Saving on Electricity Bills" System - It Really Works!

2009-09-06T13:14:00.001-07:00

Having an independent power-supply doesn't have to be that expensive or complicated task anymore, simply because "Saving On Electricity Bills" System enable you to do that at minimal cost and effort. You may be surprised but this technique can easily operate refrigerators, w. machines, and other popular home-appliances. Read the following article to hear more about how this technology can help you to significantly cut your expenses.

Short background

The idea is quite simple yet a clever one - "Saving On Electricity Bills" System is based on a downloadable instructional guide that explains in simple words how to assemble Solar-Cells at ridiculous cost. It may sound obvious, but be sure to choose the right guide; make sure it provides detailed descriptions, diagrams, and support so you'll never get lost. In any case, here are just a few advantage & advices to help you better understand this topic.

Important benefits

Implementing this exciting solution definitely provides many benefits:

* Very quick return on investment (ROI).

* Rely only on your own energy-resources and not the ones supplied by governments or corporations.

* Can produce 1000 Watts +.

* Uses natural and clean resources.

* Increases the value of your home by thousands.

Advice

In many states you can sell your unused energy, give it a quick search on the Web to verify that you can benefit from that.

Conclusions

Many home-makers already recognized the fact that "Saving On Electricity Bills" System is a 'must have' for the simple reason that it truly works, and most importantly it saves up 80% on elect. expenses. Without any question - there are plenty other advantages provided by this one-of-a-kind 'machine', simply because it is innovative. The best advice would be to simply try it and experience how it takes just days to start enjoying from its benefits.

Learn how "Saving On Electricity Bills" System easily enables you to produce free and unlimited electricity in just few days.

Visit: http://www.EasyFreeEnergy.com

Drywall Repairs Made Simple - Remodeling Tips

2009-09-06T07:27:00.001-07:00

By the time you finish reading this article, you will be able to perform basic repairs to damaged drywall. There are some basic tools that you should keep around the house, if you have an active family and are prone to get dings in the walls. This article will not provide enough information to do major repairs to drywall. Major repairs are simple, but you must learn the basics first.

Here is a list of some tools you will need. Your local big box can supply you with some basic tools. They run in price range from cheap to professional quality. They have plastic putty knives for less than a dollar all the way up to stainless steel that with care, will last a lifetime. If you expect a very small number of repairs, the plastic will suffice. Also, get a carriage bolt, a small hammer, a can of drywall joint compound, 150 to 220 grit sandpaper and a paint brush. These basic tools will repair most small dings and dents in drywall.

An example of a ding would be where the locking button on a door knob has left an impression in the wall behind it. This is typical of a quick and easy repair. Look at the damage. Is there anything protruding above the wall surface? If so, use the carriage bolt to push the protrusion below the wall surface. Use the hammer to help persuade the protrusion to go below the surface of the wall and round the edges. Next, take the putty knife and some joint compound or as it is commonly called, drywall mud, and fill the hole. Wait until the mud dries, sand lightly and fill the hole again to bring the material to the same level as the wall. Sand the surface again until the wall is smooth and level. Do not over sand. This will rough up the drywall allowing the paper to fray and requiring more mud to seal the rough surface. There should not be any differences in the surface. Several small applications will last much longer than one large application and give you better results.

Is everything smooth? If not, apply some more drywall mud to even the wall surfaces. Sand again. When the wall is smooth, apply the paint primer. When the paint primer is dry, apply your regular wall paint. The paint primer is to seal the wall so the new paint does not dry too quickly allowing the patch to be visible.

That is the basic method of repairing damaged drywall.

For more in depth instructions on basic drywall repair visit http://www.single-family-home-remodeling.com/drywall-repair.html

Homemade Energy - Why Build Your Own Solar Panel?

2009-09-06T03:05:00.001-07:00

With energy sources rapidly declining and global warming creating havoc across the earth, many people are looking to renewable energy in order to shrink their carbon footprints. Solar power can help undo a lot of the damage we have done but unfortunately, even the most environmentally conscious individual can't act on such matters without a large financial outlay. The installation costs of a solar power system can set you back thousands of dollars. Many people are now resorting to taking matters into their own hands and are checking out the many resources that instruct you how to build your own solar panel.

With some minor research it is feasible to build your own solar panel, however the panels often only supply relatively small amounts of energy. A better solution is to take a look into the ever increasing number of DIY build your own solar panel kits. These kits are assembled for under $200 in materials avaliable at your local hardware store.

Items you need to purchase to build your own solar panel

1. A multi-meter

2. Alligator clips made of copper

3. Wide mouth container

4. Copper Sheets

5. Other more basic DIY materials such as sandpaper

6. A good guide, that clearly shows you how to build your own solar panel.

There are a lot of resources to help you put together your very own solar panel kit, a lot of which may be found online in the form of guidebooks. The large majority of guidebooks available online are well penned, with a lot of sites even offering instructional videos and member forums as well as email support to help guarantee your build your own solar panel kit is a winner. A lot of the bigger power companies, such as GE now manufacture DIY build your own solar panel kits. Easy to follow step-by-step directions will help you get your solar energy kit built very fast and see you quickly recovering your initial investment and harvesting big savings by cutting as much as 80% from your power bills.

Arriving at the decision to build your own solar panel is one of the better investments you can make, both for your future and that of the earth. Begin harvesting your own power at home and make use of this awesome way to save money, educate yourself as well as your children, do your bit to help save the environment and CLICK HERE to learn how to build your own solar panel today!

If your serious about saving money on your energy bill and you want to do your bit for the environment, check out the following link DIY Solar Power Kits reviewed

Jon Elsdon is a Solar Energy Consultant and Environmentalist. Jon is editor of DIY Solar Power

Barn Home Conversions

2009-09-06T00:27:00.001-07:00

Although not a new method of building a home, barn conversions are becoming more and more popular these days. The problem facing most families wanting to convert a barn into a home is the lack of know how involved in it.

It's needless to say that there are many barns in various shapes and sizes all around. Many are in bad shape. Please don't make the mistake of buying one that is labeled a unique fixer upper opportunity. Don't fool yourself. If a barn has gotten into the shape where the boards are falling off the sides, unless you're buying it for parts, my suggestion is to leave it alone. By the time the boards start falling off, there's major flaws. The main trouble would probably be that the girts are rotting and the fasteners (nails) are turning loose.

When I built my home from an old centennial barn, there wasn't even a handful of books and reference websites available on the subject. And when I talked with contractors on the subject, the most common response I got was a blank stare. Fortunately I was able to talk to some barn builders that had been in the trade for decades and were willing to share ideas on how it could be done.

One of the most daunting tasks was to repair the weather damage and remove the layers of dirt that had accumulated over the years. My particular barn was used to shelter horses and a few milk cows.

There are two methods of converting a barn.

The first method is to use standard residential construction practices, essentially making the barn into a standard construction home. Nine times out of ten after this type of renovation takes place, the barn no longer looks like a barn but looks more like a stylized residence. And the cost with this method sometimes exceeds standard residential construction.

The second method and the one my wife and I chose to use, employed the same materials the barn was built with. I went to the local saw mill and bought rough sawed boards to make up the interior walls and floors. Even the doors and windows were hand built with this type of method. We just made sure the house was well insulated and all the cracks were closed. This method saved us thousands of dollars and kept the charm of the old barn intact.

Tim Davis is a veteran Architectural Designer who also teaches architecture and drafting over the internet http://houseplandrafting101.net He is currently in the process of writing an Ebook entitled "How to Turn a Barn into a Home". The info page for updates on this ebook can be found at http://draftingservice.us/barnhomes

Wood Does Rot - Home Repairs and Advice

2009-09-05T17:10:00.001-07:00

Let me give you some advice right now," All Wood Rots Eventually". I have heard it all when it comes to this wood or that wood lasting this long or that long........ Hello....... All wood is going to rot at some period of it's life.

With that out of the way we can focus on some wood seems to last a little longer under certain conditions.

Teak is a wood that has a lot of natural oil in it. But you won't frame a house with it. Teak is used on boats and expensive outdoor furniture. It is a excellent wood to use when building a ship. The woods natural oils seem to create a protective barrier around it allowing it to last a long time even at sea. Great wood for the outdoors...

Oak is a excellent choice for almost every wood finish inside your home. It is used for kitchen cabinets, entertainment centers, flooring, trim and furniture. Oak is a hard wood and can take a lot of abuse from almost anything except water. I have seen a nice piece of furniture get stained from just setting one glass on it for ten minutes. Great Wood For Inside Your Home.

Poplar is also a great choice for inside your house. This wood is used by many finish carpenters for making cabinets and other built ins for your house. It is also popular not poplar for wood trim . Most of the poplar that is used inside of your home will eventually get painted. So that makes poplar a inexpensive choice of wood for homeowners that want a nice painted finish on their interior wood projects. Great Wood For Inside Your Home.

Douglas Fir is the most common source of lumber used on the west coast of the United States. This is a extremely durable wood product. On the East Coast they use southern pine and the nominal thickness is usually two inches by four inches for a 2 x 4 . With Douglas Fir a 2 x 4 is one inch and a half by three and one half inches to support the same weight structurally. In my opinion one of the best home framing materials.

Douglas Fir can and has been for a long time now. A great source for clear finish materials used inside of the house. You will see a nice orange or brown looking piece of wood stained naturally in some older home. This is Douglas Fir. It can be a bit pricy but really gives a log cabin look to your home.

Redwood is a great choice for inside or outside your home. I love Redwood it has a nice look to it stained naturally. Redwood is used for a lot of siding, fences, decks and out door furniture. The main problem with Redwood is that is is soft and will get scratched easily. Now for the facts about Redwood. It does rot and termites will eat it.

Wood myth number one eliminated. I have heard stories about wood that termites won't eat. Well Redwood is not one of them. I have seen termites tearing this stuff up. Don't get caught up in the hype that this or that wood will last for 5 years or 50 years. Under the right conditions almost all woods will rot at a accelerated rate.

For more information on wood damage, check out wood repair at http://gregvan.com/wood_repair.htm

How to Build a Sustainable Energy Efficient Home

2009-09-05T16:48:00.001-07:00

Are you in the market to build a new home? Are you in the market to save money by building an energy efficient home? If so, then this article will introduce you to the "new" kid on the block. Well, actually it is the "oldest" kid on the block. If you are looking to build a home that is sustainable and energy efficient, then you need to look no further. This article will discuss this system.

The method is known as C-I-C by the Department of Energy. Let's take a look at what is included in this method of construction. Very basically, a form can be made off site. The form or panel is then taken to the job site. They are then placed on the footers or the slab, and filled with concrete. You then have concrete walls. These concrete walls are most mold resistant, fire resistant, termite proof, most pest resistant and most energy efficient. Understand that the system is not a system of concrete blocks, but rather a system of concrete panels the height of walls and widths up to four feet wide that are 7" thick.

The parts of the wall can easily be designed to include a Concrete Tie Beam, C-Studs every 14 " apart, a steel rebar where each panel meets the next one, concrete and foam. The Tie beam is part of the panel form that is brought to the job site. It will not require any more forming. The tie beam rebar that is required per code is further from the top of the tie beam, which means that the 12" deep Tie beam of this system is stronger than a 12" beam in concrete block construction using the same rebar steel. You can compare this type method of construction with wood framing, commonly called stick built homes. The strength of this type of concrete wall is in the vicinity of 20 times stronger than 2" x 4" stick built homes. Panels are connected together by the hardening of the concrete and the interlocking with the C-Studs, making an unbreakable connection. Rebar is either 'wet set' when the slab is first poured, or epoxied into the slab. At the top of the rebar there is a bend within the tie beam area at the top of the panel. This forms a tie column from the slab to the tie beam. This completed tie column has a vertical rebar, 2-structural C-studs that face each other and concrete, creating a column five times stronger than a filled cell with rebar that is found in a concrete block filled cell construction. This type of construction can also resist over 2 1/2 times the force of 150 MPH winds.

So, if you wish to build a home that is mold resistant, fire resistant, termite proof, pest resistant and energy efficient, then find a designer and/or builder familiar with the C-I-C method of construction.

Are you getting ready to build a new home? Are you ready to have your home to be the most fire resistant it can be? Are you trying to build an energy efficient home? To get more information about building your next fire resistant, energy efficient home, visit http://www.allwallsystem.com

Remodeling Costs: How Do I Pay For It?

2009-09-05T09:53:00.001-07:00

To keep remodeling costs under control, there are four key remodeling cost drivers: The design of the remodel, the materials you use, who manages the project, and how you pay for it.

Lets review common ways to pay for your remodel and the pros and cons of each.

1. Loan against retirement account (e.g. 401k)

Pros: You pay yourself the interest on a loan against your 401k.

Cons: You lose the interest you could be making if it was invested. If you lose your job, most loans require you to pay the loan back immediately, and there can be significant income tax consequences.

2. Home Equity Loan

Pros: Usually tax deductible. Lump sum is paid to you at the start so you have flexibility of what you do with the money.

Cons: A second loan to manage. Shorter term than a standard mortgage. Requires that you have sufficient equity in your home. You have to pay interest on the entire loan amount even though you may not need the money to pay for remodeling right away.

3. Home Equity Line of Credit

Pros: You only borrow the money you need at the time, so finance charges are lower at the beginning.

Cons: A second loan to manage. Shorter term than a standard mortgage. Requires that you have sufficient equity in your home.

4. Construction Loan

Pros: Good for larger remodel projects and if you don't have enough home equity to qualify for a loan to cover construction costs.

Cons: Higher interest rate than home equity loans. Not tax deductible. Usually short term until construction is complete and then is replaced with a new first mortgage, which may have processing fees or closing costs.

5. Loan from the contractor

Pros: Available to most homeowners.

Cons: High interest rates. Not the best terms. Can lock you into working with a specific contractor. Not recommended.

6. Refinance and cash out

Pros: You only have a single loan for your home. Usually tax deductible interest. A single larger loan will usually have the lowest interest rate.

Cons: Requires that you have sufficient equity in your home. You have to pay interest on the entire loan amount even though you may not need the money to pay for remodeling right away. May have significant closing costs.

7. Credit Cards

Pros: Most homeowners have this as an alternative.

Cons: High interest rate, not tax deductible.

8. Your savings

Pros: The least expensive way to pay for your remodel.

Cons: Make sure you don't use all of your savings. Always have some available for emergencies.

For free expert advice on the best way to pay for a remodel based on your specific situation simply complete the form at http://www.remodelormove.com/forms/goapply.cfm. Or you can visit http://www.remodelestimates.com to find out how much a remodel project may cost.

About the Author
Dan Fritschen, founder of www.remodelormove.com, a homeowner advocacy organization, speaker at Home and Garden shows Nationwide, author of the award winning, best selling book Remodel or Move? and The Complete Remodeling Workbook and Organizer (available at www.remodelingorganizer.com) has recently been interviewed on CNN, in Better Homes and Garden Magazine and in Newsweek.

Do you have remodeling or moving questions? Email Dan directly at dan@remodelormove.com.

How You Can Support Going Green and Preserve Energy

2009-09-05T06:26:00.001-07:00

The ordinary perception of Going Green is green revolution in all concerns pertaining to air, water and land.The use of natural resources wisely is the foremost concern including recycling and fighting pollution.A lot of products are made out of recycled materials and business owners are becoming more concerned and aware of the important roles they play to find ways in the preservation of the natural resources.

Today, the essence of going green does not only concern the Mother Nature but also painting your house with green.There are types of paints now which are environmentally friendly.They contain less solvents and zero emission of toxic chemicals in the air.They are formulated to have lesser odor, lower levels of organic compounds and they can resist mildew.The stains can be cleaned by using ordinary soap and water thus, avoiding the use of rough cleaning chemicals.
This type of green paint use sustainable raw materials such as soy and sunflower oil that reduce the amount of solvent so, the vapor that spreads to the air are much better than ordinary paints.The manufacture of this paint is also more of energy saving and efficiency than produce more wastes.

Sherwin-Williams, one of the pioneers in the production of paints that are environmentally friendly, have acknowledged a commitment that reaches beyond the manufacture and supply of Going Green paints:

It has extended this commitment throughout their laboratories, production facilities and distribution systems all over the world.
This paint company is continuously conducting research to create new products and systems within the framework of the organization to reduce and eliminate the impact of paints on nature.They have initiated the use of solutions which is beneficial to the environment.
They have developed coatings that can be cleaned easily and have formulated solutions against harmful bacteria that causes bad odor to the paint.In this way, the company provides improvement of their paints for beneficial effect in indoor and outdoor environment.
The management gathers and consolidates effective green ideas to work.They have streamlined their distribution system thus doing their part in the conservation of fuel, energy and other natural resources.

Whether you are about to paint your house with green or you are waiting for something, you can contribute to preserve energy and support the Going Green by doing the following:
Leave your car at home and use only as necessary.You can walk, bike, skateboard, roller skate or ride in the bus.In this way, you are not only helping to reduce air pollution but also, you can have routine physical exercise.
Put off the lights when not in use and always close the refrigerator to conserve electricity.Just imagine the energy saved out of that simple energy-saving tip.
Buy recycled products such as paper or plastic.Try to reuse them until they are still usable.
Reduce your use of high energy-consuming appliances like the air conditioner and computers.Put them off when they are idle.
Avoid burning dried leaves and branches of trees as they contribute to air pollution.
In summary, Going Green revolves in every aspect of our life.There are many avenues to promote the Green in different proportions ranging from wise use of energy to protection of the natural resources which make life possible.The production of Green paints goes along with this principle.Gone are the days when paints are made simply for painting purposes.Paints are now attuned to provide harmony with the environment. This is a significant achievement for paint manufacturers.

