Dining Chairs - Pull Up a Seat and Enjoy a Good Meal

Dining chairs can go from the surprisingly cheap to the ridiculously expensive. Your only constraints may be your existing dining room furniture, your budget.... and perhaps your environmental conscience. Let me explain. Your dining chairs are an opportunity to choose furniture that is made from sustainable wood and with non-harmful products. Sustainable hardwoods like oak, cherry and maple make a good base, and even better when the production process excludes any chemicals that might vaporize overtime and pollute the air in your dining room.

Interestingly, if you have a dining room table that is not too outlandish, you'll probably find ch16B6airs to meet the criteria above and that still look good in your dining room. Sleek, contemporary designs using natural materials can go very well with glass top tables or tables made principally of metal. And of course, dining chairs can be both "green" and durable at the same time. No one says that you have to sit on chairs made out of cardboard or recycled soda pop bottles.

Naturally, if your budget extends to it, you can always partake in another form of recycling which is to buy antique chairs. Whether or not you choose to use them to seat your guests is another matter. It's true that purchasing those hand-built, eighteenth century master craftsman dining chairs makes you a little wary of using them for guests who might not appreciate their full value.

Another option is open to you as well. If your current set of dining chairs are looking a little worse for wear, then you can still get a little bit more useful life out of them by using seat covers. As seat covers can be relatively inexpensive, you can even treat yourself to "new" sets of chairs for every day of the week!

However, there comes a time when even the best recycling tips and tricks will no longer save a set of chairs whose time has come. It might be the right moment to overhaul the whole of your dining room furniture, from chairs to sideboard to table. Depending on what you have and what you want your dining room to look like, you may well find that a new ensemble of dining room furniture breathes a whole new life into the dining experience.

One of the basic choices that you will have to make in that case is whether to buy chairs with arms or without. It's a question of space, mobility and whether or not you and your guests at the dinner table would like to lounge around in your seats. Having arms on dining chairs also makes it easier to move the chairs around if you want to continue the conversation away from the table. On the other hand you would probably be well advised to acquire chairs for your dining room which do not require too much cleaning or maintenance, and that are protected against the stains that will inevitably result in area where food is commonplace.

Author Jennifer Akre, owner of many sites dedicated to indoor and outdoor home decor product and information, provides online consumers with advice on purchasing gorgeous dining room furniture and distinctive dining tables perfect for daily use and special occasions.

Renovation Revolution - How To Renovate In A Cooling Housing Market

A question many home sellers might be asking themselves these days is what sort of renovations, if any are financially safe in a cooling housing market. In recent years up-scale improvements were on the rise including recessed lighting, renovated or additional media rooms, and high end kitchen amenities. Such "extravagances" may be a thing of the past for most - at least for now. But while high-end renovation choices may not be as popular, there are still certain renovations that can improve the re-sale value of your home.

What needs to be paid attention to in today's market are renovations based on functionality, needs and aesthetics- and in that order. No longer is high end luxury the best way to go in terms of boosting the re-sale value of your home. When you head into a re-sale geared renovation you want to make sure you'll more than re-coup what you invested into the renovation.

The hard facts that'll illuminate this situation are that upscale renovations offer a re-coup max of about 93%, where the mid range renovations will stand to get you about 102% return in investment. In today's market you want to be sure you'll re-coup all that you put in, and ideally you'll profit..

Another aspect to consider as you contemplate which renovations will serve to boost the re-sale of your home, is that of location. The re-coup potential of many renovations is a location specific phenomenon. For example, a new deck will be much more popular in the West than in the South. Typically bathroom and kitchen upgrades are pretty standard and are the two rooms that hold the most potential to boost the sale price of your home.

Unfortunately energy efficient upgrades are considered more of a luxury item these days and in the short term may not be the winning choice to help up the sale price of your home. This being said, there are still great long term benefits of the energy efficient upgrade. They won't necessarily boost the value of your home today, but hang in there, as fuel prices are steadily on the rise, they are the smart long term renovation/upgrade.

Other things to consider as222A you embark further into your renovation plans are how you can go about doing a good job at without spending a fortune. If you're looking at renovating a bathroom, this is a room that can be done with relative ease, without hiring a professional contractor. Know that hiring a professional to do the whole job from plans to execution will step the project further toward a higher grade renovation.

Whatever you decide, remember that renovations today can still help you sell for a better dollar tomorrow. You just have to be smart with what you choose to do and how you choose to do it.

Illustrated Properties is a Jupiter FL real estate company with professional, effective services to help you succeed in the local market. Visit TedSoldIt.com for information on neighborhoods and home listings, and to get in touch with an expert Tequesta real estate agent.