Jaworski Coatings, Inc,
41375 Oberlin Elyria Rd.
Eylria, Ohio 44035
Toll Free Office 1-866-87-2114
Fax (440) 328-4539

welovepainting@gmail.com
http://www.WeLovePainting.com
http://www.LogHomeColors.com

Motorized Shades Primary Benefits

2009-09-05T03:03:00.001-07:00

1. Convenience. Raising and lowering a manual shade is easy enough if it is not too big. But if the shade is very large or there are 2, 3, 4 or more shades then it becomes more difficult and more time consuming. The convenience factors of motorized shades are important for several other reasons listed below.

a. Maximizing Views. Having motorized shades mean the difference between seeing a beautiful sunrise/sunset or missing it. Stunning vistas are rarely missed when opening or closing shades is as simple as pressing a button.

b. Security. Motorized shades can easily be set on a timer so that when guests are away from home for an extended period of time, shades are raised and lowered at various preset times. This gives the impression that someone is living in the house which deters would be thieves.

c. Conserving Energy. The heat gain from sunlight through windows during summer months is a major burden on air conditioning. The convenience of motorized shades makes saving energy much simpler. Preset timers obviate the need to remember to raise or lower shades for energy saving purposes.

d. Protecting Furniture, artwork and flooring. The sun's rays can do damage to interior furnishings, causing fading, cracking or warping. The convenience of motorized shades makes protecting furniture, artwork and flooring much simpler. Preset timers are also useful in this regard.

e. Many Windows and/or Large Windows. As the number and size of windows increases, the case for motorization becomes increasingly compelling. Some walls of windows are 20, 30 or even 60 feet in length which makes motorization a practical necessity.

f. Hard to reach windows. These skylight windows, second story openings or windows blocked by furniture or other obstructions are why motorized shades were first conceived. Obviously, these factors are still relevant today.

2. Child Safety. A shocking number of injuries and deaths result each year due to cords from manual window shades. The window shade industry's "Child Safety Month" is intended to address these hazards with safety clips and consumer awareness. The best solution is no cords at all, which is possible with motorized shades.

3. Unsightly Cords. Aesthetically, cords detract from the clean look of a window opening. Multiple shades mean multiple cords, pooling on the floor when fully open. Motorized window shades means no more unsightly control cords and open, clear views through windows.

4. Less Wear and Tear. Tangling and unfamiliar 'user abuse' to shades are the most common causes of service calls. The control mechanisms on manual shades, if used frequently (see convenience factor above), will break and can be costly to repair or replace.

5. They are cool! Functionally, motorized shades make a lot of sense and aesthetically, they are definitely preferable to manual shades. Let's not forget that they also have an impressive WOW Factor!

The author, Gavin Sword, is an owner of Automated Shading - New York Motorized Shades The company offers Motorized Shades in New York, Florida, (Miami, Naples, Tampa, Orlando), New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

The Residential Solar Power Systems and Its Benefits

2009-09-04T20:11:00.001-07:00

The benefits of residential solar power systems are boundless and limitless. It is almost as infinite as the energy of the sun itself. Tapping into the rays of the sun has become one of the popular alternative sources of energy today especially when the whole world is worried about global warming and the skyrocketing costs of fossil fuel. This still does not include the conflict fossil fuel makes among countries when this resource becomes scarce. This article will focus on the primary benefits to acquire this kind of technology cheaply.

There are two primary types of residential solar power systems. It is the stand-alone system and the grid-tie system. In the stand-alone system, it is not connected to the electric grid. With the grid-tie system, the power grids are connected to the electric grids. The grid-tie system is expensive compared to the stand-alone system.

One of the great benefits of this type of energy-producing system is that one can save on electric bills. Records show that you can save as much as 80 percent of your current bills. There is even a chance that your system will yield excess power, most especially when the weather is right. If you have the grid-tie system, you might be able to sell that excess to the electricity providers.

The most important benefit of solar power is the contribution you make in lessening pollution. Your home is no longer dependent on outside source of electricity therefore, there is slightly a lesser demand for electricity that comes from fossil fuels like the ones produced by electric companies. Your contribution may appear to be too insignificant, but your example will certainly open the eyes of your neighbors and friends. They will be able to see the sensibility of tapping on the sun for energy.

Presently, construction of such systems is expensive and very challenging in different ways. The materials are expensive and only a few companies offer installation services. But do not despair; there are many suitable online guides that offer step-by-step instructions on how to go about making your own renewable energy unit.

Some guides would suggest alternative sources of materials and have innovative ideas to lessen the cost. Remember, whatever strategy you use, setting up a solar-to-electric energy system will cost you money. In spite of the initial cost of the system, more and more people are becoming aware of the benefits and practicality of using residential solar power systems.

Tired of high electric bills? Discover how thousands of families are using homemade solar power systems to power their homes!

Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Power

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

Solar power is starting to go main stream. While this technology has been around for some time, many people are just starting to learn about alternative fuels such as these. They have been getting a lot of buzz because of high oil costs. The inability to afford rising fuel costs, have forced some individuals to think of new ways to run their homes. One way is to use energy from the sun. There are advantages and disadvantages of solar power. Let's discuss the advantages first.

There are many well noted benefits of sun energy. The ones that are most often discussed include cheaper energy costs, clean fuel and less dependence on oil.

In recent years, utility bills have gone through the roof in many parts of the world. Oil prices are skyrocketing and global supplies are diminishing. This trend is not going to cease worsening. Some people have been unable to pay their bills, while others have had to cut back drastically in other areas of their life affecting their lifestyles to a great measure. There have been many families who have had to go without heat simply because they could not come up with the money to pay their utility bills. Because the sun is a free fuel source, it is now possible for us to cut back on costs.

Sun energy is also good for the planet. It does not emit any harmful gases. It also makes people who use it less dependent on oil. Their monetary outlays are also not dependent on oil prices.

As noted earlier, there are advantages and disadvantages of solar power. We have already discussed the advantages, now let's discuss the disadvantages.

The biggest disadvantage of tapping on sunlight as a fuel source is the high cost of purchasing the panels and then having them installed. Thankfully, there are online guides that will give step-by-step instructions to build and install your own. For around $200 worth of materials, you can do everything yourself.

As you can see, there are both advantages and disadvantages of solar power. Sun power can replace oil based fuel. As a result, an individual can save money and do something good for the environment. The main disadvantage of using sunlight to provide energy is that it can be costly if you pay someone to install such a system for you. However, you can save a ton of money if you create and install the solar panels yourself.

Tired of high electric bills? Discover how thousands of families are using homemade solar power systems to power their homes!

Outdoor Shed Foundations - Home Building Tips

2009-09-04T13:01:00.001-07:00

When looking to build your own outdoor shed the first place to start is with the shed foundation. Your storage shed needs to be built on a strong foundation. Whether it is wood or concrete your slab needs to be a firm base that your outdoor shed will be built on. If you don't have a good shed foundation then your shed will not last as long as it should.

Wondering when to use a concrete slab or wood for a shed foundation? Here are the two main reasons for choosing one or the other. A wood foundation for your outdoor shed will allow you to move it if you ever decide that your original spot is not right. If you use a concrete slap then you will not be able to move it at all.

After you figured out what type of foundation you want you need to start to assemble it. If you're going to use the wood foundation, make sure you use pressure treated wood. Any home improvement store will have it just make sure to ask for help if you're unsure of the type and size you need. Tell them you're building an outdoor shed and they will be able to point you in the right direction.

An easy way to build a nice strong shed foundation is to get a couple of skids. These can be found at just about any store and usually they are in the back and free. Lay the skids out and placing your pressure treated wood around the outside nail then together. Using 3/4" plywood for the floor will give your outdoor shed a very strong foundation. Using bricks under the skids will help level the shed floor off and also keep any moisture from getting into our wood foundation.

If you decide to use the concrete slab make sure you have picked out the correct location, as this will be a permanent structure on your property. If you need your outdoor shed to support a lot of heavy equipment then you want to use the concrete slab foundation. It will be able to hold a lot more weight than the wood foundation.

It's always best to have a plan of attack before starting any home improvement project: it can save you time and money. Think about what you plan to keep inside your outdoor shed, if its going to be heavy equipment and you know that the wood foundation is going to be raised up off the ground 5-8" you may need a ramp to get stuff in and out. A concrete foundation can be made to be ground level. Keeping all these things in mind before you start building your outdoor shed will make this go so much faster and give you less headaches.

Learn more about outdoor storage sheds & buildings

Hybrid Cars and Fuel Savings - Feasible Options

2009-09-04T09:51:00.001-07:00

As an engineer I have been studying and following the renewable energy debate and developments for well over 30 years and many useful as well as useless inventions/solutions have crossed my road of discovery.

One tendency, which always seems to stand out, is the all or nothing approach.

All wind power or all nuclear power or all wave, solar etc. and lately all hydrogen, rarely ever a composite/combination of current conventional and renewable energy resources.

The latest fads seem again all nuclear or all hydrogen and the most laughable of them all "Carbon Sequestration".

Compressing CO2 to pump it to the bottom of the oceans or into some geological cavity is as costly in energy consumption as the building, as well as decommissioning of nuclear power stations and the storage of radio active waste and equally hazardous.

Using Bio Fuels, with its current technology, is a bit like incinerating your breakfast, lunch & dinner to drive your car.

Even more fascinating is that all of these latest offerings are not feasible for another 10 to 30 years, requiring huge amounts of funding to prove or disprove their viability. So it seems that invariably concepts are being promoted which have no immediate application when there are ample and proven concepts that can be implemented now with considerable immediate benefits.

Methods such as co-generation (recovery of waste heat) or preheating by renewable resources rarely rate a mention. Both methods are only a few of the many options guaranteeing substantial reductions in fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Again the aspect of the hydrogen as fuel debate is the all or nothing approach. It is nothing new that cars (and planes) can run on hydrogen. The catch here is the, currently, enormous cost of the fuel storage and the non-existing infrastructure. It is even proposed to generate the hydrogen from, would you believe it, carbon based fuels or, lo and behold, nuclear power.

One can only wonder why the viable and relatively low cost conversion of existing means of transport is so rarely being considered as an option. For many years now the conversion of petrol powered vehicles to LNG/CNG was feasible, economical and aided the reduction of greenhouse gases.

Hybrid cars, powered by a combination of internal combustion engine, batteries and electric motor can be another, but still very expensive, option to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

So why not use hydrogen in combination with conventional fuel to reduce your fuel consumption and your environmental footprint? It is a proven technology. A low cost on-board hydrogen generator produces small quantities of hydrogen serving as a combustion enhancer. This hydrogen generator only operates while the engine is running making it perfectly safe, saves substantial amounts of fuel and does not require any hydrogen storage. In other words no hydrogen is produced when the engine is not running.

For more detailed information head over to this site Hybrid H2O2 Engine

Who Can Benefit From Warrior Hypnosis

2009-09-04T06:02:00.001-07:00

In order for warrior hypnosis to work it is important that one believes in his or her abilities to transform into a hypnotic state without losing control. Hypnosis is a technique used to help treat medical conditions, over come paralyzing, phobias, overcome addictions, and to improve ones confidence and state of being. Warrior hypnosis is used in several different ways but for the most part it is used to help someone take control of their lives in all aspects.

By using power of suggestions a person can be anything they want to be and get anything they want to get, even when they have never been able to have this much control. Throughout life one may find a comfort zone that makes them feel safe and confident enough to maintain their lifestyle. But for those who may be tired of not getting that raise or the respect they need and deserve from friends, family or co-workers warrior hypnosis may be for them.

In most cases warrior hypnosis is done by building up ones confidence first because if there is low confidence and self esteem it is hard for others to see a strong confident person who can do anything they want to do. It's also impossible to say how you feel without feeling guilty about it.

Warrior hypnosis may seem a bit like a straight forward approach to getting what one wants but in reality this may very well be the only way that a person can build up their self worth and confidence. It's important to note that while this is a very positive way to build up your self confidence quickly any hesitation to its results may prolong ones ability to achieve the warrior state of mind.

Using warrior hypnosis can make things possible for someone when they no longer seen a possibility. Hypnosis provides confident suggestions in the mind that help to build self esteem and work on what matters most. Once hypnotized the mind is relaxed and able to take in any suggestions made. The suggestions can start by working on ones self esteem. In the following sessions the suggestions will promote a positive attitude when dealing with anything. Once someone has confidence they can manage to accomplish anything they set their minds to it. This positive attitude can also help confront people who may otherwise lye and get away with it. Concentrating on the look of someone's eyes can allow someone to tell if they are lying or not.

Warrior hypnosis may be used to train people who are in certain positions that require them to confront certain types of people. It prepares them to be able to face any situation and know what to do to help them selves. Emotions and fear no longer get in the way of things. It involves honesty and the ability to find honesty in others. During hypnosis sessions you can learn a lot about the person you have always wanted to be but were unable to do so.

Astounding Secrets Revealed In A Free Hypnosis Guide Instantly Turns Average Joes Into Masters of Mind Control...You WILL Be Hypnotizing People In Minutes: http://www.ReviewHypnosis.com

The Solar Controller As an Integral Part of Your Solar Energy System

2009-09-03T23:21:00.001-07:00

In this modern era of high energy costs and serious environmental concerns relating to the depletion of natural resources and the advent of global warming, incorporating a solar energy system into your home, office, or construction project can be a great way to save money and do your part to help save the planet at the same time.

While setting up a solar energy system may seem a bit daunting at the outset, a basic understanding of necessary components along with an attention to quality parts will make preparation and installation a breeze.

The most prominent piece of a solar energy system are the solar panels themselves, but these panels require a number of accessories to translate into energy efficiency and savings, as well as a working system.

One of the main components of a solar energy system is the controller, which acts as a liaison device between the panels and the battery bank that stores produced energy for practical use.

In times of excessive sunlight, the energy produced by the panels may exceed the storage capacity of your battery bank; with a direct connection, the batteries can become overloaded, leading to a number of safety concerns in addition to causing battery failure. A solar controller acts as a preventative device in this instance, regulating the amount of energy allowed to pass between the panels and the waiting batteries.

But a solar controller is more than a simple preventative measure in case of overcharge; it is also capable of increasing or decreasing the system voltage as needed, and can automatically reset in the event of a short circuit, improving the overall efficiency of your solar system while ensuring the integrity of your battery bank.

A solar controller carries the additional benefit of acting as an indicator of the overall health and efficiency of your solar energy system. Modern solar controllers can be purchased with an array of readouts and associated options, from digital output windows to special LED light indicators to audio options that can alert you to any problems, as well as announce fully charged batteries.

Picking a suitable solar controller for your system is largely a matter of personal preference; just make sure you purchase a device with a suitable amp rating according to the wattage of your panels. Whether simple and effective or fully loaded with options, your solar controller will play an important part in the proper functioning of your solar energy system.

Andy Bauer is a tech writer for http://www.westfloridacomponents.com, an internet based retailer of electronic parts and supplies including solar panels and solar controllers.

Floor Decorating Ideas - Bamboo For Flooring

2009-09-03T22:59:00.001-07:00

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

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

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

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

Metal Buildings - Items to Consider Before You Buy!

2009-09-03T15:58:00.001-07:00

No matter what type of metal building you are considering, making the wrong purchasing decisions from not being properly informed can be extremely costly. Whether you're looking at commercial metal buildings, farm buildings, garage or shop buildings, not knowing what needs to be considered can be just as costly. Here is a list of items to think about before you purchase.

1. What use will your new prefabricated metal building have? (This is not as simple as it may sound)

2. What size should your new metal building package be? (Consider this point carefully)

3. Of the many types of prefab buildings, which is right for you?

4. What accessories do you require in your prefab metal building? (If you don't ask, you won't receive)

5. Get your metal building package priced (from more than one supplier).

6. Do a complete analysis of the metal building prices.

7. Should you hire or self-erect your metal building package? (Keep in mind the cost of equipment rentals if required)

8. When is the best time to purchase prefab buildings?

9. How will you plan and schedule for your new prefabricated metal building? (This is closely related the step above)

Now each of these items can be broken down considerably and indeed should be. Some may even seem to be 'no-brainers'. Don't be fooled. There is more to be considered than what you might think even for a question as simple as 'What is my metal building going to be used for?' But if you consider each of these steps well, you can assure yourself that you have done due diligence and your purchase decision will be a well informed and much les stressful one. And you just may save thousands of dollars!

For an extended version of this article visit Pre-Fab Metal Buildings. PrefabMetalBuildingKits.com is a website dedicated to metal buildings. Visit us at Metal Building Kits.

DIY Solar For Energy Saving - Is it Feasible?

2009-09-03T12:37:00.000-07:00

Even though there has been much talk about DIY Solar there has been very little uptake of the technology in the Domestic DIY market. A big reason for this has been a common belief that lots of sunlight is needed to make the energy savings all worthwhile!

A 'lack of sunlight' has often been the argument of many politicians against going Solar but this argument is simply not justified. Take for example the small Danish Island of Samsoe, a place powered solely by renewable energy. On average it has about 7-8 hours of extremely weak sunlight and yet 70% of its heating requirements are met by solar energy, hay and biomass!

It is true that the amount of Solar energy falling on a square meter of earth (300 Watts per square meter) is in fact quite small requiring rather large energy collectors to meet the energy needs of a typical home. However, the roof area of a typical home far exceeds the size of solar panel required to heat a home - roughly 10% the size of living area. Also, with increasingly efficient solar panels capable of turning even the weakest of sunlight into electric power you can be sure the market is set to grow.

Thirty to Forty years ago, in colder climates, a similar situation arose with double glazing. The average householder thought the idea too expensive and pay back too long in terms of energy savings. Home owners soon realized that pay back was not the main issue. House prices increased after double glazing had been installed. The installation costs had been justified with lower heating bills as well!

Solar technology will be no different. Those people who install Solar Systems, DIY Solar or manufactured, will realize the return on investment through both energy savings and property value. It will become the norm and not the exception to have some sort of Domestic Power source.

Currently, commercial Solar power systems can be very expensive. If you are looking at a return on investment solely via energy savings you could be waiting a very long time. The alternative is to go DIY Solar. Just like in the early days of double glazing where people would install their own secondary panes, home owners are now looking to build their own Solar energy systems. The parts needed are not too expensive and the information to build such a system is readily available. A DIY Solar system can work out at one tenth the cost of a similar commercial system.

Please visit my "Eco Friendly Warrior Blog" for more information related to alternative energy and environmental issues. Go to "DIY Solar for Energy Saving" for more practical information about Solar energy.

Lessons Learned About Bathroom Vanities

2009-09-03T08:43:00.001-07:00

There are many lessons to learn about bathroom vanities, and hopefully homeowners will take the time to learn them before starting a massive and expensive project. What are some tips to remember when decorating your bathroom with a vanity?

1. Make the Bathroom Vanity the Central Piece
This not only applies in decorating the bathroom but also when starting the remodeling process. It's best to figure out what type of bathroom vanity you want to use as the center of the bathroom long before you start tearing into walls. Some bathroom vanities just demand to be the center of attention, while others tend to more easily adapt to the surroundings.

2. Use Color to Your Advantage
Remember that lighter colors make the bathroom seem bigger. Darker colors will make the room seem smaller. This applies not only with wallpaper and paint but also with the color of your bathroom vanity. If you are ordering an antique cherry vanity, then hopefully you have sufficient space in the room, otherwise you may be creating a claustrophobic atmosphere.

3. Use Mirrors to Your Advantage
Have you ever been in a restaurant with a large wall mirror and mistakenly though the room was much bigger than it really was? Mirrors can cast illusions in a large property like that, and do just the same for a small bathroom. Adding a large mirror in a medium sized bathroom may actually cause the room to look much smaller than it is. If your bathroom seems to be missing something and seems a bit "empty" then adding a medium sized bathroom vanity mirror could turn out to be a beautiful addition.

If you are looking for a bathroom vanity, visit ModernBathroom.com for a full preview of their online selection. This online store offers a 110% low price guarantee.

My Earth4Energy Review

2009-09-03T02:13:00.001-07:00

Earth4Energy is an online guide (downloadable instantly 24/7/365) which includes complete step by step fully illustrated instructions on how to build your own solar panels or windmill with materials which cost less than $200.

This is so remarkable because the solar panels or windmill that you can build can actually power your entire home which means you can have lifetime renewable energy for less than $200. As you can imagine you can save a ton of money by building such a system!

It's also remarkable because if you were to buy a system like this already built it would cost you well over $3000!

I wanted to see if this could really work so I had a friend (unfortunately I couldn't do it myself as I live in an apartment building) try it out. They built their own solar panels using the step by step fully illustrated instructions in the Earth4Energy guide and yes they've been able to completely eliminate their power bill. Their power bill was normally about $100 per month so it's only going to take them 2 months for the solar panels to completely pay for themselves. Think about it, in just one year they will save $1000 on their electric bill. And those savings are recurring every year! That's a lot of money to save with the economy as bad as it is right now.

Of course the monetary savings are only one factor. Another really cool thing is that it's a great way to do your part for the environment. Powering your home with renewable energy is a great thing to do for the environment.

If you want to get started with Earth4Energy then there's no reason not to get started right now because it can be downloaded instantly and it includes a 60 day full money back refund period.

CLICK HERE: Earth4Energy. Learn more about getting started with Earth4Energy right now.

How To Build A Windmill with Earth4Energy.

Harvesting Rainwater - Home Advice

2009-09-03T01:40:00.001-07:00

The so-called "green" harvesting of roof-shed rainwater with above-ground rain barrels or catch tanks reduces the watershed that currently overloads some of our municipal sewer and storm-water drainage systems. Still, could we do the same thing by installing underground cisterns similar to those used during the 1800's and early 1900's?

Description of theearlier cisterns

Many older homes and estates today still have the remnants of their early underground rainwater cisterns. These fairly large round, water-tight, root-free, 500-to-5000-gallon cisterns were madefrom brick, stone, rock, plaster,concrete, or combinations of these materials. They were each capped withan above-ground manhole-typeof openinglarge enough totake a big bucket. Thisopeningallowed the cisternto be periodically cleaned-out and repaired by the owner or by a third-party service.

The tin or zinc-plated guttering used on the house eaves then, whichcarriedthe rainwaterdown to the cisterns, were open and not covered. So,quite a bitofwind-blown tree leaves andseeds,and other debriscould maketheir into the cisterns. For that reason, the suction end of theiron plumbingwas located above the cistern floor, where the debris would eventually settle.

This relatively clean, soft,outsidewater supplywas plumbed directly tothe long-handle hand-pumps installed at the kitchen and bathroom sinks and thebathtubin the main house. Itwas also plumbed to the hand-pump in a small building behind the house that served as a summer kitchen and a place to wash laundry, to can garden produce, and to butcher chickens and hogs. This water supply remained relatively cool and unfrozen the year around. Generally, it was used for cooking, washing dishes, cleaning, canning, butchering, and bathing. But it could be drunk, too, after boiling it.

Modern cisterns

Modern cisterns operate much like the ones described above. However,instead of being built into the ground from scratch, they are buried prefabricated ones instead. That is, these cisternscould beprefabricated concrete receptacles, orthey could be large prefabricated heavy-duty plastic tanks capped withfairly large screw-on tops, similar to the ones seen on certain lawn-treatment trucks.

Also,today'saluminum, steel, plastic, or coppereave gutterswill haveporous or solidcoverings. Thus, the amount of debris entering the cisterns from the rooftops will be minimal. Yet, the fine sand-like material shed by asphalt or composite shingles willneed to be filtered out earlyduring the harvesting process; else, it will eventually have to be removed from the buried cistern. Theplumbing for the moderncisternwill beheavy plastic pipe. Of course, the pump itself will probably be an electric one, its size and accessories will depend on how the harvested water is used.

More-than-likely, becausemost of us alreadyhavereliable purified municipal indoor drinking and bathing water supplies, this cistern water will be used for outdoor purposes, like, for the sprinkling of lawns and gardens, for filling fish ponds and small treated swimming pools,for watering trees and animals, and for washing vehicles, driveways, patios, decks,andhouses.The following three advantages ofthe modernburied cistern system suggest this technology will work well today: 1) theyare hidden from view and out-of-the-way by being underground, 2) theydo not foster the production ofalgae or mosquitoes in the summer time, and 3) theyhelp conserve themunicipal storm-drainage systemsand drinking water supplies.

Further information on cisterns

Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia Cistern http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cistern

Author contact: j__l__d@sbcglobal.net

How to Build a Simple Planter Box

2009-09-02T18:50:00.001-07:00

Everyone has space for planter boxes on their patio. If you have already built your picnic table from a reputable picnic table plan you could very easily construct many planter boxes. You may even have some treated lumber left over from another outdoor project.

Planter boxes come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. This is a simple one that will go with any setting.

You will require 104" (9") of pressure treated 8" * 3/4" pine lumber.

Sides 8*3/4" 2 @ 27 1/2"
Ends 8*3/4" 2 @ 10"
Bottom 8*3/4" 1 @ 24 1/4"
Supports 8*3/4" 2 @ 2"

Cut out all of the pieces square.

The bottom piece is correct.

Now measure the bottom of the sides to 24 1/4", leaving the same amount at each end. Draw a line from the top to the bottom and saw the diagonals off so that each end of the sides are the same. This creates an angled end. (The top of the sides is 27 1/2 and the bottom is 24 1/4.)

Now do the same with the ends. The top is 10" but the bottom is 6 3/4". Half the difference, draw the line and cut the diagonals.

The box should fit together except for the bottom of the sides which will need a little planing to make them fit onto the bottom.

When it all fits, nail together with galvanised or stainless nails.

Nail the 2 bottom supports underneath so that the box doesn't sit directly on the deck.

Bore 4 - 5 1/2' holes through the bottom to allow an excess of water to flow out.

The Planter box is complete. Just add soil and plants to enhance the look on your deck.

This article was written by Philip Griffith, a successful Company Director with over 25 years experience in a number of different industries.

He has been involved in the woodworking related business for over 25 years.

One of his interests has been in the design and manufacture of wooden outdoor furniture Along with his Father in Law, they believe that they came up with the original concept for octagonal and hexagonal picnic table plans in New Zealand.

It has turned out to be a very successful concept and can be accessed at picnic table plans.

http://www.ezpicnictableplans.com

Paper Towels - 3,000 Tons of Landfill Waste Each Day

2009-09-02T15:48:00.001-07:00

With over 90% of US households taking advantage of the convenience of paper towels we produce over 3,000 tons of waste each day. Is this problem insurmountable? No - if each home simply replaced one roll of their traditional paper towels with paper towels made from recycled paper, we could avoid wasting 3.4 million cubic feet of landfill space and prevent 864,000 trees from being cut down.

The Benefits of Recycled Paper Towels

By using recycled paper towels we are doing much more than just reducing landfill waste. According to Ideal Bite, "For every ton of 100% recycled paper that is bought, about 4000kWh of energy and 7,000 gallons of water are saved. It also avoids releasing 60 lbs of pollutants into the air."

Reducing Paper Towel Waste

Even using recycled paper towels people tend to have wasteful habits. What can you do to graciously help remind people to reduce their paper towel consumption? You can participate in campaigns against consumer paper waste. It is these very wasteful habits that motivate projects like "These Come From Trees."

"Remember... These Come From Trees"

According to the "These Come From Trees" blog they are an "experiment in environmentalism, viral marketing, and user interface design with the goal of reducing consumer waste paper!" What exactly is this "experiment?" Using low cost vinyl stickers and guerilla marketing tactics the ad-hoc "The Come From Trees" team spread the message of reducing consumer paper waste. Here is a breakdown of their strategy:

People just like you affix vinyl "Remember... These Come From Trees" stickers to public area paper towel dispensers.

That's it. To quote the These Come From Trees Blog, it really is amazing "how the right message at the right time can make the difference." Since each sticker includes a URL for people to visit (http://www.thesecomefromtrees.com/) they help promote public awareness to this growing issue.

How Effective Are Projects Like This?

According to testing completed by the These Come From Trees team, their awareness stickers can reduce paper towel consumption by up to 15%, they continue, stating each sticker can save about 100 lbs of paper a year which is the equivalent to one tree. When you consider that the average coffee shop uses around 1000 lbs of paper towels and the average fast food restaurant with two restrooms can use up to 2000 lbs a year, 15% can add up to a lot of savings.

What about Reusable Replacements for Paper Towels?

Even though paper towels are commonplace they are not the only solution, products made of cotton or linen can be washed and reused many times over. In some cases sponges which offer a longer product lifetime, can handle the work you may normally relegate to a paper towel.

Choosing the Best Option for the Situation

While you can easily control your options at home and guerilla projects like "Remember... These Come From Trees" remind people to reduce their usage in public areas, it's important to always understand the best option for each situation you find yourself in - environmentally speaking.

If you are drying your hands and have the choice between an electric hand dryer and paper towels, what is the best choice for the environment? While electric hand dryers have the environmental cost of the electricity used to power them, in terms of overall energy costs, solid waste, maintenance and janitorial costs, electric hand dryers are more efficient than paper towels. While electric hand dryers are continually improved by manufacturers and continue to get more energy efficient, the paper towel has, for all intents and purposes, reached it's plateau.

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle

While you are constantly bombarded by the three R's, "Reduce, Reuse and Recycle," this is yet another case where the three R's offer society the best solution. By reducing our paper towel usage, we can prevent more trees from being cut down and prevent the emissions created by the manufacturing of new paper. By moving towards more reusable options such as washable cloth, we can stop the cycle of waste completely. By purchasing recycling paper products and recycling our paper products at the end of their lives we can conserve our valuable natural resources and reduce emissions.

Convenience items such as paper towels began as a luxury, became commonplace and now are subject to mass abuse. Who pays the cost for this abuse? The environment. By making smarter choices we can reduce the paper waste we contribute to and recycle our existing paper products. With an ever growing population and a static land size we are faced with the sobering prospect of running out of our precious natural resources. Do you part by remembering to conserve what and where you can.

Sam Greyhawk is an energy efficiency evangelist working with Cool-N-Save(tm), an Energy Star Partner, based in Huntington Beach, California.

Cool-N-Save(tm) is an amazing new energy efficiency add-on for air conditioners and aircon units. It can be installed in only 10 minutes with no tools required. In the hottest summer months, your air conditioner can be responsible for up to 90% of your electric bill each month. Cool-N-Save(tm), an air conditioner mister, has been scientifically proven by Tulane University to improve air conditioner efficiency by up to 30% - which translates into real monthly savings for you. Saving energy helps fight global warming and Cool-N-Save(tm) is a cost effective way to reduce your energy use.

If it Doesn't Make Sense to Sell it Might Be a Good Idea to Remodel

2009-09-02T11:44:00.001-07:00

Money. It is becoming the most commonly used word in today's economy. How much? Can I afford it? What is the wisest use of the dollars I have? All words being used around the kitchen table as American citizens are struggling to cope with the failures of every facet of the finances that control our economy. As we see our tax dollars being gobbled up for bailing out those who did not use financial prudence or responsibility as CEO's on Wall Street, the banking industry, and the automobile companies, protecting what little money or investments we have is the average citizen's main concern.

Homeowner's are in a special quandary. Their homes are usually the largest investment that they own. The uncertainty of the housing market combined with the banking industry's lack of moving forward to use their bail out money to make loans available leaves homeowners with precious few choices. Many are opting for renovating their existing homes rather than trying to sell; thereby accomplishing two things: living in a home better suited for their needs while waiting for the housing market to stabilize and/or once again becoming a seller's market. Others are left with the option of either renovating in order to compete with the millions of homes for sale or lose most or all of their equity and simply selling for the best price they can get.

A quick look at several of HGTV's most popular renovation gives us the right answer. It is always worthwhile to upgrade your largest investment: your home. These shows also give a proper perspective on how much to spend where in order to get your money back when you do decide to sell. Any renovation, large or small, that adds value to your selling price can be accomplished with the right guidance from a reputable builder who will keep you on track of doing what must be done at a cost that will give you a profit, sometimes even double the amount you spent, when you sell.

To get the biggest bang for your buck, upgraded kitchens and bathrooms are first on the list. Functional and luxurious kitchens and bathrooms steal the show and, just like first impressions coloring what follows behind, the homeowner who wisely spends his money in these areas is certain to get a huge return on every dollar spent. Flooring and curb appeal are number two and three to grab the buyer's attention. Cosmetic changes, like paint and wallpaper; even knocking out a wall to make a room larger also add to the first impression eye appeal so necessary to entice a buyer to purchase your particular home.

However, first things first. Decide what you need to renovate and the budget you can afford. Then do your research and find a reputable builder in your area. The Internet can help you search and narrow down your choices. Your most important key to look for is to make certain the builder is insured and certified. Second, look for a builder with longevity. Any builder who has been in business for 10, 20 even 30 years tells you that they intend to stay in business; and, had happy clients along the way. Another key sign of a quality builder is the fact that they have a website that you can peruse as long and as often as you choose before you ever make contact. This allows you to compare other contractors and make a judgment of whom you want to call. A quality home builder will have a website easy for you to navigate while giving you the information you need to make your decision.

In northern Florida, Davis & Associates Builders Inc owned and operated by Fred Davis, offers quality built homes and renovations at either a guaranteed price or a cost plus basis. Free Estimates available for Contracting needs, please feel free to contact us 24/7 JaxBuild.com

How To Make Your Work Area Green

2009-09-02T05:05:00.001-07:00

Enjoying an eco-lifestyle means living greener in all areas of your life. You may be taking environmentally friendly steps at home, but are you also doing it at work? People spend almost 90% of their lives indoors, and for those people who work inside that equates to about 40 or more hours at your desk, office or cubicle.