How Your Home is Killing You

Carbon monoxide is a well-known household threat, as are lead paint and toxic household cleaners. But one lesser known killer can cause the deaths of over a hundred times more people than carbon monoxide poisoning can. This toxin is present in varying degrees in homes all across America, and can quietly slip through the cracks in your foundation and into your basement. Like most artful poisons, it has no odor, taste, or color, and causes no noticeable symptoms until it's too late. You can get lung cancer from it at a rate that is second only to cigarette smoking. There are estimates that approximately 20,000 people die annually from this unknown threat, and what's worse is the fact that it comes from a naturally occurring event that can't be stopped. All homeowners can do is try to prevent and/or slow down its progress before it claims any more lives.

This harbinger of death is called radon. It is a radioactive gas that is created by the decay of uranium that exists in the ground below us. Soil, water, and rock formations are all sources of radon. It seeps quietly into your home, usually through cracks in the foundation, and if the area is not properly ventilated, the gas gets trapped indoors.

Radon becomes deadly when it is breathed in. Particles of the gas can attach to the inner lining of your lungs, slowly damaging the tissue, leading to cancerous tumors. If you are a smoker, your risk of getting lung cancer is increased ten-fold, as cigarettes themselves already contain Polonium-210, another source of cancer-causing radiation.

Because radon is naturally occurring, there is not much that one can do to stop it. However, there are steps that homeowners can take to prevent the gas from entering their homes.

Your first and best defense against radon poisoning is to test your home for its presence. While most of us have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in our homes, a large segment of the population has never heard of radon, or know the threat that it can pose. Homeowners can purchase a home testing kit that they can use themselves, or they can hire a qualified radon tester in their local area.

There are two types of tests for radon: short term and long term. Short term tests are performed from as little as two days, up to a few months, depending on the type used. These testing kits can give fast, accurate results. Short term tests are especially useful during the sale of a home, when time is short and a buyer needs to know that the property is safe.

Long term tests, as their name implies, take longer, but provide a better overall picture of your h586ome's radon level. This is because radon levels can shift from day to day, and can greatly increase during periods of renovation. To learn the average levels over the course of a year, it is best to use a long term testing kit. Long term tests used in conjunction with short term tests can also be useful when selling your home, as you can easily reassure the potential buyer that your home is safe now, and poses little risk during the course of the year.

If you discover that radon levels are high, seal all cracks in the foundation immediately. This will prevent some of the radon from getting into your home. Don't allow yourself to have a false sense of security by simply sealing the openings; you should also install a vent pipe and fan, which are referred to as "sub-slab depressurization systems." These will help to prevent further radon from coming into your home, as well as disperse existing radon gas outdoors. Other methods such as soil suction can be effective as well, but be sure to hire a contractor who is licensed to install radon systems. The contractor will be able to test your home for gas levels, and be able to determine the best course of action, depending on your home's structure.

Test for radon annually or every two years to ensure the safety of your home, and remember that while your home is your haven from the rest of the world, it is not always safe.

Ellingson Properties is one of the top ranked realty firms in the Brevard County real estate market. If you're looking for information about homes in Palm Bay Florida, be sure to visit GregEllingson.com

Environmental-Friendly Homes Using Natural Building Materials And Techniques

With todays inflated prices on energy and the urgent need to be more environmentally friendly, building a self-sustaining home that will save you money as well as your environment is on the rise. If you are considering building a new home, do check out the natural building materials available today. It will have a positive effect on your pocket and the environment.

There are nearly 20 types of natural building techniques used in home building today. Some of the most common techniques used are outlines below.

One of the most popular forms of natural building in America is the bale building. Straw-Bale Construction is the practice of taking baled straw stacks to create extra-insulated walls. Straw bales provide the ultimate in insulation, are lightweight, cost almost nothing and do not require many tools. Mixing straw with natural plaster provides homes the ability to breathe, something missing in our society today. HUD (Housing and Urban Development), Fannie Mae (a shareholder owned company, established to expand the flow of mortgage funds in all communities, at all times, under all economic conditions and to help lower the costs to buy a home) and Habitat for Humanity have approved the construction of bale buildings which are economical, healthy and insurable too.

You can say adobe style houses are built both by the rich and poor. Its because in the South these types of homes are built because the homeowners cannot afford anything better whereas in the Southwest, the rich build adobe homes. This type of housing made from sun-dried mud bricks, has been in use for centuries all over the world.