Whether you're a student interning at a major corporation, a marketing associate making phone calls all day or an office assistant handling paperwork, you're going to spend a majority of your time in one place all day. So don't you want your work space to be eco-friendly and energy efficient? It can be if you make some simple changes:

1. Computer Conservation

For many people with desk jobs the computer is absolutely necessary to get things done. It is estimated that people waste over $1 billion in electricity every year just in computer use! To help conserve energy for your computer you can:

Invest in an energy-saving computer, monitor and printer

Switch to energy-saving settings

Turn off your computer whenever you're not using it

Set it to sleep mode when you are away for short periods of time

2. Paper-Less is More

Do you really have to print out every email and handout? You can reduce paper waste by going paperless wherever possible. You can try to:

Keep copies of important emails, files, manuals and more on your computer

Don't get any extra catalogues or magazines mailed to your office

Get your check directly deposited instead of a waiting for a hard copy

Send company updates through email instead of on paper

Review any documents online instead of printing them out

3. Prioritize Your Paper Use

If you do use paper on a daily basis then you can make eco-friendly paper choices. Here are some things you can do:

Buy recycled and chlorine-free paper

Try paper made from organic products like bamboo, cotton or hemp

Print on both sides of the paper

Shred old paper to use as packing material

Save and reuse old boxes

Use old sheets of paper for scrap paper or note-taking

4. Recycle

There are many things in your office that you can recycle. If you don't have a recycling station at work, start one on your own! You can get a few bins and post recycling guidelines above them. Some of them may include recycling:

Paper products like copy paper, envelopes, magazines, etc.

Cardboard boxes from shipped supplies

Soda cans and plastic bottles

Aluminum foil

Plastic bags

Ink cartridges

5. The Power of the Printer

The printer is one of the most used office items. Every day it cranks out tons of important faxes, emails and other documents. Here are some ways you make your printer use greener:

Try not to print in color

Use a printer that does double-sided copying

Print in draft mode

Use old paper with extra space to print small documents

Recycle ink and toner cartridges

6. Air You Can Bare

It's already bad enough that you have to worry about air pollution every time you walk outside, but it's also a big priority when you work inside. Here are some ways that you can maintain a healthy air flow in your office:

Use non-toxic cleaning products

Open your windows to increase air flow

Don't smoke in or near the office

Never bring any type of aerosol can to work

Use an air purifier to get rid of contaminants

7. Travel with Care

The first part of your work day starts with you getting to work, and for many people that means driving. Cars emit tons of carbon dioxide gases into the air, contributing to global warming. Here are some things you can do for a green ride:

Join a ride share group

Take the train, bus or subway

Ride a bike or walk if you live close enough

Invest in a green car like a hybrid

Reduce your travel by working from home whenever possible

8. Plant a Plant on Your Desk

Get a plant and place it on or near your desk. Or, even better, buy plants for all of your neighbors. They will not only see this as a friendly gesture, but they'll also have cleaner air to breathe! Plants absorb indoor air pollution and increase the flow of oxygen, so get a green accessory to compliment your desk!

9. Food For Thought

Everyone looks forward to their lunch break. If you manage to save money by not going out to eat every day then you probably pack your lunch. You can follow these green lunch tips to have healthier eating habits:

Pack your lunch in a reusable lunch bag or box

If you bring your lunch in a paper or plastic bag, reuse or recycle them

Use plastic containers and silverware that can be washed and used again

Switch to organic food and drinks

Drink from the fountain or a water filtration system instead of brining water bottles

Recycle your soda cans, bottles and aluminum foil

Use a washable napkin instead of paper towels

Walk to a lunch eatery if you forgot to pack it

10. Spread the Word

The best way to stay involved in the green scene at work is to get others involved. Share your practices and wisdom with your boss and coworkers. You can do this by:

Encouraging the office to join or start a recycling program

Purchasing company carbon credits

Buying eco-friendly office products

Setting up a carpool calendar

Getting everyone to pack their lunch and eat together

Your work environment has a great impact on your personal and professional happiness and your emotional stability. If you enjoy how greening your life makes you feel, then there's no better place to keep the tradition alive than at work!

Trish Smith is a copywriter for Green Student U, Student Finance Domain and Study Abroad Domain, websites that are devoted to providing college students with helpful environmental, financial and study abroad advice.

Iron Gates - As Good As It Gates

2009-09-02T04:34:00.001-07:00

Gates are pretty simple they must allow anything that is worthy of passing through and must block anything that is not. And it can't get any simpler. That is why, today, we design gates that do just that or probably a bit more. Just the thing that must be kept in mind is - that they must be sturdy. So sturdy that a gate is a guard, all by itself, all the time.

When the matter comes to sturdiness, there is, probably, no element to match the goodwill of iron. Iron gates have been in use since ages. And they will be, until a better element is discovered. Iron gates are made, pretty obviously, of iron. The choice of iron is made because of its sturdiness, ability to resist weathers of any season, and its visual beauty. Iron gates stand all extreme conditions and come out as winners all the time.

Cast iron is obtained by melting pig iron, along with considerable amounts of scrap steel and scrap iron. Various steps are then taken to remove any unwanted contaminants like phosphorus and sulfur. Later on, other elements are mixed into the melt before finally obtaining a form that is a produce of casting. This process, as is obvious, provides iron of a very superior quality. Such superior quality reinforces the trust needed to build iron gates. Due to its low melting point, excellent match inability ,cast ability and good fluidity, cast irons are famous with a wide range of applications, that include gates pipes, car and machine parts. Nowadays, cast iron gates are a common sight everywhere.

Wrought iron is commercially pure iron, with a tiny amount of carbon , but it generally contains some amount of slag. Wrought iron gates can be easily welded together and are very tough, malleable, and ductile. This however comes with a price. Wrought iron is quite soft, and hence, wrought iron gates are not a common sight today. Wrought iron is so called as it is wrought from a mixture of porous iron contaminated with slag. Wrought iron is not as strong as compared to its counterpart and is, hence, less used than cast iron. Although there may not be a visible difference between the two different types of irons, their differences in sustaining various conditions are obvious. Hence care must be taken in deciding upon the type of iron to be used for the iron gates. Generally, wrought iron scores a couple of brownie points over cast iron in terms of endurance.

Gate fences too are similar in nature they compliment the iron gates. Gate fences provide added security and more power to the iron gates. Generally gate fences are made out of iron, although whether to use cast iron or wrought iron solely depends upon the owner. Both cast iron and wrought iron gate fences are a common sight. These Iron Gate fences are generally barb-wire fences that are put around the iron gates to provide extra level of security.

Rob Hargreaves - An American Locksmith, living and working in New York City, for NYC Locksmith company - Mr-Locks Inc. To learn more about iron gates and other types of security gates - please visit: http://www.mr-locks.com and browse through our catalogue of iron work, call or email for additional inquiries about Iron Gates.

How to Shingle Your House

2009-09-01T21:25:00.001-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2009-09-01T18:36:00.001-07:00

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.

How to Build a Shower Pan - Shower Pan Installation

2009-09-01T14:06:00.001-07:00

With the convenience with which people today can hire contractors and handymen to do all their home improvement projects for them, it sounds out of place to be asking tips on how to build a shower pan. But engaging a contractor or handyman can be costly, and whether you can afford them or not, it's best to engage in a project that will not only allow you to save money, but can boost your sense of accomplishment, too.

Nowadays, you can easily access answers on all sorts of how-to questions on the Internet. Everything you need to know is on the web. However, with all the tips that abound on cyberspace, you can get hit with information overload and end up more confused than ever.

And that is why we've made the research for you and did the challenging task of choosing the most reliable tips on how to build a shower pan so you can have just this one brief, uncomplicated guide.

Our choice is the set of steps provided by Randy Davis. Here it is:

1. Rough-in shower drain pipe
2. Prepare floor and walls for concrete and membrane
3. Install base of drain.
4. Lay thin layer of concrete to create slope
5. Put down layer of roofing paper
6. Cut and install membrane and top of drain.
7. Hang concrete board on walls
8. Pour final layer of concrete with chicken wire embedded
9. Build form for threshold
10. Pour concrete for threshold
11. Tile it.

These tips have been published on the Internet for years now so rest assured that you can't go wrong if you follow them.

If you want to learn how to build a shower pan, I highly recommend you check out Randy's video course. Learn how to tile shower pan from his step by step videos.

How to Make Wind Power & Save Tons of Cash on Energy Bills

2009-09-01T07:55:00.001-07:00

Wind power is being used from ages and a windmill is not a new concept. People in historic times used windmills to draw water from wells, grind corn and wheat and even as an irrigation process for farms, where it was used to pump water out into the fields. The technology is pretty simple. When the wind blows the blades on the mill, it turns and spins a turbine installed inside and it generates electricity just like any coal plant would do.

For example a windmill that is located on the farm can generate enough power to run all the machines used on the farm. For farmers this is an ideal solution, because they do not have to buy additional power for their farm. However, can you do the same thing for domestic usage? Absolutely yes! It is simple enough and all you have to do is buy a windmill installation kit from the market. This kit will have specifications based on the amount of electricity you want to generate.

Keep in mind that this home purpose windmill is not going to replace the conventional power supply, unless you build a really big windmill, but an regular mill can cut down your conventional power consumption quite a lot. Once you get the kit, you will also get detailed instructions on how to install each component. The windmill does not have many components and all it has is the rotor blades, axle to rotate the fans, tower instructions and base instructions. The tower and the base are made of wood and you will have to make it yourself in most cases. The fans can be made of wood or light weight plastic material. Companies that sell green power usually have big farms full of fans so that they can generate enough power to supply several homes. People in the big cities also use wind power to go greener and save money.

You should also start using wind power, if you want to get free electricity and save cash on your energy bills. It's pretty simple to make a windmill, as long as you have the instructions. To get the manuals, and more info about how to get started, please click here.

Kitchen Remodeling - Poway Home Remodeling

2009-09-01T06:42:00.001-07:00

A custom kitchen is a beautiful thing. However, any kitchen remodeling ideas or kitchen renovation projects need to be well designed and planned before picking up the first tool in earnest! Nothing could be worse than having a horrible "OOPS" moment when you're two thirds of the way through your kitchen improvement work and realize the plumbing for the second sink you were planning is not there yet, but the new wall is already drywalled and painted. Stuff like this sounds pretty basic when you're reading about it, but you'd be surprised how often it happens, including my own experience with a do-it-yourself attempt to remodel a kitchen. Way too embarrassing to tell you about that!

To design your kitchen, you need to plan, plan and plan some more, including lots of sketches of your layouts, many discussions with your spouse or significant other and your kitchen contractor, if you've hired one. Discuss and visualize, over and over again what the new kitchen will look like and how it will function. Each time you do, you're likely to shake out something new to add to your list of kitchen design ideas.

You can design your kitchen or you can hire a contractor, who may or may not have a designer on staff. If you've hired a contractor don't assume he or she will look after everything; they may make assumptions that are not in keeping with your kitchen planning and they certainly won't be as attentive to detail as you are. Be with them all the way in the planning and management of the project, but stay out of the way of the actual hands on work. Nothing will irritate a tradesperson more than a customer's gratuitous suggestions on how to do the work!

The good news is, if you love kitchens and remodeling, really good kitchen designs and construction will add value to your home and improve the wow! factor. Not to mention your own state of mind just walking into a new kitchen renovation made from your own plans.

Paul Mollon is a veteran of more home improvement projects than he can remember. He has made lots of minor and not so minor mistakes while working on all manner of different projects. He strongly suggests a comprehensive kitchen remodeling guide will save you countless dollars and hours of frustration and headaches. Drop me a note for more information - pmollon@sympatico.ca

Are Home Remodeling Costs Down

2009-08-31T23:46:00.001-07:00

Lately we've been inundated by doom-and-gloom news in the media about the real estate market. But if you're planning to stay in your home and remodel or upgrade a rental for future resale, there is actually some good news to report: it's becoming less expensive to remodel as the market slows down and the law of supply and demand kicks in.

A year or so ago, the market was on fire and building materials and labor were scarce and expensive since the demand for both was equally hot. Construction material was in short supply, if you could find it at all, and finding skilled craftsmen for your project was an exercise in frustration. That situation was made even more difficult by the demand for rebuilding areas of the country that had been hit by Hurricane Katrina. On top of that, delivery costs also rose, due to a spike in gas prices. All of those factors contributed to cost increases of as much as 50 percent in certain areas.

The good news about all that? With the slow-down in the real estate market, materials are more readily available and construction people are actually looking for work to fill their schedules. Gas prices came down briefly, though they've begun to rise again, but the other pressures have lessened, which means that the cost of many common remodeling projects has decreased by 20% or more.

That's especially good news if your project is relatively small. During the height of the real estate boom, many contractors turned down smaller projects or told home owners to wait until they could get to them. However, many contractors are now actively trying to drum up work as the market continues to soften.

The downside of remodeling with an eye toward increasing your property's value is that, at least for the near term, your upgrade probably won't immediately pay for itself like it would have in the last few years. Since real estate prices have declined significantly in many parts of America, your remodeling project won't do much from an investment standpoint as it used to. Recent surveys have suggested that even the most popular upgrades, bathroom and kitchen remodels, are only returning about 80% of their cost.

The bottom line: this may be a good time to schedule that major remodeling project you've been wanting, assuming you're not doing it to quickly turn around and use the upgrade to increase your profits. If you do want to sell for top dollar in a buyer's market, you can increase your profits by turning your home into a buyer's dream home using less expensive faux paint techniques.

Whether you want to remodel or just decorate your home, you can benefit from exploring Flip That House with FAUX. See the controversial home that was on Flip That House at http://flipthathousewithfaux.com/book.html Enjoy your home!

Advice on Repairing Your Home

2009-08-31T21:08:00.001-07:00

Repair jobs which require special knowledge and skill should be done only by a qualified person. Others can be performed by the householder who is handy with tools. Perhaps the majority will find the making of small repairs and improvements enjoyable and have some degree of skill in this direction.

If you are making additions to your home, such as a steam shower installation, you might want help there too. A steam shower could present difficulties if you don't know how to build a steam shower. You should probably know a little bit about wiring and plumbing, for example.

An easy do it yourself project would be to build a patio of some sort. These are more difficult to screw up, and if you do happen to mess something up, it is less likely to be fatal. In this case, you would mostly only be working with paint, cement, and wood on the ground level. Don't attempt anything more complex like a balcony until you have a little more experience.

Another simple addition would be something like a hot tub installation. Although hot tubs do require a bit of electricity, hot tubs and spas are far less complicated because all of the wiring goes to the control panel, and you don't need to mess with your pilot light as you would with the steam shower.

If you don't feel that it is necessary to add anything to your home, then any project you choose to undertake is probably feasible for an inexperienced individual. Painting obviously isn't too complicated. If you already have a balcony and only need to replace a few planks of wood, you will most likely be able to follow the plan of the rest of the balcony. Things like this generally don't require assistance or qualified supervision.

It is highly advisable to seek help when replacing a regular bathroom mirror with an antique bathroom vanity. You'll need to fiddle with wiring, so bathroom vanity installation could be dangerous. When installing bathroom vanity units, it might be a good idea to have an electrician do the part dealing with wiring.

There are many simple things you can do to your house that won't require you to hire somebody, and will go a long way in making your house look fancy. You can polish your own wood floors, or if you have carpeting, you can rent or even buy a carpet shampooing machine or a steam cleaner. It is hard work, but it is cheaper than hiring workers to come and do it for you.

You can also use these machines on most cloth furniture like couches and chairs if it seems like a simple vacuum job won't do the trick. For wood furniture, you can sand down the rough spots and refinish them with varnish and wood polish. It really doesn't take all that long and it's safe to do on your own as long as you are in a well ventilated area, and protect your eyes and skin.

Allison Ryan is a freelance marketing writer from San Diego, CA. She specializes in home improvement, remodeling, and interior design. For the perfect steam shower or bathroom vanity for your home, please visit http://www.mybath.biz/.

Storage Rentals Make Remodeling Easier

2009-08-31T16:23:00.001-07:00

A person may need storage rentals for a variety of different reasons. They can make many unpleasant tasks a lot easier. It isn't just individuals renting these storage containers. In fact, a number of retail businesses and even sports teams rent them for temporary storage of equipment and inventory. For the homeowner, some of the most common reasons to rent a storage container are when one is remodeling the house. From tearing down walls to adding a new bathroom, a remodel can become a messy affair. It is good to have a safe place in which to put all of your valuables.

It is just as handy for other, smaller jobs you are doing on the house. If you are going to take out the carpet and replace it with hardwood floors, or if you are repainting, you may want to use storage rentals to secure your belongings while you work. You will need to call the storage company and tell them the date on which you want the container delivered. Depending on the amount of material that you need to move into the container, you may want to have it delivered a few days ahead of time. This ensures that you won't have to rush the procedure.

Although there are many companies that offer storage equipment on the Internet, you should find one that has been in business for a while and has a professional staff. These professionals will listen to your needs and can help you with the proper storage container solutions. Learn more about a professional storage rental company by visiting ABRichards.com.

A.B. Richards, Inc., is a company that offers great storage rentals. To look at the available storage options, visit http://www.abrichards.com.

Unique Shower Curtains

2009-08-31T10:48:00.001-07:00

It is said that beauty is standing out of the crowd. Being different is key in this. Unique shower curtains are sure to transform your bathroom. They will allow you to make a fashion statement for yourself. You can be able to express your personality using these curtains. However, you must make the right choice if all is to work out well.

Unique shower curtains are available in different designs, colors and fabrics. Some of the designs include: the solar system, the weather patterns, timetables of when to brush teeth among others. These curtains can be very educative to children. There are also contemporary designs from which you can choose from. The bathroom is a place you visit daily. You should therefore make the visit worthwhile.