A mixture of clay and sand are used in the construction of adobe homes. Sometimes straw and manure are added. The clay mixture is poured into Molds and left to harden in the sun for days. They are then laid on a stone or concrete Foundation using traditional masonry techniques. Mud is the mortar of choice for adobe style homes, however concrete or lime also has a history of use. Because of the severe restrictions on adobe constructions, it is limited to the desert southwest.

Among the most self-sufficient homes built are earthship homes. Michael Reynolds of Solar Survival Architecture started earthship construction. An independent structure, created and sustained by Solar Energy and recycled materials, the walls of earthship homes were and still are created from soil-filled tires, which are excellent thermal conductors. Bottles, cans and other recyclables fill the gaps between the tires. The building is typically framed with localized wood and roofed metal that will collect rainwater. Optical upgrades include integrated wastewater treatment systems, photovoltaic electrical systems and solar hot water and heating. There have been many Earthships communities built in places like New Mexico and Arizona.

Another common method of building homes today are using recycled building materials, with the sole purpose of creating less waste. By using materials and objects that would otherwise end up as trash, you will not only build an affordable home but one that is earth-friendly as well.

Global warming is a threat that will affect generations to come. The atmosphere surrounding us that supports life is a God-given gift. It must be protected. We should be leaders in efforts to curb global warming, not resistant followers.

Erin Hunt is an avid writer and activist. She discovered that many are still unaware of the dangers of global warming and thus created a website to educate others on how they can play a role in the fight against global warming. Find out more about the effects and causes of global warming and how you can make a difference at http://www.fightagainstglobalwarming.com

Consider Installing a Standby Generator

Now is definitely the time to consider installing a standby generator. Hurricane season starts in a couple of months and there is no reason to believe that the shortage of electrical power will be corrected in the near future. Weather systems have been producing severe weather throughout North America and other parts of the world, in areas that have not seen these phenomena previously. The installation of a standby generator will provide you and your family with security and comfort in the event the power grid or local disaster stops the flow of electrical power to your home.

Standby generators come in a variety of sizes for both residential and commercial applications. The size governs the maximum power that you will have available in the even of a power outage. Some homeowners want the comfort and security provided by a total replacement of the incEAAoming power, while others are satisfied with having enough energy to maintain, heating, refrigerators, freezers, and some basic lighting.

Convenience is also a consideration when considering the size of the standby generator that you require. As an example, the stove and hot water tank (if they are electric) create the highest amount of power consumption in a home. A standby generator can be installed so that you can have hot water and your stove but not at the same time.

Heating and air conditioning are also heavy electrical energy draws. Again, a homeowner may be satisfied with the loss of air conditioning for a few days rather than pay for a standby generator that can deliver enough power to keep the house cool. If you have forced air heating, the blower uses a motor that requires electricity to operate. Without an operating blower, the furnace will not work even if gas or fuel oil supplies are still available.

A standby generator is not the same as a portable generator although a portable generator can be used to supply temporary power. Standby generators are generally installed so that they start automatically and switch the load, in the event of a power failure. A portable generator usually requires set-up, including the physical connection to whatever load it is to service, and must be started manually. The amount of fuel available is usually substantially different. Where a standby generator is usually equipped with enough fuel for at least 72 hours of uninterrupted operation a portable generator may have three to five hours of run time with its fuel supply.

Standby generators are available to operate from natural gas (NG), liquid propane (LP), or diesel fuel. If your local zoning will allow, I recommend the installation of a LP standby generator. LP has the advantage that it is stored on your property so that should the natural gas delivery system also be affected because of the natural disaster (in many instances the natural gas pipeline will be shut down after a natural disaster to avoid potential explosions from fallen wires), it will not affect your ability to generate electrical power. Diesel standby generators are generally used in commercial facilities. Diesel, although stored locally on the site, has the disadvantage that after a period of time it needs to be replaced, if not used. This can be a costly expense.

Whichever type of generator you purchase make sure you follow the manufacturers installation instructions and your local building codes. The installation of a standby generator does require a building permit. Remember that any electrical generator, portable or stationary, uses a combustion engine to power it. Where there is a combustion engine operating, you have will have carbon monoxide gas, which is toxic.

Proper planning is the key to a successful standby generator installation.

For additional information on standby generators for your home or other home improvement projects, visit Renovation Headquarters

Give Special Attention To Your Bathroom Vanity Cabinet

No matter how your bathroom is well decorated, if you do not get your vanity cabinet right, your bathroom will still not look right. To complement all your effort in choosing your vanity lights, your vanity mirror, etc. you must choose the perfect cabinet to give it a perfect finish.

When you choose your cabinet, think about four simple things. Think about what you need, your budget, the size of your bathroom, and your style. Be sure you have answers to these questions before deciding what to buy in your favorite home equipment shopping center.