If you love art, you can paint the curtains yourself. You may use the spray paint method or the latex paint method. This may be done on the fabric of your choice. You may draw water lilies, the sea, ships and other items related to bathing. Alternatively, you can draw sunflowers and creepers. These will brighten your bathroom. They bring a sense of energy.

Unique shower curtains will certainly give you a feeling of satisfaction. They will allow you to be as creative as you want to be. If you do not have the time to paint, you can look in the Internet. It will allow you to view different designs and make an appropriate order. The companies usually make designs that are not ordinary. The best thing is that you have the upper hand on how the design will be.

Peter Gitundu Researches and Reports on Shower Curtain. For More Information on Unique Shower Curtains, Visit His Site at UNIQUE SHOWER CURTAINS

You Can Also Add Your Views About Unique Shower Curtains At My Blog here UNIQUE SHOWER CURTAINS

Winter Weather and Your Water Pipes

2009-08-31T09:07:00.001-07:00

If you live in a region that gets freezing weather, your water pipes are at risk of freezing in the winter. What's the big deal about frozen pipes other than the fact that you can't flush the toilets, brush your teeth, or take a shower? When water freezes, it expands which can cause the pipes to burst! And burst pipes lead to major water damage and costly repairs.

Because of the risk of significant water damage to your home, it pays to protect your pipes from the dangers of freezing temperatures. Below are some tips to protect your pipes from winter weather:

Insulate all exposed water pipes by wrapping them in pipe insulation. Pay attention to pipes in unheated areas such as the attic, garage, and basement.

Learn how to shut off power, gas, and water at their primary source as well as any local shutoff valves.

When the temperatures drop below freezing, keep your thermostat set to at least 55 degrees, even if you are away from home.

Caulk the entry points of any pipes where they enter the home. In the winter, close ventilation vents in the foundation to minimize cold drafts.
Drain and remove outdoor hoses before winter weather arrives. Shut off any separate valves for outdoor faucets and then drain those pipes by turning on the faucets.

For outdoor hose bibs without separate shutoff valves, insulate the pipes. Shut off the water supply to the outdoor sprinkler systems.

Indoor pipes that are located against interior walls need special care. Wrap these in pipe insulation and open cabinet doors to allow heat to circulate.

During sub-freezing temperatures, allow one faucet to drip cold water. This keeps water slowly circulating throughout the water pipes.

If a water pipe bursts, immediately turn off the main water to the house to minimize flooding.

If a pipe does burst, prompt action on your part is critical. After turning off the main water supply, some water will remain in the pipes and eventually make its way to the burst pipe. To minimize the amount of water that leaks out, start flushing toilets or running water (preferably downstream of the broken pipe) in an attempt to drain the water that's currently in your home's water pipes.

Once the water stops flowing, let the mopping up begin. You may have extensive water damage requiring the help of a water damage professional. In addition, structural repairs such as replacing damaged drywall or cabinetry may be required. Extensive water damage may require filing an insurance claim, depending on your coverages and deductible amount.

Contact a water damage company and your insurance agent to start the process right away because time is of the essence. Prompt repairs and completely drying the area ASAP are necessary for minimizing the damage and preventing an unpleasant side effect of burst pipes: mold.

As winter approaches each year, take the time to take care of your pipes. Preventing pipe bursts and water damage is well worth the effort.

By: Mr. Mark Decherd

For more information and other articles by Mark Decherd go to:

Dryout Inc.
1415 Colonial Blvd.
Fort Myers, Fl. 33907
http://www.dryout.net
239-437-7100
Water Damage

Dryout Inc Emergency water damage restoration, drying, deodorization, decontamination, disinfection, mold removal, water damage repair, restoration and reconstruction of commercial and residential properties damaged by fire, water and other disasters by a network of trained specialists, technicians and restoration professionals across the USA and Canada.

Using Tarps For Home Improvement And In The Construction Industry

2009-08-31T01:48:00.001-07:00

Tarps are common in the construction industry and are a necessity. Tarps are used for a variety of purposes on construction sites. They are needed to cover and protect materials, roofs, and lumber. Construction tarps are also needed to protect cement that is delivered to the site and protect dry wall boards, as well as many other materials, equipment and supplies. There are also specialty construction tarps for plants and machinery. You can find a wide variety of construction tarps for all of your business needs.

Heavy Duty Tarps

Heavy Duty Tarps come in silver and white. They are beneficial because they have grommets at every eighteen inches rather than the usual grommets at every thirty-six inches. Those with the wider spaces between the grommets are of a lower quality tarp. Heavy Duty Tarps are a high quality product that is affordable. The money you invest in these tarps will pay off well in the long term. Protect your materials, equipment and supplies without worrying about them. There is also a UV (ultra violet) inhibitor added into the tarps that will give the tarps a longer life even when out in the sun for long periods of time. The sun can damage many things, but with this UV inhibitor it will take a lot longer to damage these Heavy Duty Tarps.

Generic Blue Tarps

Builders often opt for the generic blue tarps because they are cheaper. Sometimes these blue tarps are good enough for the project they are working on. They wont be out there for a long period of time so a cheap and simple blue tarp will be all they need.

Poly Tarps

In the South Eastern part of the United States, including Florida, the use of tarps has been extensive due to the numerous hurricanes that have come that way during the last few years. Canvas tarps were used many years ago and they are still available. However, the Poly tarp that is used on building sites the most is of a better quality. Many more builders are now using Poly tarps.

Poly tarps are probably the most popular kind of tarp available to you. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and prices. You can find a poly tarp to help you in construction, with tents, with a canopy, for a carport, for a yard project, and even special occasions such as a wedding. Many people need poly tarps to replace the tarps that are worn out on their canopies. The canopy frame almost always outlives the tarp itself and is cheaper and easier to just replace the tarp instead of buying a whole new canopy.

Fire Retardant Tarps

Fire retardant tarps are also used in construction sites, because they can help protect the materials, equipment and supplies in the event of a fire, especially when the crew is away from the construction site. Fire retardant tarps are available in white and silver. Heavy duty tarps are available in red, yellow and orange. These colors are perfect for when you want your tarps to be highly visible no matter what. You can also keep these tarps and use the different colors for different items.

Tarps can be used for a wide variety of uses. Many people use them on their canopies, on tents, projector screens, to protect vehicles, and even to protect anything else that needs to be left outside for an extended period of time.

There are so many uses for tarps it is nearly unbelievable. They can be very handy for anyone. They can help to protect your outdoor equipment such as an ATV, dirt bike, moped, motorcycle, bicycles, your cars, and more. Use tarps to help you protect your business items and your home items.

Robert Page CEO Tarpaflex US Naples Florida http://www.tarpaflex.com

How to Tile a Bathroom Floor - Essential Tips on How to Tile a Bathroom Floor

2009-08-31T00:22:00.001-07:00

A bathroom is different to any other room in the house in that there are fixtures in the bathroom which are semi permanent. In order to do the job properly the toilet, handbasin and bath need to be removed. It is of course possible to tile around these items, but the finished product will not look as good. Take a little bit of extra time to remove your bathroom fittings if you want a quality job. Remember however, that the water needs to be turned off so you may need a plumber.

All of the old floor coverings need to be completely removed. Any excess adhesive or tile cement must be completely removed. Do not cut corners here as you will suffer later.
Once the bathroom is clear, decide on what pattern you want your tiles to follow. Lay the loose tiles on the floor and take some time to get this part right, remember, you're going to have to look at this for a very long time.
Now measure the walls and mark the middle point on each wall. Where you have made the marks at the middle point, tap a small nail into each wall about 1 inch above floor level. Tie a chalk line to each nail and make sure the line is tight. Snap the line so that it leaves a chalk impression on the floor. Do exactly the same on the other two walls so that you now have a chalk intersection in the middle of the floor. This should be your exact centre.
Now it time to mix your adhesive. This generally comes in a powder form so follow instructions on the packet to mix correctly. Buy a good quality adhesive and make sure that it is moisture resistant. If you are just learning how to tile a bathroom floor I would not recommend quick setting adhesive. Because it dries so quickly, it gives you less time to work, and you are unlikely to work fast if you are not an experienced tiler.
In the exact centre of the floor you should have a chalk cross intersection. This is where you lay your first tile. When you are learning how to tile a bathroom floor you should not tile only in the one direction, but should tile towards two walls laying tiles alternatively. When you reach each wall it is likely that you will need to cut a tile. Whilst this might seem like an incredibly difficult thing to do I can assure you that with the right tile cutter it very very simple. Measure the depth of your cut, draw a pencil line on your tile using a set square, and place your tile in the tile cutter. Mark your tile with the cutting blade and snap off the measured portion that you need. The cut side should always be against the wall leaving the factory finished side outwards.

If you have removed all of the fixtures from your bathroom you should not find yourself having to make any odd shaped cuts around a pedestal for example. On the other hand if you have not removed everything you will have to make very difficult cuts, and to learn more advanced techniques like these, you need to actually be shown, or watch someone doing it.

Learning how to tile a bathroom floor is one of those DIY tasks that when approached properly with the right tools, and the right planning, can be carried out very successfully. To make a success of anything instructions are necessary and tiling is no different.

For a complete set of instructional videos on how to tile a bathroom floor have a look here. How to Tile a Bathroom Floor This video course offers step by step instructions from start to finish on every aspect of tiling. If you want to make a success of your tiling, invest a little in yourself and get comprehensive instructions from a master tiler.

If you don't want a bad tiling job to become a permanent feature in your home learn now with the best tiling instructional course available... How to Tile a Bathroom Floor

Types of Countertops

2009-08-30T18:22:00.001-07:00

When remodeling or building your home, you naturally want it to look as beautiful as possible. You put a lot of thought into every decision. The countertops are no different. You want to make sure you get a beautiful surface that can handle lots of use, and is somewhat affordable. Here are a few options.

Laminate is a popular choice because of its versatility and reasonable price. You can get it in a huge variety of colors, and even choose different finishes and patterns.

Stone, of course, is highly popular. Typically it is more expensive but it is well worth it because of its beauty. Granite is the most durable and the most popular. It looks beautiful and handles stress well. Marble is also used, but it is a softer stone than granite and damages more easily.

Some people use a form of wood for their countertops. It is known as butcher block. This can be beautiful, but keep in mind that wood is a soft material so it is easy to damage. It will also stain more easily if something spills and it will attract more germs.

You can create your own look for your kitchen by using ceramic tiles. These tiles do sometimes chip, but they are easily replaced. It may require a little more maintenance to keep the grout clean, but these can add a touch of personality to the home.

When it is time for you to buy your countertops, take the time to consider those mentioned above. Of course, these aren't the only types of countertops available, but they are some of the more popular. The best thing you can do is to learn what you can about them, price them, and make an informed decision.

Ideal Countertops (http://idealcountertops.com/) does countertops in Charlotte, NC. Billings Farnsworth is a freelance writer.

Empower Your Shower

2009-08-30T13:50:00.001-07:00

After a long hard day at work or caring for your home or even attending school, nothing is quite as soothing as a hot, steamy, relaxing shower. And nothing's worse than having your relaxing shower time interrupted with a weak water pressure, lukewarm temperatures or a shower stall so small you can't even see your toes. Instead of putting up with your shower's annoying idiosyncrasies, now is the perfect time to undertake this simple home remodeling project by revamping your shower!

Create the Perfect Ambiance

One of the most crucial elements to your perfect shower is the ambiance. What many homeowners forget is that the ambiance of your bathroom is much more than having the right shower head or a plush carpet. Your ideal bathroom-and shower-will stimulate most of your senses, providing a deeply rejuvenating and satisfying experience. In order to create the desired atmosphere, try to view your shower as any guest would so that you can make the appropriate changes.

Let There Be Light

Bathroom lighting is perhaps the single-most memorable aspect to any bathroom. How often have you said or overhead individuals complaining of inadequate lighting or lights that make someone "look bad"? Chances are, your bathroom falls into the inadequate category. Be sure that there are ample light fixtures available-both overhead as well as vanity lights; this prevents casting unsightly shadows on your face when you powder your nose. Additionally, the wattage of your lights should be bright enough to illuminate the room yet not too strong as to create a glaring effect. While you are assessing your light fixtures, be sure to check out the home hardware accessories that are literally providing the light. Sometimes rust spots and bugs (yuck!) are found in and around the light screws. Finally, use natural light to your advantage, too. By allowing natural sunlight to stream into your bathroom; this will give the room a welcoming, natural feel.

Your Nose Knows

The second biggest offender in bathroom designs is the scent of your bathroom. Attempting to disguise or cover up foul odors does exactly the contrary-only combining a mixture of chemicals that creates a far worse odoriferous scent. If you insist on using aerosol sprays, opt for the light and fresh citrus scents. For a touch of luxury, also include pleasant-smelling wickless candles or infusers to achieve a spa-like effect. Some smells recommended are soothing chamomile, relaxing lavender, invigorating peppermint or the classic natural vanilla. Just be sure that you do not go overboard and purchase too many competing fragrances!

Tune It Out

Long, steamy showers are a great way for you to literally tune out what's going on around you. Children may be racing through the hallway, the laundry is piling up and your kitchen smoke alarm may be sounding. If the sound of steadily falling water is not enough to distract you and let your mind wander, consider other alternatives. Nowadays, shower-friendly AM/FM radios and even CD players can be the easiest solution. Whether you want to sing and dance or simply relax, having your favorite music within reach will absolutely help you unwind.

Pure, Plush Luxury

Admit it, you hate emerging from your shower and standing on cold tiling flooring. You might also be guilty of hopping around your bathroom mid-shower in search of that misplaced razor. Again, think as a guest would and make everything easily accessible. Not only does this mean splurging on a comfortable bath mat, but it also requires adding the extra niceties that spas are known for. Don't try to be too modern, however. No one likes difficult bathroom cabinet knobs when their hands are slippery; go for the tried and true styles like simple steel drawer pulls and waist-high towel holders. Also, try to include a portable "necessity" stand near your shower to stylishly hold last minute accessories such as razors, soap, shampoo, conditioner, toilet paper and a loofah.

Jim Richardson is Vice President of Your Home Supply (YHS), the definitive website for Home and Garden products and information on a variety of home improvement products. Your Home Supply offer selections on shower heads, bathroom lighting and home hardware. Visit them now at http://www.YourHomeSupply.com

Small Bath Tubs For Small Bathrooms

2009-08-30T11:12:00.001-07:00

Most home owners are faced with the dilemma of how to install bath tubs in a small bathroom. You have two options to solve this dilemma. Either you do away with bath tub installation or you can use small bath tubs that will fit in your bathroom.

Small bath tubs can offer numerous benefits for you. That is why you have to make sure that a bath tub can be installed in your bathroom. Here are the advantages you can get from them and some tips on bath tub installation.

Health Benefits

Bath tubs have dual functions. You can use them to take a bath but they can also provide many healthy benefits. By soaking in a warm bath, you can effectively solve muscle pain problems and muscle soreness.

Muscle pains are common problems of most working people like you. It is not always advisable to take pain relievers because you can develop dependence on these medicines.

A warm bath every night is an effective alternative for taking pain relievers. And you can only achieve full body muscle relaxation if you have a bath tub at home. This way, you will feel reinvigorated and your pains can go away.

Warm bath is also very helpful for those with arthritis, rheumatism, and other types of joint pain problems. Soaking in a warm bath therefore can improve the quality of your life.

Use Small Bath Tubs to Save Bathroom Space

Using small bath tubs is a practical alternative to big and bulky tubs. You can save a lot of bathroom space if you use them. In fact you can install an overhead shower above the bath tub so you can take a bath immediately after soaking in the tub.

Most small tubs are short so you can easily install them in the corner area of your bathroom. This way, your tub will not hamper your movements in the bathroom.

How to Choose the Perfect Small Bath Tub

When buying one, always choose a deep soaking tub. A deep soaking bath tub will allow you to fully soak your body in it. Remember, these are shorter so if they are not the deep soaking types, they would be very difficult to use.

You must also find a small bath tub that has a built-in seat. This seat will allow you to comfortably recline inside the tub for a full body soaking. Without a built-in seat, it would be very uncomfortable to lie down inside the tub.

It is also best if you can find a walk-in small bath tub. A walk-in tub has a specially designed swing-in water tight door. This swing-in door will allow you to easily enter and get out of the tub.

A walk-in tub will be very useful for the elderly who have difficulty climbing in and out of the tub.

When you have a small bathroom, then there is no reason why you cannot install a tub. Just utilize small bath tubs that can fit perfectly into a corner. Because of its many benefits and advantages, you will not regret your decision to install one in your bathroom.

George Edmondson is an accomplished writer who specializes on small bath tubs help and advice. If you want to learn more about small batch tubs, simply visit http://www.bathtubsguide.com.

Wooden Bench Making in 6 Easy Steps

2009-08-30T03:48:00.001-07:00

Although you may think it is really more difficult than it really is, bench making can be done in 6 simple steps. After we have gathered the needed materials and tools we can do bench making in no time. We can make ourselves a nice, simple and safe wooden bench; one that will be both functional and beautiful and something you will be sure to get compliments on and a great conversation piece. After all, what's better than saying, Yeah, I made that!"

Bench making is easier with these six steps.