The first thing to consider is the need. If you need more storage space, then you might consider something that has a lot of room in it. A great way to determine how much space you really need in your cabinet is to list all things you need in your bathroom. Try downsizing then to include only the essentials to save some space. If you need more aesthetics, however, then you can sacrifice some space. Cabinet in your guest room might not need the same space as your master bedroom because your guests will not stay long in your house to need that much space in their vanity cabinet.

Another thing to consider is your budget. A great tip in this area is to size up what you can afford for new bathroom furniture. Then take that number and spend 10% less than that number. But the truth to the matter is, a more expensive cabinet does give more to the owner, so you might want to really decide on this one. Keep in mind that you also need to spend to mount it in your bathroom. The cost of plumbing should also be considered.

Perhaps another crucial consideration is the size of the bathroom. It is only logical to put a huge vanity cabinet in a huge bathroom. For obvious reason, you do not want to sacrifice more on ease and comfort inside your small bathroom by having a bulky cabinet. In fact, going for a smaller vanity tucked on a corner will give your bathroom a more spacious look.

Your own style should also be taken into consideration. Anything you put inside your bathroom speaks a little something about you. So you don not want your guests to think that you are a disorganized person by having a mismatching cabinet to the bathroom theme. If your bathroom has a traditional theme, then you go for the wood made cabinet, usually with a stone sink, to match the theme. A contemporary bathroom should have a cabinet with copper vessels and some with stainless cabinet edges. The cut should be clean and straight forward to match the straightforward look of your contemporary bathroom.

For tips on choosing bathroom vanities, visit http://www.bathroomvanities101.com.

Kitchen Designs and Ideas

When you're trying think of potential kitchen designs it can be a long and difficult process. After all there are so many colour schemes and cabinet designs and appliances and a hundred other things to choose from, that getting the right combination is incredibly difficult.

The best way to sort through everything is to come up with a few designs based on one central theme for your kitchen. For example, many people like the kitchen styles that are synonymous with a certain country or region, hence why Italian and Spanish kitchen design are so popular. By choosing a theme you can narrow down your search and look for much more specific things to build up your kitchen design.

or some others, their designs will be dictated by the shape and size of their kitchen. For instance if you have to plan a small kitchen, then your choices will be much more limited and your designs will have to be built around coming up with clever storage solutions and fitting things in.

A great way of finding focus when things get confusing is to think about exactly what you want from your kitchen and what you're trying to achieve. You can then write a list of all the essential things you need and go from there. The style and look can come much later and you can find ideas from showrooms and looking online.

Also get hold of some software to play around with. This can be incredibly beneficial because you can input the exact dimensions of your kitchen into the system and then play around with different colour schemes and styles. This can prove an excellent source of inspiration if you're struggling to come up with kitchen designs you like.

The basic rule of kitchen design is very simple - plan. By planning ahead and thinking about every tiny detail, you'll leave yourself less open to things going wrong. The problem with kitchen design is that one small thing can trigger and domino effect and send your whole vision tumbling down. Don't get caught out like this and plan for everything well in advance.

Thomas Baugh offers more advice on kitchen planning at the Kitchen Design Site.

Renovating The Exterior of Your Home the Easy Way

While many people do minor repairs and interior remodeling jobs, they often hesitate about doing exterior remodeling or renovating. There's not really a big difference between the interior and exterior 5B4of your home except for the size of the DIY jobs.

Most of the time when homeowners choose to remodel their home, there is something on the outside that needs to be done. If you allow yourself enough time, you can look for great deals on many of the supplies you're going to need. Some of the exterior jobs that may need to be done are gutters, siding, windows and window trims or perhaps adding a patio or deck to your home.

If you plan ahead, you can not only save money but also get yourself organized, whether this means getting the time off from work or arranging for the rental of some of the tools you'll need for the job. You'll be spending enough on the supplies, so you won't want to have to buy tools as well, especially when you can rent them for a fraction of the cost.

If purchasing new siding is not quite in your budget this year, repainting your home is a great DIY job that will brighten and spruce up your home. Again, planning is very important. You may have to prepare the siding for painting such as sanding old paint off or washing the home. Some people don't understand the logic of washing if it's going to be repainted. It's the best way to give it a professional look. If your home is tall and needs ladders and scaffolding, doing one section at a time will save you a lot of time and energy. Many make the mistake of trying to get the whole house done at one time. You'll find working in sections at a time not only5AA is easier but also makes you feel you accomplished more at the end of each day.

If you are going with new siding and windows, you may want to hire a professional if you have no experience in this type of work. However, many books and online sites have step-by-step guides for the DIY jobs. The stores where you buy your supplies (siding, windows, roofing, etc.) may also be able to give you many much-needed tips. If you're lucky, you have a friend or family member knowledgeable in home renovations that are willing to help you. You will save a fortune on labor costs!

Rob Carlton regularly edits newsletters on things associated with compressor designs. His articles on air compressor cooling systems can be discovered on http://www.insidewoodworking.com

Tile Ready Shower Pans For Fast Shower Construction

Tile ready shower pans are a modern alternative to traditionally built shower pan liners for ceramic tile showers. Traditional pans require masonry skills and some art for several of the construction steps. Tile ready pans require skill too, but not as much skill. Also the newer designs go in faster since there is no cure time for masonry liners.

The new design shower pans are ready for ceramic tile setting as soon as they are installed. The drain is built in to the base pan and the slope is built into the pan. Check local building codes for approval of whatever system you choose.

The traditional shower methods work great if done properly and are especially suited for custom sizes. But the newer systems are perfect for custom sizes too and are especially good for multi-unit installations like apartments or hospitals. The disadvantage of tile ready showers is cost. Installation is faster but cost is consistently higher. In most cases you can get a traditional shower pan built for just the cost of the ready made shower pan material. So look carefully at cost.

Consider these three systems.

The Tile Redi system includes a polyurethane pan with a built-in drain. Standard pan sizes come with built in curbs and side shields. The pan sets in a mortar base supplied by the builder. Level the unit and attach all the pieces and it's ready for tile installation. Check the prices!

The Schluter system has a pan with material for foam curbs and sealing material for the shower wall plus matching adhesives. The Schluter also includes a matching drain. This system is better suited for odd size locations and has the large advantage of sealing the entire wall. The pan sets in a mortar base and after installation is ready for tile.

Lastly, the Wedi system from Germany uses foam panels with adhesive to build any size shower. Foam boards make up the walls for a completely waterproof shower. The pan is set in a mortar base and is ready for tiling the morning after installation.

Conventional masonry construction of shower pans builds ceramic tile showers that will last for decades at a reasonable cost. Tile ready shower pans do have advantages in some situations.

Puzzled about shower pans? Need more information? Visit our site for ceramic tile tips.

We invite you to visit http://www.installingceramictile.net for free answers to your shower questions.

How Much Concrete Do I Need For My Project? Concrete Calculator

Calculating the amount of concrete you require for your project can be a very confusing exercise.

Pre-mix concrete comes in 60 lb. and 80 lb. Bags. A 60 lb. bag provides 0.45 cubic feet of cured concrete and an 80 lb. bag provides 0.6 cubic feet of cured concrete.

If you have mixed concrete delivered, it is sold by the yard (which is a cubic yard = 27 cubic feet).

Square or Rectangle Slab

Following are the formulas to calculate how much concrete you will require for a square or rectangular shaped pour:

L x W x T 12 = cubic feet of concrete (CF)

Number of bags of concrete needed
CF 0.45 = number of 60 lb. bags
CF 0.6 =BE2 number of 80 lb. bags

Number of cubic yards of concrete needed
CF 27 = cubic yards

L = Length in feet
W = Width in feet
T = Thickness in inches
CF = Cubic feet of concrete

Example
A patio 10' long by 8' wide - 6" thick
10 x 8 x 6 12 = 40 cubic feet of concrete
40 0.45 = 89 (88.8) 60 lb bags of concrete
40 0.6 = 67 (66.7) 80 lb. bags of concrete
40 27 = 1.5 cubic yards of concrete

Circular Slab

Following are the formulas to calculate how much concrete you will require for a circular slab:

3.14 x r x r x T 12 = cubic feet of concrete (CF)

Number of bags of concrete needed
CF 0.45 = number of 60 lb. bags
CF 0.6 = number of 80 lb. bags

Number of cubic yards of concrete needed
CF 27 = cubic yards

r = radius of the circle in feet (1/2 of the diameter)
T = Thickness in inches
CF = Cubic feet of concrete

Example
A circle 6" thick where the circle has a radius of 5.5' (11' diameter circle)
3.14 x 5.5 x 5.5 x 6 12 = 47.5 cubic feet of concrete
47.5 0.45 = 106 (105.6) 60 lb bags of concrete
47.5 0.6 = 80 (79.2) 80 lb. bags of concrete
47.5 27 = 1.8 cubic yards of concrete

Tube or Column

Following are the formulas to calculate how much concrete you will require for a circle, tube or column shaped pour:

3.14 x r x r x H 1728 = cubic feet of concrete (CF)

Number of bags of concrete needed
CF 0.45 = number of 60 lb. bags
CF 0.6 = number of 80 lb. bags

Number of cubic yards of concrete needed
CF 27 = cubic yards

r = radius of the circle in inches (1/2 of the diameter)
H = Height in inches
CF = Cubic feet of concrete

Example
A column 8' high where the column has a radius of 5" (10" diameter tube)
3.14 x 5 x 5 x 96 1728 = 4.4 cubic feet of concrete
4.4 0.45 = 10 (9.8) 60 lb bags of concrete
4.4 0.6 = 8 (7.3) 80 lb. bags of concrete
4.4 27 = 0.16 cubic yards of concrete

Download a free, automatic concrete calculator!