1. First, we start off by measuring the frame of the bench seat to our desired dimensions, cut them, and then tack-nail them together. Bench making includes drawing a curve line on the side pieces lengthways and cutting them using a jigsaw before attaching them together. This forms the seat shape. We may also form it as we see fit.

Then cut and sand the seat slats and mark their face boards. Screw the seat frame tightly together. Glue and nail the slats to the frame, beginning from the back. A inch vertical spacer will help. A good bench making design is providing a slight slat overhang on the front.

2. Second, we come to the screwing portion of bench making. Glue and screw front legs to our seat frame by first pre-drilling and applying countersink holes for screws to fit in. Do the same with the hind legs.

3. Third is sanding. Bench making is also about safety so we round sharp corners and sand the seat face and legs to smoothen all surfaces. This avoids board grains or fibers from sticking out and hurting the user. Sanding also creates better-looking seat surfaces.

4. Fourth, we deal with the back rest in bench making. Get the top rail measurement and add a space 5/8 inch from the rail top to the back part of the hind leg. This should give a 1/8 inch space at the bottom of the rail between the back part of the leg and the rail.

Then place the router tenons or tongues and vertical back slats on one end. There should be a fitting groove at the top rail. The tongues should easily fit into the groove. Glue the slats and nail them.

5. Fifth, bench making with armrests requires putting wood cleats 3 1/2 by 3/4 by 3'4 inches to support the front legs. Make a 3/16 inch hole with a drill at the midpoint of the cleat and have it attached through the bracing at the corner.

The armrest should measure from the back of the hind leg to some inches off the front leg. An armrest notch should receive the leg support of the back rest. Drill a hole and countersink atop the front cleat piercing the armrest then glue and screw.

6. Then, sixth is final sanding. Bench making should end with all surfaces, ends, and corners smoothen before painting. There we have our nice, simple, and sturdy bench.

John Grant is a the author for a how to do it your self site where he is writing articles about how to build a bench.

The Do it Yourself Basement Remodeling Guide

2009-08-30T03:23:00.001-07:00

There are certain basic thing to remember when you plan to do a do it yourself basement remodeling. It is good to remodel your basement according to how it is going to be used. It will also allow you to enhance the appearance of the basement itself.

1. What are you going to use the basement for?

Planning for a do it yourself basement remodeling, should always begin with deciding what you are going to turn the basement into. Is it going to be a play room for the kids or a wine cellar? Will you be adding a bathroom or a fire place?

2. Fix any existing problems.

Existing problems in your basement should be remedied at this point. Make sure that your basement is free from leaks. Check the walls and the foundation for any cracks or holes. Make sure that you seal the cracks and fill in the holes properly. If not, all your hard work will be destroyed by water or moisture that leaks in. The foundation should also be in top shape. Make sure that it is not bowed.

3. Make sure that the basement is insulated and well heated.

Check the existing furnace if it is able to heat the basement efficiently. If not, you should probably consider replacing it or adding another one. Insulating your walls will also help in keeping the basement warm. Some companies offer electric floor heating that will not only keep the room warmer but will also fight off the growth of mold and mildew. You may also add a fire place to help in maintaining a warm room temperature but make sure that it is compatible with how your basement is going to be utilized.

4. Design your basement.

Design your basement according to its use. If it will be a recreational room, bring down that home-theater system. If you will use it as a workshop, put shelves and cabinets to store your tools. A painting studio will definitely need natural light. Add windows. For a kids play room, choose bright colors and make sure that the room is kid-friendly. The visual design of your basement will depend on your personal style.

5. Don't forget the lights.

Adding windows to a basement that is partially above ground is a good way to let natural light in. Regardless of having basement windows or not, it is important that you also put artificial lights in your basement. Strategically place the lights around the room. Choose from different kinds and sizes of lights that match your basement design.

These do it yourself basement remodeling tips will definitely turn any dark and old basement into a bright and lively room that is going to add another exceptional room to your home.

Are you spending beyond your means for basement remodeling? Save precious dollars by getting practical advice on basement remodeling ideas.

Become a Conscientious Contractor

2009-08-29T20:55:00.001-07:00

If you have an older home there's a good chance you have one by six diagonal floor sheeting and some of the knots have fallen out by now. Some of these large knots can create safety hazards for your home. Performing major remodels or whole house renovations on older homes you can run into quite a few problems with these kinds of wood floors.

One of the first things I do is remove the carpeting and padding. This exposes the floor sheeting for further examination. By the time I am done with all the plumbing and electrical repairs underneath the subfloor it seems that some of the 1 x 6 has been damaged. Your first thought of course is just to replace the 1 x 6 that is damaged and be done with it.

This is one way to approach the problem, another is to repair the 1 x 6 that was damaged and install half inch plywood over the existing floor sheeting. Please make sure the floor is level and has no humps or dips in it before you start installing the new plywood over the existing floor sheeting.

I ran into a problem like this on one job where the contractor was in a hurry to finish the flooring and chose to go right over the existing floor that was out of level. The bad part about this is when the homeowner chose to go with expensive wood flooring throughout his home. When you walked in to the front of his house you felt like you were going out to a small wheelchair ramp for about 10 feet and then of course it felt like you were going down for another 6 feet.

In order to repair this properly it would've taken the other contractor about 24 hours to repair the floor. In this case the homeowner would have been glad to pay for the repair after the fact. Sometimes when contractors mention a potential problem down the road and how much it will cost to repair that problem, most homeowners cannot see the value in the contractor's opinion at that time.

I felt sorry for the homeowner because this was not what he wanted and he was upset with the contractor but the job was done. This is my warning to any contractor, handyman or home repair specialists. When installing a new plywood floor over an existing floor to strengthen it up, use some common sense and repair the floor correctly or don't do the job at all.

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 in Home Remodeling

Turn Your Bathroom Into a Spa

2009-08-29T16:54:00.001-07:00

Going to the spa is a treat for most people. It is a long-deserved mini-vacation from the working world or just the pressures of family and other responsibilities. The spa experience can help rejuvenate not only the body, but also the mind, however, these trips come at a cost in both the wallet and in time traveled. Instead, you may want to consider modern bathroom designs that incorporate spa features to help give you a place to escape.

Starting with the right shower

Modern bathroom designs for spa settings need to include a proper shower. This shower might include various options, such as:

Detachable shower head
Multiple settings on the shower head, massage, mist, etc.
Lotion, shampoo, and conditioner dispensers
Added shower spouts that direct water from floor of shower as well
Waterfall shower action

The sky is really the limit when it comes to bathroom spa features. You can also find a number of modern bathroom designs for whirlpool and Jacuzzi bathtubs that can give you a nice place to soak your worries away. You can also easily install a shower head without spending a lot of money in the process.

Turning to the sink

Vessel bathroom sinks are a luxurious way to add ambience to your spa like bathroom. They make a bathroom look modern and provide the perfect setting for facial treatments and scrubs. With the extended basin edge, you can drape a towel over your head as you fill the basin with hot water to steam your pores before applying various masks or toners. You can also easily rinse your face of scrubs and microdermabrasion kits, as well as your hair if you plan on a shine infusing treatment.

Bathroom vanities hold your tools

Choosing the right bathroom vanities will help you ensure that you are getting the right spa surfaces for your various treatments and plans. Try to find vanities with larger surface areas to spread your lotions and potions out on, but also with a large amount of storage space underneath to hide your products from wandering hands. When you have a neat and organized spot, it will be easier for you to access your spa goodies as well as use them on a regular basis. Think about picking up:

Deep conditioner for your hair
Bubble bath or mineral salt bath
Loofah and exfoliating scrubs
Various clay and mud facial and body masks
Lotions for the skin

And other accessories

Modern bathroom designs that are geared to the spa experience can also include things like seating for you to sit in front of your vanity as well as decorative installations like fountains and music players. You can easily install a waterproof mp3 player in your shower to play soothing tropical sounds or just your favorite band. Tailor your spa experience to your mood in this way.

Other options to consider:

A fluffy robe to lounge around in
Large bathroom mirrors
Decorative shower curtains as well as accessories that add to a theme that you enjoy

Modern bathroom designs can create the spa experience without your having to leave the house or leave a tip. With the right bathroom accessories, you can create a relaxing adventure any day of the week.

Dave Robert is a VP at Discount Bathroom Vanities Publishing, and an avid fixer-upper who's been restoring old houses for more than twenty years. Readers can tap into Dave's knowledge about home remodeling, and kitchen and bathroom design, at: http://www.DiscountBathroomVanities.com

Green Building Certification Debate

2009-08-29T13:54:00.001-07:00

Since March of 2004 the National Association of Home Builders has been working towards having their own NAHB National Green Building Program for certification. Different groups have debated, why should the NAHB devise their own program and not just use the well known U.S. Green Building Council LEED program. To some the LEEDs program is to stringent and expensive. One of the big factors that have builders frustrated is the fact that LEEDs only will allow Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) lumber.This limits the resources available in many areas because not all lumber yards carry or are certified to supply FSC.

The certification process with FSC is getting more expensive. An article posted December 8, 2008, written by Craig Web, in the ProSales Magazine states The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), the key wood certification standard-setter in green construction, is doubling its accreditation administration fees for chain of custody (COC) certification as well as retaliating against certifying bodies that suggest other standard-setters' rules are as good as FSC's.

How is this productive in getting more suppliers and builders embracing the whole Green Building concept. The FSC does not want to see Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) lumber get included in the LEEDs program. FSC dislikes this SFI option because it sees its standard as being better than the others. The Green Building Council plans to decide whether SFI can be included this spring.

By allowing more options and availability to the builders would help promote the use of certified lumber products into everyday projects.

Making products more available and having healthy competition between suppliers gets the cost of certified lumber more in line. Today many lumbers yards charge a high premium for certified lumber because of the added expense and the hassle to control the certification process. But by doubling the accreditation administration fees is not helping answer the builders request for more economical products. The builder needs to maintain a profit and in many surveys many end home owners are not willing to pay more than a 5% increase for a certified green home. So how can a builder provide a green home and still be able to get buyers if the home has a high premium?

The industry needs to allow more options to get leveled pricing and added support.

Allowing only one main entity to certify and dictate what can be a certified green home limits the grow with in Green Building.

http://greenbuildingideas.info

by Steve Feller

Protect Your Outdoor Floors - Homeowner Tips

2009-08-29T06:33:00.001-07:00

Outdoor mats have many uses, and one of the most important is keeping your home safe from water, dirt, mud, and other debris. They stop people with dirty shoes from wrecking your carpet and other flooring by removing the dirt and grime before it has a chance to come in contact with your floors. Keeping your home clean is not a task most people enjoy and the right mat will help to minimize the amount you have to clean and give you more time to relax and enjoy your home. You can find outdoor mats made from many different materials and in sizes to fit any area. They are also great for use outside around pools and fountains to keep people safe as they walk around these slippery areas.

One of the most popular materials used for outdoor entry mats is fiber--natural fibers like coconut husk and jute, or synthetic fiber such as plastic. Fiber mats are excellent at removing dirt and debris. These mats use rough vertical fibers that scrape off dirt from shoes before it has a chance to get in your house. You can also find rubber mats with raised textured patterns that work in the same way. You can also find plastic versions that use different textures to clean the dirt off the bottom of your shoes before you enter your home. These types of mats are easy to maintain and clean. All of these types of mats--natural fiber, plastic, and rubber--work well outside the door to trap dirt. They are very durable and can withstand the harshest elements to provide many years of use and a clean home.

Vinyl is a popular material because of its durability, varying design, and ease of cleaning. Vinyl is a great material for multipurpose mats and it can be used in many places such as in front of doors, on decks and patios, and even around swimming pools. Vinyl is a great material for all of these places, especially around swimming pools because they can be designed to be non-skid which creates a safe surface for wet swimmers to walk on. Vinyl can also be made to be mold and mildew resistant which is great for damp areas. Vinyl mats are also great for use around fountains, container ponds, and other damp areas.

Outdoor Mats are also commonly used in high traffic areas to protect deck, patio, and walkway surfaces. Rubber is a good material for floor mats that are meant to protect high traffic entryways and other areas that are exposed to a lot of foot traffic. Rubber mats withstand the elements such as temperature extremes, rain, harsh sun light, and snow. They protect expensive wood or stone walkways and patios and keep them looking new for years. Rubber floor mats are very durable and will help to protect your outdoor flooring for many years. They are available in different patterns and styles from simple to elegant that will fit into any type of dcor. If you have invested a lot in your deck, patio or walkway, outdoor mats will help to protect your investment.

http://www.outdoorlightsandfurniture.com Julia is a professional landscape designer and gardener practicing in and around Boston. Helping people enjoy living life outdoors is a full time passion.

Brilliant Bathroom Upgrade Ideas

2009-08-29T06:29:00.001-07:00

For some people DIY is just an experiment, it's not guaranteed to work. Some DIY projects may be successful, but others may be a complete failure. DIY is scary for a number of people however it's still a good idea to do these fairly simple projects by yourself as the professionals earn a lot of money in this country.

If the job is more difficult than simply hammering a nail in then it can be very scary for a great number of people. However as with everything else practice makes perfect, an ideal place to practice is in your bathroom, there's nothing that you can really do wrong. With good planning you should be able to accomplish any bathroom upgrade.

If you are at all worried about your bathroom upgrade then you can ask in your local hardware store for some recommendations. They may also be able to offer you a fantastic deal for the parts that you need. A number of bathroom upgrades simply involve changing tiles and taps. However it is possible to do more complicated tasks by yourself, and they don't really require that much more work. Improving the storage space in your bathroom can make huge improvements.

You've got to be brave it's bound to all come together!

You should create a thorough plan to help you with your bathroom renovation ideas. Include every task that you think you may need to do, including stripping out the old bathroom units and installing new ones. Make sure you know the exact dimensions of the room so that you can efficiently lay out your new bathroom.

Renovating your bathroom isn't as difficult as most people assume, it's mostly a lot of manual labor. This general muscle work can be carried out by a local builder, if possible try to find a tame builder that won't charge you an arm and a leg for such simple tasks. Alternatively you could try and get one of your relatives to help you do this. However you should always try to get stuck in, as you're never going to learn unless you actually do something. Treat your bathroom upgrade tasks as an educational experience, learn from it!

If you do get someone else in to help you then make sure you ask lots of questions, ideally next time you want to be doing it yourself. After this you can start to make sure you know where everything is going in your bathroom.

Anyone can have a dream about how they want their bathroom to look, however you have to bear in mind your budget. You could virtually spend any amount of money upgrading your bathroom, but everyone has limits somewhere. You should be sure to work out the exact costs that you will be spending, remember to include the prices of all the fixtures. Then you can start to look at which toilet, sink and bath you want to purchase.

Bathroom renovations can take quite a long time to complete you should make sure that you have enough time to complete the task before you start. If you are working full time then you will probably be working on it after work and at weekends, in which case it could take quite a while to complete.

Ray Walberg's online reports are published on different online sites associated with circular swing saws. Through his reports, the writer demonstrated his skill on information dealing with best table saw

Porches Rediscovered

2009-08-28T23:10:00.001-07:00

Dutchess county has had a love affair with porches that goes back centuries. Although few of the earliest Dutch and English colonial homes had porches, it wasn't long until they were added to the beautiful stone and wood houses.

Like most of the country, there were few homes built from the mid nineteenth century until after World War II in Dutchess County that didn't have a porch. From Greek Revival farm houses scattered through Pine Plains to Gothic revival cottages in Rhinebeck they all had one or more porches.

The Victorians made porch building into an art form. With the advent of balloon framing, Victorian builders could easily create more complex shapes. With manufactured building parts becoming widely available, they could adorn their homes and well as their porches with layers of detail and complexity.

Porches influenced and were influenced by the neighborhoods around them. Summer evenings were spent on the porch, neighbors visited on each other and people kept track of their children and everyone else's from those porches.

After World War II porches experienced a dramatic decline. New suburban homes had air conditioning which allowed their owners to spend more time indoors on hot summer nights, and the neighborhoods where they were built were better suited to automobile traffic than pedestrians. A generation of Americans grew up watching television and playing ping pong in basement family rooms. Today, we rarely design a home that does not include one or more porches. Sometimes we wrap the entire home with porches to the owners' delight. The pleasures of a good porch have once again been discovered.

http://www.crisparchitects.com/ James M. Crisp, AIA is an architect working in New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts.

Bathroom Mirror - As Important As Personal Grooming Itself

2009-08-28T19:51:00.001-07:00

You wake up very late in the morning. You're late! You have a big meeting that will start in a few minutes and you have not even washed your face first. Of course you will skip breakfast, you're late. Of course you will not sit and read the morning newspaper, you're late. The very thing that you want to do now is to get in your office and be ready to face a crowd of colleagues, superiors, and prospective clients. You want to be in there, right there and then. But not just yet, not just yet...

You can skip breakfast and you can skip your normal morning routine of reading the newspaper. But you cannot skip a bathroom routine. You can even skip bathing, but not that one, you have to, you just have to, check yourself in the bathroom mirror. Especially now that you are about to be in a very important meeting, you have to be presentable, and that includes your physical image. You just can't look presentable when you have all the marks of an (apparently a very) good night sleep. And the only way you'll know if you are fine to go out now and run to your office or if you still need a little (but much needed) grooming is by looking at your trusty bathroom mirror. Your bathroom mirror will tell you what needs to be done, and from it you'll know if you can now run. That's how important, personal grooming is, that's how important a bathroom mirror is.