For additional information on home renovation projects, visit Renovation Headquarters.

Bathroom Accessories

Bathroom is the main area in a home which is to be kept very hygienic. If the bathroom is not kept hygienic, it can cause several diseases. For keeping it hygienic, the accessories used should be of good quality. You should be very serious regarding the selection of accessories for the bathroom. Various varieties of resources are available for this purpose.

Nowadays people are thinking very seriously about the design and about the accessories used. Each of the small things like brushes, soap bowls are available in different design, which is according to the design and the color of the bathroom. Today many people are spending lots of money for their bathroom. For a most modern bathroom the accessories used should be designed perfectly and attractively. It includes taps, power showers, bathroom sink, shower doors, heated towel rails, thermostatic showers, shower mixer taps, bath tub, bathroom mirror, towel warmer, bathroom taps, bathroom cabinets and much more.

Above all these things, main thing to be considered is the lighting. With the help of proper lighting arrangement the bathroom will be become more attractive. Above all these things it should be properly cleaned and kept hygienic because many diseases can spread from bathroom which is not kept hygienic. Every thing should be properly cleaned even the soap bowl. Thus you and your family can lead a healthy life.

There are various online resources available for buying these high quality bathroom accessories, which can make your bathroom the most modern one and attractive.

We are the online resources for bathroom accessories, bathroom cabinets, bathroom fixtures

You Can Remodel Your Closet In One Day - Part 2

Now that you have got a plan you are ready for action. Solicit some help from a few choice friends you can work well and have a good time. If you know anyone who is project oriented that can be a huge plus. These people know how to get things done. They are used to taking large projects and breaking them into smaller tasks that can be tackled efficiently.

Meet at the hardware or home store as soon as it opens. Usually this is a quieter time for stores. If you wait till mid morning, especially on a Saturday, it can be hectic and you won't be back with your materials till after lunch and may run out of time in the day to finish your project. Take your categorized shopping list and delegate part of it to each person. Stick to your list and don't get side tracked looking at other interesting things. You are there to pick up your closet materials, not to plan a future project. Designate a meeting time at the checkout. Double check the materials to for size and quantity. When organizing your materials at the worksite they should be out of the way, but each item should be easily accessible. Putting everything in one pile can be frustrating when trying to find a specific item. You should now be ready to for the first phase, demolition.

Demolition: Put on your gloves and safety glasses. Be judicious with your use of force. The idea is to deconstruct your closet so that the surrounding walls are left in the best condition possible. Swinging wildly with a sledgehammer is likely to put a hole in a door or send debris flying through the window. Have one person do the demolition and the others form a bucket brigade to pass the wreckage out of the house. Remove all nails and screws that might be sticking out of the wall and thoroughly clean the area before starting to build.

Layout: Referring to your plans detail the closet layout on the closet walls. Measure off the floor where each shelf will go and use your level to scribe a line across the wall. Do this for the entire plan before starting any rebuilding. Draw vertical lines at the edges of each cabinet. At this time you may be able to make limited adjustments with shelving heights if you are unhappy with the layout. Next use the stud finder to locate and mark the center of each stud wherever you have layout lines. Studs will typically be found every 16".

Construct: Start by installing any cabinets you have decided on. Transfer the stud layout to the cabinets and drill one hole towards the top of the box for each stud. While someone holds the cabinet on the layout lines screw it to the wall. Fasten adjacent cabinets together first with clamps then with shorter 1 " screws to avoid blowing through the other side. Shelving may be held up by angle brackets, wood cleats, or plastic hanger clips. Since there will be a lot of weight on shelves and closet poles make sure all fasteners are driven into studs. With brackets in place you can measure up and cut your shelving. Follow the carpenter's mantra, "measure twice, and cut once." Measure up the front and the back of shelves since walls may be out of square.

Spackle up any damaged walls or holes you may have created during construction and pickup some classy matching wooden hangers to finish the project off.