So, you can always buy meals at take-out counters outside your place, and you can always read the newspaper supply of your office, and you can always (although hopefully not) postpone taking a bath, but you can never, not have a bathroom mirror. It seems to be as necessary as the bathroom itself.

The bathroom mirror comes with wide range of designs, shapes, sizes, and of course colors. There are the simple but beautiful frames made of wood or metal, among others. There are the frames with intricate designs. You can have a bathroom mirror that is big enough for you to check your whole body, and there is also of course a bathroom mirror which is just large enough for you to check your face. Most bathroom mirrors are designed to hand on the bathroom wall, but if you have a bigger space, you can have a bathroom mirror that reclines at a desired angle. There are of course special mirrors, like the common bathroom mirror which is also a medicine or toiletries cabinet. And since a bathroom is almost always wet, there is the fog-free bathroom mirror which as the name suggests, eliminates the problem of precipitations on the mirror when the bathroom gets extra humid. The important thing is, you have to find the one that suits your taste, your bathroom (space), and of course, the always important budget.

A bathroom mirror is so important that you just have to look at it (and to yourself of course) even though every second that goes by means you are getting more late for work or school. But then again, you can always wake up early and not curse every second while you are in front of your bathroom mirror.

For more information about bathroom mirror http://www.mhnshopping.com/bathroom-mirrors

Eliza Maledevic Ayson writes for Jump2top.com - SEO Company

Home Bridge Construction Loans - Providing You the Funds You Need to Construct Your New Home

2009-08-28T16:04:00.001-07:00

Are you planning to sell your old home and build a new one? If you are, then you may need to get some funds to construct your new home. However, you need to face the fact that selling homes today can be quite difficult. So, how will you be able to construct your new home if you can't sell your old home as fast as you can? Without selling your home, you will be faced with a dilemma where you will never have enough money to buy a new one.

Today, it is now possible for you to get the funds that you need in order for you to construct your new home even before you sell your old home. By taking out a bridge construction loan, this will be able to cover both the homes you are selling and the home you want to construct.

The great thing about bridge construction loans is that it is quite easy to qualify. The reason for this is that most lending companies know that you will only be obligated on both properties on a limited period of time.

You need to understand that bridge construction loans or home bridge loans are short term loans where it will only require you to pay one monthly payment and one closing payment. To make it more convenient, most bridge construction loans have low interest rates compared to other types of mortgages.

These are the things that you can benefit from with bridge construction loans. With it, you will be able to get the funds you need to construct your new home before you even sell your old home.

To Learn More About Bridge Mortgage Lenders and Loan Programs, Visit the Bridge Mortgage Loans Information Center Today at http://www.bridge-mortgage-loans.com/

How to Fit a Shower

2009-08-28T09:05:00.001-07:00

If you are looking to install a new shower in your home, the first steps will be to measure, prepare, and fit the shower. A shower kit will always come with installation instructions, which should be followed to get the best result. Here are a few basic, general guidelines that will help as well. As always when tackling any home improvement project, with or without professional help, ensure that all of your permits are in order before you begin. Shower fitting is not recommended for beginner do-it-yourselfers.

The base of any shower is the shower tray. The shower tray holds the water before it drains, keeping it from spilling out on to the floor. Make absolutely certain that the area is level and that the shower tray will be properly supported. Many shower trays are made of acrylic or resin that can be prone to flexing when not adequately supported. Too much flexing can lead to a break in the seal between the tray and the shower enclosure, causing a leak. Avoid this difficult and expensive problem from the start by taking steps to make sure you have the right kind of supports in the right places.

Make sure you have enough room underneath the shower tray for the drainage pipe to run. Measure carefully to ensure you have enough space for this. If you don't, build your shower floor to be a bit higher to allow the correct amount of space for the drainage pipe and waste trap. Make sure you have access to these things as you install the shower tray, so you can check the seals between the drain of your shower tray and your drain pipe before you close it up.

Before installing anything else, make sure that all walls to be included in the showering area have been well water-proofed. You may choose to use tile or a shower kit with plastic wall panels. Which ever route you choose to take, this is a vital step both in beautifying the shower as well as preventing water damage to your home.

The shower screens will be installed last. A good fit is made from accurate measurements! The type and size of the shower screen panels will depend on the size and shape of the shower tray you've purchased. They should fit together without gaps.

The shower screens, whether purchased separately or as part of a kit, will also have instructions from the manufacturer which should be followed for a solid and lasting result. Check all of your caulking and seals to ensure that everything is watertight.

Written by James Chapman, a director of Bella Bathrooms who supply Showers for the UK market.

Bella Bathrooms is an online retailer formed by 2 plumbers from the North East of England. Having hands on experience of custom bathroom installation and products has enabled Bella Bathrooms Ltd to only select quality bathroom products for their online shop. They sell bathroom furniture, bathroom suites, showers and bath related products for consumers through the United Kingdom.

How to Choose a Rope Hammock - Cotton Or Polyester is Better?

2009-08-28T09:02:00.001-07:00

There are a lot of choices out there when it comes to hammocks. Many people do not realize how many different fibers, styles, etc.. there are. One option is polyester or cotton. There are a few other blended options, but cotton and polyester are the two most popular, and the most commonly found. It is a hard choice, because each have their advantages and disadvantages. However, a few considerations may help sway a buyer one way or another.

Where is the hammock going to be located?

Cotton hammocks can not be exposed to prolonged direct sunlight. It will cause them to discolor. Whereas, a polyester hammock is resistant to the sun. Over time, even polyester may fade if placed in direct, or very hot sun locations. However, polyester can take much more sun, and for a longer period of time than cotton. So, for outdoor use, polyester wins the durability question.

Which is more comfortable?

Cotton gives under the weight of the body, and will eventually conform to the body. Cotton is a breathable material; meaning less sweat for the person using it. It is also softer to the touch. Polyester is not as comfortable, soft, or breathable. So, cotton wins the comfort test.

Which is more resistant to rain?

Again, if the hammock is inside, this is a moot question. If outside, cotton is prone to mildew, mold, and rotting from moisture or rain. There are some commercial treatments claiming to "waterproof" cotton. However, they have not been proven to actually waterproof cotton. Polyester is resistant to moisture and rain damage. So, polyester wins on resistance to water.

Cost of each?

Polyester is generally cheaper than cotton. Of course, this depends on the brand of hammock. A high end brand of polyester hammock will be more expensive than low quality cotton hammock. So, the better buy depends where you buy the hammock.

Overall, the cotton hammock is great for indoor usage, but the polyester hammock wins for outdoor usage. Polyester is durable and generally cheap. Cotton is less durable, but much more comfortable. The real question is: do you want something that you will not need to replace for years to come, or something comfortable, that will often need replacing?

Learn more tips and advices on how to choose the perfect rope hammock for your backyard or patio.

Find more about polyester and cotton hammocks at http://www.hammocksbuy.com

Do it Yourself Solar Panels - Simple Process to Cut Your Home Electric Bills

2009-08-28T01:25:00.001-07:00

Our monthly electricity bill is one of the largest household expenses. We need electric power to run all our electrical equipment. While power demand is expected to rise, the cost of electricity will increase in the near future also. This is due to limited supply of oil needed to generate power by utility companies. One of the simplest ways we can take to reduce our power consumption is by using Do It Yourself Solar Panels. How does the procedure works? This article will shed some light of the science of a home solar power system.

Before you start any home construction project, you have to be well versed with hand tools and ample working space. To build your own home solar energy system, you have to construct a solar array on the roof. A solar array is made from a series of solar cells linked together. The function of the solar array is to collect the sun energy and convert it into electric power. To harness the solar power, the solar array is connected to a charge controller where electric current will be diverted into deep cycle batteries bank. The batteries will be used to store electric power to run our electrical appliances. Since a battery can only store Direct Current (DC), you will need an inverter to convert it to Alternate Current (AC). AC will be used to power our homes.

With proper planning, do it yourself solar panels have the potential to reduce our home electric power consumption. This can be done by slowly changing our home power demand to the solar energy system. With rising energy cost, any idea that can help us to save cost would be a blessing.

Want to know how you can build your own Home Solar Panels to reduce your electricity bill for under $300? If you are good with hand tools, start a Do It Yourself (DIY) project to construct a residential solar array to harness free energy from the sun. What you will need is a step by step instructional guide. Get a comprehensive Solar Power For Homes guide review at http://www.DIYSolarHomes.com/

Let's Talk Sears Bathroom Vanities

2009-08-27T13:43:00.001-07:00

It would be churlish to deny the tremendous heft that a spectacular bathroom vanity carries in a bathroom renovation or remodeling project. These high-quality, intricately designed pieces help your personal space acquire a stronger cachet.

But when you're talking Sears bathroom vanities, you are looking at the blueprint for success. When this iconic brand takes center stage, your bathroom is gift-wrapped in a cloak of exotic mystery. Thanks to its trademark style and elegance, creating a warm and inviting space is child's play.

When Sears makes an entry into your life, even the most reticent guests are sure to be waxing eloquent about its awe-inspiring presence.

Taking The World By Storm

If you believe that a bathroom remodeling project literally means chaos on the brink, you must allow bathroom vanities from this formidable brand name to answer all your entreaties. It's the only name that every discerning and financially astute homeowner trusts when they are keen to ensure a complete reversal of fortunes. Their inimitable quality promises value for money, just only today, but for years to come.

But that's not the only reason that has propelled this brand to the frontline position in the contemporary interior design firmament. Here's the inside story:

It's not only unrivaled quality that people are making a song and dance about. There's dizzying array of vanities that carve a niche for themselves in every theme, layout and style of bathroom.
Matte or polished finish, the choices are sure to fire your imagination.
Avid do-it-yourselfers may want to put their skills to test by installing the vanities on their own. But for those that do not boast of such talents, service representatives from the company will be only too happy to help.
It's just not the massive selection of styles and design that will leave you giddy with anticipation. There are several payment options too that obliterate the specters of horrendous costs completely.

Simply put, with Sears you are constantly reminded of the well-placed and well-heeled demeanor of your bathroom.

Here's exactly how you can generate 100's or even 1000's of positively brilliant Bathroom Remodeling Ideas... FAST ! And you could easily increase your home's value by several $1000s fast with these 25 street-smart tips for Dirt Cheap Home Improvement

Make Your Shower and Tub the Centerpiece of Your Bathroom

2009-08-26T22:29:00.001-07:00

We allshoweror bathe; the time we take in a relaxing shower or bath should not be taken for granted. In need of a new shower and tub design? There are great solutions out there. From the tub, to the type of shower faucet, to the shower walls, crafting a new shower is easy, and you'll be able to find something just right for you and your family.

The shower faucet should offer the shower experience you desire. Modern shower faucet equipment offers pressured jets of water. Many showerheads come with adjustable heads for the type of water flow and effect you desire. Shower faucets come in different styles and finishes for a perfect find for you and your bathroom's design. Traditionalists will love the time-honored chrome finish, or maybe go with oil-rubbed bronze for a Victorian look. Contemporary tastes can find a suitable finish in brushed nickel or pewter. The newest trend in showers is body jets combined with a rainshower showerhead or handshower for a true spa experience. Check out a Delta, American Standard, or Hansgrohe shower faucet for durable and reliable timeless designs.

You can't beat the convenience of a shower/bathtub combination. Trusted bathtub manufacturers American Standard, Jacuzzi, Kohler or Duravit offer bathtub solutions to suit your dcor, budget, and personality. Tubs are available in acrylic, fiberglass, cast iron or even copper. Add a whirlpool or air bath feature for ultimate relaxation. Bathtub lengths and widths will accommodate any bathroom size, so be sure to measure and evaluate your tub space to find the right bathtub for you.

Have a clawfoot tub? The nostalgia and good looks of an old-fashioned clawfoot tub are legendary. Clawfoot tub faucets will complete the design and offer a unique shower experience. These faucets have coiled hand held spray nozzles that are flexible for an incredible bathing experience. Choose a traditional telephone-style handshower for real old-time charm. You can even attach a pole shower for a more conventional shower experience. All types of clawfoot tub faucets are a classy and fashionable way of showering.

From the shower and bathtub to its faucet plumbing, wrap up your shower's design with shower walls to help protect the integrity of your bathroom. Shower walls are solid, heavy gauge, easy to clean and maintain, and can be a stylish alternative to tile in the bathroom. Discover shower walls in shades of brown, white, neutral, off white or other colors in contemporary and transitional styles to suit your bathroom and your personality. Check out Swanstoneshower walls for contemporary elegance.

Don't let this pass you by. Update your shower today! If you're building or remodeling a bathroom, this is a key to its design. Discover shower faucets and tubs to match your design theme. Trusted brands like American Standard, Belle Foret, Danze, Delta, Kohler, Moen, and Price Pfister are just a few recognized for their great bathroom and home plumbing product superiority. Check them out today for your shower design.

FaucetOutlet.com carries a wide selection of high quality bathroom faucets and shower faucets in the styles you want at prices you can afford.

Cheap Bathrooms Can Look Good

2009-08-26T07:31:00.001-07:00

Everyone wants their bathroom to look good. How can you achieve this, if you don't have a lot to spend on sprucing the room up? There are a lot of simple, inexpensive ways to make your bathroom a beautiful space in your home.

Paint is one of the least expensive and highest impact ways to change a room, and has several applications in the bath. Tired of those old, dingy looking cabinets? A few coats of paint and some new handles can make them look new, at a fraction of the cost of replacing them. Make sure you use a type of paint specifically meant for bathrooms, as it will withstand the moisture much better than those which are not.

Painting the walls gives a room a whole new look for not a lot of cash. Since a bathroom is a small space, you have a chance to play with colours that might be too much in a larger room of your home. You can also use a more neutral paint color, and then upgrade it up with a decorative border of stenciling or festive tiles.

A new faucet updates your basin, and can add a lot of flash. Faucets are widely available in many styles, materials and finishes. If you replace your faucets, re-caulking any seams in the area will make the update complete. Don't dim the effect of a shiny new faucet with aging grout!

A new shower curtain can also do wonders to liven up the dcor in a bath without breaking the bank. A fabric shower curtain, paired vinyl liner, gives the room a more formal feel. Since the shower curtain is probably the largest decorative area in your bathroom, think creatively! You could choose a coordinating color, or one that contrasts with your walls. There are designs in both fabric and vinyl shower curtains that could go with anything - some may even have matching window treatments and floor rugs available. Don't forget the shower curtain hooks, either.

They also come in many styles, shapes and colors, and can be a lovely decorative accent.

Add texture and comfort with floor rugs. Make sure they aren't so big that doors don't open easily, and not so small that they are overwhelmed by the floor space. Choose something soft and comfortable to stand on, that won't slide around on the floor.

Mirrors are a great way to add visual volume to a space, and work well in small areas like bathrooms. They also come in every style, with and without frames, for every budget. You may also find etched mirrors that echo a decorative theme in the room.

A little paint and a few new elements can give a whole new life to your bathroom, without spending a whole lot of cash.

Written by James Chapman, a director of Bella Bathrooms who supply Cheap Bathrooms for the UK market.

Installing Ceramic Wall Tile - What You Need to Know

2009-08-25T14:09:00.001-07:00

Installing ceramic wall tile is done by many handy people. It's often left to the pros, but that's mainly because it seems to be too tricky. People have been installing ceramic tile for hundreds of years. The pro tricks are mainly useful for going faster. Take your time and installing tile is not that hard. You can learn many of the pro tricks too.

The real key to a successful tile project is getting started right. That means you need a plan for where you'll put tiles and where you'll make the cuts. Get started right and the hardest part is done.

Before the first tile is set make sure you have a firm foundation. A tile wall is brittle. If the base for the tile moves then the tile or the grout are likely to break. Often an easy way to get a rigid base is to put up cement board as a base. Apply cement board and you have a rigid surface that accepts adhesive well too. With a good base, it's time to decide where the first tile goes.

Usually on wall tiles, the first row is set up close to the floor. Mark a horizontal line to make the first course of tiles level. This line should be at a point that allows for cutting tiles to fit below the first course. The easiest way to get the first course straight is to nail a straight board in place horizontally to act as a guide.

Then you need a vertical mark to decide where that first tile goes. Place tiles along the guide board to see how the tiles will be cut to fit on the ends. Move tiles around until you get the best fit. Remember to allow for grout lines.

Getting a solid base and measuring are the keys to getting started with a tile project. Getting the first tile in the right position is the most critical part of a project. It takes some time and some thought, but it isn't hard. Now there are a few tricks that make layout easier. It's especially helpful if you can see the layout done at least the first time you try it.

Get access to video tutorials showing the professional tricks of installing ceramic wall tile on our tile website.

Al Bullington invites you to visit http://InstallingCeramicTile.net for answers to your tile questions.

Holiday Accommodation North Stradbroke

2009-08-20T04:01:00.001-07:00

North Stradbroke Island is one of the largest sand islands in the world. It is located off the east coast of Australia and is a part of the state of Queensland. Also known as "Straddie", the island is a ideal escape from the tough life of the city. The downbeat and relaxed lifestyle, the kilometres of pure white sandy beaches, and the lovely sub-tropical weather make Straddie the perfect place to relax and chill out. Most of the island is untouched with lakes such as the Blue and Brown lakes as well as the Keyhole lakes. Most of these idyllic lakes have sandy shores and are still accessible along gravel tracks. Scenery changes from the rain-forest to the pristinely clear springs and finally to the smashing blue waves along the various beaches.

There are three small areas on the island that are inhabited by humans. Dunwich is the gateway to the island for people coming over from the mainland. This is also an interesting place to explore. It is home to the island's history museum, various historical sites. It also has a waterfront cemetery that has important links with the history of the land. Remnants of both indigenous and European history are present in this particular area. Lookout is paradise for surfers with its high waves at the various popular beaches. These beaches are also the location of most of the island's holiday homes and visitor accommodation. Although there are many clubs and restaurants on the island, the only bar is at Pt Lookout and overlooks the Pacific Ocean. Amity Point is the third and smallest settlement which has a simple laid back charm of its own. Although it is inhabited, the natural beauty of Straddie is virtually untouched. One of the most charming things about the island (for me at least) was the way in which modern developments have come up on it, all the while taking care not to disturb the original inhabitant of the area, i.e. nature.

Getting to Straddie
Although Straddie is not a part of the mainland, getting there is not much of a problem. There are a large number of ferries and water taxis that travel between Cleveland and Straddie at regular intervals. You can catch a train from Brisbane to Cleveland and then hop on to a free bus that will take you down to the ferry terminal.

Activities
Straddie is replete with activities for you to keep yourself busy. Being an island, most of the available activities are related to the sea. These include fishing, snorkelling, scuba diving and surfing.

Accommodation
The variety of holiday accommodations available on Straddie is simply unbelievable. You have a very wide range to choose from, both in terms of comfort and in terms of prices. The most popular mode of accommodation on the island is the apartment. A large number of properties are available for rent and most provide excellent facilities. Living in a property is the preferred for of residence for many people as it is more private than spending nights in hotels. If you are one of these people you'll certainly like the residence options on Straddie.

For more information on island activities, hotel rates and availability, and special package deals and offers, log onto http://www.straddie.info

Amanda Millard is an ardent traveller who has roamed all over the world. She considers herself a global citizen but being an Australian by birth, her heart lies here. Her writings on the various tourist destinations visited by her are both informative and fun to read.

Linoleum Floor Water Damage
Floor Joist End Repairs

Home Renovations Go Better With Planning

2009-08-19T09:59:00.001-07:00

Many people are choosing to improve their own homes rather than selling them. Improving your home's exterior, for example, can improve your home's value and actually be a fun home renovation project.

There are many ways to improve a home's exterior. New gutters, window trims, and siding are all seemingly small details, but they can dramatically change your home's appearance. Other people add patios, shrubbery or other landscaping details. Some people even add brick pavers, gazebos and other touches.

Most people can do any of these exterior projects if they keep some factors in mind. The most important of these is planning. Before you start any project, plan out exactly what you want to do. Figure out how much it will cost and how long it will take. Do you have the right tools and supplies? Do you know how to use them? Do you need to rent the equipment? Does the rental company have it available on the days you need it? What about when the project is done? What maintenance will have to be performed. That new gazebo may look pretty now, but will you have time to repaint or restain it to keep it looking nice next year?

Even if you are just painting the exterior trim, be sure you have planned to follow all the necessary preparatory steps, such as cleaning and sanding the surface to be painted. Even though the home improvement shows depict their teams going in and accomplishing several jobs at once, don't be tempted to follow suit. Their professionals, you're not.

If you don't have the answers to any of your plannig questions, get the answers before you start. There is no shortage of help. Home improvement stores, building contractors, the internet and even local community colleges all can be fonts of information for you. They may have tips that you never even considered that can help you save time and money or make your work more professional looking.

When planning out your project, be sure to plan enough time so you can go one section, one step at a time. Don't proceed to the next step until you are done with the current one. If you have a limited amount of ladders, plan things out so you do one side of the building at a time, so you don't have to move the ladder back and forth, wasting time in the process.

Also, try to have a backup plan. If you plan to paint a certain day, what if it rains? Is there a part of the project you could do instead?

As with any other project, home renovation goes best with planning and practice. Once you've accomplished some small projects, you will have the confidence to tackle bigger ones. Your home will soon look even better and you will be proud of what you've accomplished.

The essayist Greg Hansward is really passionate about information relating to kitchen island amongst oven. His contributions on kitchen islands designs are found on his webpage and also different web publications.

Checking The Level Floor Framing
Replaced Window Header

A Tile Shower Pan is the Great Mystery of Home Repair

2009-08-18T15:54:00.001-07:00

A tile shower pan is one of the great mysteries of home repair or construction. Anything to do with tile showers is left to the pros. But actually many handy people install showers themselves once they see the mysteries revealed.

See the real trick to a tile shower is hidden below the floor. You can't actually see the tricky part from the top of the shower or from underneath for that matter. Not too long ago my tile shower started leaking. I finally saw the cracked grout down near the floor, but I thought there was a shower pan under the shower so why was it leaking?

Here's the scoop.

Tile floors are not waterproof. Water seeps right through tile showers, mostly through the grout. Grout is porous masonry so water slowly goes through grout. So the shower pan is actually a waterproof liner below the surface of the floor that catches the water.

But then where does the water go?

Ah, another trick. A tile shower has a special drain with two layers of drain holes. The bottom layer is actually below the floor, and that's the one the waterproof layer sends the water to. So the shower pan is built in three layers so all the water is captured and routed down the drain?

Three layers?

The bottom layer is a sloped layer of masonry built on the subfloor or concrete. It's sloped to help send the water toward the drain. The bottom layer is flush with the bottom drain holes. The second layer is the waterproof liner which is a tough vinyl sheet that's glued to the drain base to make a waterproof pool to catch all the water that seeps through the floor. The top layer is another masonry layer that's poured and sloped above the liner. This is the base for the shower floor.

That's the trick to a shower - the sloped layers and liner route the water to two layers of drain holes.

Now you have other choices when building a shower. Several materials can be used for bases, but the traditional construction is hard to beat for price and performance. Plus you can learn to do it yourself if you want to.

Get more tricks to building or repairing a tile shower pan at our site.

Al Bullington invites you to visit http://www.InstallingCeramicTile.net for answers to your tile questions.

Termite Mud On Wood
Moisture Barrier On Crawlspace

Small Basement Remodeling Ideas and Tips

2009-08-14T14:52:00.001-07:00

Space is a common housing issue especially in big city living. As the song popularized by Frank Sinatra goes, I want to be a part of it... New York, New York. Most everybody still wants to experience and live through the action of the never-sleeping city. So if you do live in New York, there is still another option to consider other than just learning to live with how things are. The answer to your space crunch lies through looking into the possibilities unused areas has to offer. This makes small basement remodeling one of the best home improvement projects to undertake.

Why small basement remodeling?

- When thinking of adding square footage to your home's living area, this is a more cost-effective alternative than having a home addition where you would need to extend. This would cost you only a fraction of what you will be spending on the later with most or all of the same features. One of the reasons for the great savings is that the structural necessities are already there like the ceiling, flooring, and walls.

- Another benefit for undertaking a small basement remodeling is the ideal location of the area that promotes fewer hassles posed by home improvement works to the family's daily living.

- Since the nature of the space is underground; it is typically warm during colder months and cooler on summer. This factor helps you enjoy the small basement remodeling project results with less energy costs.

There are many ways that you could come up with a finish your small basement remodeling and this depends on your personal needs and preferences. The isolation and originally compact masonry of the place makes it ideal to be turned into a home office, playroom for the younger children, game or recreational room, home theatre or an exercise area. Because plumbing is readily available and easily accessible, the area can also excellently make up for a sauna, additional bathroom, or large custom shower. Other popular small basement remodeling ideas include: a wet bar, kitchenette, and additional room for guests.

When we think about our small basements, the most natural thing to come into out minds is their dungeon-like features. To bring out the most in our remodeling project, you can play with certain elements to make the space as inviting, comfortable and more spacious to look at.

- This area would naturally require heavy lighting compared to most areas in the house. You can provide fixtures promoting intense light as well as maximize the use of windows to let in more natural light.

- Carpets have been a popular choice but are you aware that tiles could do better as flooring? Aside from the durability that it offers, it is also low maintenance. As your small basement is prone to moisture and water problems, this would serve as the better alternative. To make up for the hardness and help with the over-all room design, you can also put beautiful area rugs.

- Light paint colors, horizontal designs and diagonal patterns are great in making the small basement remodeling finish seem much wider.

Eugene Makeev has been in the home improvement industry for a while. His skills and expertise, which have been polished through time, are now used to help New York home owners avoid the common pitfalls in home improvements by matching their needs with the right, prescreened Basement Contractor New York. For more, visit New York Contractors

Concrete Colum Base

How To Protect Your Kids at the Pool

2009-08-13T01:42:00.001-07:00

A university statistics professor in the United States, Steven D. Levitt, was struck by how many children had drowned in swimming pools. They were the kind of deaths that don't make the newspaper-unlike, for instance, a child who dies while playing with a gun. He got curious, and went looking for numbers that would tell the story.

After conducting a detailed scientific study, he concluded the following; "If you both own a gun and have a swimming pool in the backyard, the swimming pool is about 100 times more likely to kill a child than the gun is."

Drowning is one of the major causes of accidents involving children worldwide, resulting in serious injury and death. Thousands of tragic accidents involving swimming pools highlight the sad fact that kids and pools can be a very dangerous combination. A number of child deaths have occurred while parents have been looking away, or were not in the vicinity. Other heart-rending events have involved children's long hair being caught in pool water pump inlets, which have also led to drowning.

In a number of cases, accidents happened even though the child knew how to swim. The result of this study serves to highlight the significant hazard that swimming pools present to children, compared to other dangers. Toddlers, in particular, often do something unexpected because their capabilities change daily.

Submersion incidents involving children usually happen in familiar surroundings. In another study, 65 percent of the incidents happened in a pool owned by the child's family and 33 percent of the incidents happened in a pool owned by friends or relatives.

Child drowning is often a silent death - there's no splashing to alert anyone that the child is in trouble. Pool submersions involving children happen quickly. A child can drown in the time it takes to answer a phone. 77 percent of the victims had been missing from sight for five minutes or less.

Here are some easy tips you can use to reduce the risk;

Supervise

Never allow your youngster to swim alone without any adult supervision. It is vital that persons be

around, ready to help if needed.

Does Your Pool have a Fence?

Enclose your pool with a fence at least 4 feet (1.2 Metres) high, and a gate which can be locked. Do not leave the pool open and accessible, as children can fall inside. In many communities having a fence around a pool, with a lockable gate, is a legal requirement.

Cordless Phone

Always have a phone nearby the pool. This should ensure that nobody has to leave a child alone in the pool to answer the phone when it rings. A cordless home phone can be a good solution.

Social Gatherings

During social gatherings at or near a pool, appoint a "designated watcher" to protect young children from pool accidents. Adults may take turns being the "watcher." When adults become preoccupied, children are at risk.

Slips & Falls

A number of children are injured when they slip and fall around the pool on wet tiles or concrete; consider having your child wear a pair of anti-slip pool shoes when around and even in, the pool.

Life Saver

You should ensure there is always a life saving flotation device handy, such as; a lifesaver ring or foam flotation device near the pool. This could be very handy if an adult happens to be around to help rescue a child from the edge of the pool - but who cannot actually get in the pool and swim. However, do not use flotation devices as a substitute for supervision. Remove toys from in and around the pool when it is not in use, as toys can attract young children closer to the pool.

CPR

Every parent and guardian should be conversant in basic Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) techniques in case of any accident. Survival depends on rescuing the child quickly and restarting the breathing process, even while the child is still in the water. Seconds count in preventing death or brain damage.

Jump, Don't Dive!

Teach your children that diving should only be performed in special pools, or in designated areas. It's very easy to misjudge the depth of a pool, or mistake the shallow-end for the deep-end and suffer a serious neck or head injury.

Long Hair

If your child has longer hair, consider the use of a swim cap which will ensure their hair does not become tangled in pool equipment.

Small Water Bodies

Avoid leaving your kids alone even with small portable pools or other water bodies such as buckets or fountains. There is always a danger of drowning occurring even in small bodies of water.

Again, please watch what your kids are doing whenever they are near water. Supervise their activities and never leave them alone in or near any pool. If a child is missing, check the pool first. Seconds count in preventing death or disability. Go to the edge of the pool and scan the entire pool, bottom and surface, as well as the pool area.

Roger Hall of COEGA Sunwear develops tips and clothing that provide women and children with Style, Comfort and Protection. Find out how to protect yourself with more popular FREE Tips for active women of all ages, available at: =>store.coegawear.com/index.asp?PageAction=Custom&ID=20

Shear Panel Next To Window

2009 - A Quest For Balance and Peace

2009-08-11T12:33:00.001-07:00

I was forced to take a break from the internet over the holidays while visiting Clay's family near Lake Tahoe. We had a great time. My respite allowed me the quiet and space to understand the significance of our current year - 2009.

What struck me immediately about 2009 is that it reduces to 11 and 2 and so ties in directly with our new millennium - the 2000s.

To understand 2009 let's backtrack a bit, We can see that 2008 added up to 10/1 and connected to our last century, the 1900s.

The 1900s brought change. Old ways were no longer useful. New discoveries created a much better quality of life for many - amazing progress in science, manufacturing, new materials and ways for building homes, new inventions, the spirit of adventure by air - including explorations in outer space all characterized this 10/1 cycle. Competitiveness, leadership, original thought and a singular approach were the norm.

Every cycle places a magnifying glass on a set of numbers and asks you to adjust. When certain requirements are not followed, challenges result.

In the 1900s wanting to be 'Number 1' was taken to extremes at various times and with various leaders - the world experienced two world wars, strife and struggles for supremacy.

Fast-forward to last year, also a 10/1 Universal Year.

2008 was the FIRST year in the FIRST 9-year cycle in our new millennium. In 2008 the old really began to crumble. Outdated approaches on Wall Street and in government were exposed.

Now we are in a New Year. One that adds up to 11 and reduces to 2.

The key words to the 2000s and 2009 are 'balance and peaceful coexistence.' Those who connect to compassion and have a spiritual purpose will feel much more comfortable. If you accept the mystery, wisdom and great sensitivity of this cycle - if you communicate with your heart, your intuition - you will thrive.

Those who refuse to connect with others in a peaceful, spiritual way will slowly lose their hold.

During any 2 cycle you want to guard against conceit and making wrong choices. And this year we will be prompted to adjust to the 2 cycle with an 11 twist. 11 is a gateway and prompts you to make a choice. You can walk through the two pillars into the unknown on the other side and keep growing, just like a plant grows toward the sun.

Or you can ignore the presence of this 11 gateway and decide to keep on doing things as before. Any stubborn attachment to past, outdated thoughts and actions will result in imbalance. These people will be on shaky ground.

That's because, Master Number 11 first and foremost tests you to keep balance in your life. You do this by tuning in. Not to the media. But by checking your greatest source of wisdom - your intuition.

For example, balancing the material WITH the spiritual is one of the responsibilities in the 2000s. People and corporations who use money as a spiritual resource and uplift and empower the lives of others, will do well. Those who use money to hurt and deceive and gain power over others will begin to feel very uncomfortable. People who have spent their whole lives telling others how to live are losing power.

Spiritual ideas have often been scorned in the world of business and politics. However, those days are waning.

All of us will be asked to set aside our differences and communicate heart to heart. The quality of the peaceful, loving 2 demands it.

Cooperation and communication, keywords for Number 2, are greatly enhanced by the wonders of the world wide web. Networking helps us understand and transcend our differences. This very newsletter, online video, emails, internet communities, podcasts - all give us all an amazing opportunity to connect in a profoundly meaningful way.

Some of you have asked for my predictions. In a few days I will share the trends and possibilities expected for important leaders and countries.

However, All of us will be placed in situations where we will be asked to use our intuition much more actively. Reaching out to others, neighbors, friends, and strangers will be important this year in order for you to remain happy, safe and at peace in the future.

You will be asked to trust and to LISTEN to your HEART.

You will have experiences where you'll know - 'I've seen the Light.' In fact choosing light over darkness will be a test for everyone this year. 'Light' happens to reduce to 11/2 in the Pythagorean System of Numerology. So does the word 'Relationship.' Both words are very important during 2009.

In 2009 you have an amazing opportunity to release shackles that have been perceived as 'necessary evils' for centuries. And some, especially young people, will act to change the system.

Will the waking up come from major Earth changes, as some are predicting? That's certainly possible. This quest for balance, whether for the Earth or in politics and religion will be felt everywhere.

The challenge in an 11 cycle is to see beyond divisions. To transcend those ideas which separate us from one another and move towards communication and peace.

Expect 2009 to be transformative and exciting. And an unprecedented opportunity for peace.

May your 2009 be blessed with prosperity, self-understanding and happiness.

Tania Gabrielle, Celebrity Numerologist and radio host, is the Author of "The Unrevealed Secrets of Political Success: How Names and Dates Shape U.S. History." Gabrielle is a regular guest on Hay House Radio, wsRadio, Decker After Dark, The Allan Handelman show and appears on radio stations across the U.S. and Canada. Sign up for her Free e-newsletter on current events, politicians and celebrities.