About the Author: Ron Maier is the President of Everything Hangers, a leading online provider of clothes hangers and wooden hangers. For more information, please visit http://www.everythinghangers.com.

Shutters Basics

Window shutters add a nice touch to a homes exterior. In other parts of the world, especially Europe and the Caribbean, shutters serve a functional purpose. They cover windows by night or in bad weather to keep out bad weather or cold air. By day they are pushed open from the inside and secured in place to let daylight and the suns warmth into a home. This is especially important in communities where the majority of residents lack central heating or air conditioning.

But in many industrialized nations, housing includes shutters more as accent pieces or adornments than as functional window covers. Shutte5B4rs may cover the homes largest windows, the windows on the front side of the house, the windows on the sides as well as the front, or every window in the home.

Shutters typically coordinate with a homes design to bring out a certain style in its appearance. For example, you can get shutters that are rectangular-shaped, or those that come in other forms. Here are some things to consider when selecting shutters for your home.

1. Does the homes exterior paint or paneling come with matching shutters? If so, consider using these to match the existing design, even if you had the siding done first and now want to add shutters. If not, check with the home supply provider for suggestions about the type of shutters that will go well with your current outdoor siding. You may be able to look at a print or online catalog, or view samples at the store. Some stores provide references of previous customers who have purchased these shutters, and you may be able to talk with them about their level of satisfaction or drive by their homes to have a look.

2. Choose a coordinating design and color. If your homes siding or finish does not come with matching shutters, check out several possible options before selecting one for your home. Popular styles are made of aluminum and vinyl, along with other materials that are weather-resistant, so find out whats available, along with the merits of each.

3. Compare styles to find5B4 one that suits your homes design and structure. Some shutters come with two matching panels, while others have four. You can get louvers, but keep in mind these can collect dust and may be difficult to clean. Even when operational shutters are not needed, some people choose to install them for special effect on their homes.

4. Find out all you can about the products quality. Ask the sales associate about each products durability and lifetime expectancy. Also ask about how to clean various shutter types, and what type of special cleaning substances will be needed, if any. You might also want to know about any particular conditions that afflict certain products. Wood shutters, for instance, may tend to get dry rot, termites, or other wood-associated conditions. Any type of shutter might attract insect nests, and aluminum shutters may be prone to rusting.

What are the best shutters? The best kind are those that are affordable, are easy to install, and offer the greatest protection. Which of these properties is most important depends on individual circumstances. For a disabled or elderly person it may be ease of installation with either an automatic closing mechanism or accordion type shutters. For those with limited incomes plywood shutters may be the only affordable option. For most people the best compromise would be steel panels, which offer good protection, but are certainly more expensive than plywood. The most w571orthless type of protection is the often employed use of various types of tape over the windows. This practice does little or nothing to prevent breakage, may result in large, more dangerous pieces of flying glass, and is extremely difficult to remove after the storm.

With todays changing global climate, and the increase of tropical storms frequency, some regions of the world will need to equip themselves with window shutters to prevent damage to their properties.

A house shutters can really make a big difference, learn how you can find the right kind of Shutters for your home, visit http://shutters.zupatips.com

Famous Skyscrapers

Architectural design has advanced to a phenomenal stage where every modern city would like to boast having one of the tallest buildings. While criteria defining the tallest buildings or skyscrapers differ widely, listed below are the ten most popular architectural marvels of our time.

Empire State Building
A world famous New York City landmark and sky scaper, it rises above the island of Manhattan, about a quarter of a mile into the sky. The observatory is located on the 86th floor, 1050 feet above the ground and offers the most breathtaking and panoramic view of Manhattan and beyond from within a glass enclosed pavilion. Besides the observatory there are several tourist attractions, including, restaurants, shops and banks. It also has a New York SKYRIDE an independently owned and operated simulated helicopter ride and virtual-reality movie theatre. William Lamb, an architect at Shreve, Lamb and Harmon was chosen to design the Empire State Building in 1930

Petronas Towers
Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lampur lay claim to being the tallest twin towers of the 20th century, standing at a height of 1483 feet. They were designed by architect Cesar Pelli and completed in 1998. The 88-floor towers are constructed largely of reinforced concrete, with a steel and glass facade designed to resemble motifs found in Islamic art, a reflection of Malaysia's Muslim religion. The towers feature a sky-bridge between the towers on the 41st and 42nd floors which is 170m high and 58m long.

Sears Tower
Architect Bruce Graham designed the Sears Tower of Chicago in 1974. At 1450 feet, and 110 stories, it is the tallest building in the United States of America. The construction system consists of steel fram with bronze tinted glass curtain wall. The Sears Tower Skydeck observation deck and tourist attraction is on the 103rd floor, 1353 feet above the ground.

Bank of China Tower
Located in Honk Kong, in addition to being one of the famous skyscrapers in the world, it is one of the most outstanding achievements of modern architecture. The construction was started in 1985 and completed in five years by the architects I. M. Pei & Partners and Sherman Kung & Associates. The building standing at 1205 feet, is a grouping of four triangular glass and aluminium towers of different heights, all emerging from a single granite podium. The changes rising from a square base to a single spire results in a magnificent faade of angles and profiles that reflect the light and seem almost crystalline in composition. On the 42nd floor is a sky-deck providing a panoramic view of the northwest Hong Kong.

Chrysler Building
Rising at 1046 feet, it was considered to be an engineering marvel and the tallest building in 1931. However, it still remains the tallest brick building in the world. The tower is a beautifully tapered stainless steel crown supporting the famous spire at its peak. A quintessence of skyscraper design, the Chrysler Building is a perfect example of Art Deco and has a lobby clad in different marble, onyx and amber.

Taipei 101
At a height of 1671 feet, this high-rise building has surpassed all to become the tallest skyscraper today. Taipei 101 holds the world record in three of the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat's height categories: tallest to the structural top, tallest to the roof, and highest occupied floor. The 89th floor has an indoor observation area while the 91st floor has an outdoor observation deck, known as the highest in the world. The pagoda shaped design of this building is inspired by traditional Chinese architecture. The sectioned tower is also symbolic of the bamboo plant characterizing strength, resilience and elegance. The towers design specifications are based on the number 8, considered lucky in the Chinese culture.

Jin Mao Building
This building in Shanghai symbolizes the progress and advancement made by the Chinese. It boasts of being the first tallest sky scrape in the country and the third tallest in the world. A great blend of East-West architecture it denotes aptly the emergence of Shanghai as a modern global city. It follows the versatility model by offering retail at it base, offices above and the Grand Hyatts Worlds highest Hotel occupying the upper 38 floors. The magnificently designed building combines the elements of traditional Chinese architecture and a vastly Gothic influence.

Burj Al Arab
The Burj Al Arab rises to a level of 1053 feet, and is known as one of the worlds tallest structure with a membrane faade, 24-meter wide helipad. This is the tallest operating hotel building in the world and the design is influenced by the profile of an Arabian sailing ship. The Al Muntaha restaurant is located 200 meters above the Persian Gulf offering a panoramic view of Dubai while the atrium is situated at a height of 180 meters.

CN Tower
At a height of 1815 feet, the CN Tower in Toronto is the tallest building and freestanding structure in the world. It is considered to be the signature icon of the city and hosts almost two million visitors a year. The view from the exterior glass floored observation deck located 342 meters above ground is breathtaking as it is exciting. It also has the Space Deck at 447 meters, the worlds tallest observation deck with a 160 km view and the revolving 360 Degree Restaurant.

Hancock Place
A reflective obelisk sky scrape at Boston is an architectural marvel. It is regarded as icily magnificent wherein the surface changes as the day changes, each side reflecting the color of the sky it faces. Moreover, this dramatic effect is highlighted by the parallelogram shape of the prism, which provides uniquely differing reflections on adjoining surfaces.

The architectural buildings mentioned above are famous creations and literally considered architectural works of art today.

William Brister - http://www.architecturaldesign.tv - All about architecture

How to Replace a Circuit Breaker

It is always a good idea to have each circuit breaker clearly labeled. This prevents confusion and frustration in the event that one needs to be reset or replaced. You can begin labeling the circuits by turning them off and on to see which appliance it is connected to. Circuit breakers consist of the main power supply to your home as well as individual circuits for appliances within your home.

Learning how to replace a circuit breaker or install a new circuit breaker is a little more complicated than merely resetting a tripped breaker. Firstly, you should purchase a new circuit breaker from a home improvement or hardware store. Before installing a circuit breaker you should turn the main power breaker off to shut down power to the entire house.

You can remove the gray circuit breaker panel by unscrewing the faceplate. You will see two wires on the side of the breaker; be careful to remember what position each wire is in as you remove the panel. You can use a wire nut to hold and bend back the wire that you will use later on. Repeat this process for both the white and colored wires. After removing the old breaker box simply reinstall the new circuit breaker box and replace the wires in the same manner in which they were previously installed.

Installing a circuit breaker box is a seemingly simple task. Even if you are not technically inclined, you should still be able to perform this task. If, however, you are uncomfortable in dealing with electrical issues, it might be wise to consult with an electrician. All electricians know how to replace a circuit breaker and it is not very time consuming for them, and so it should not be expensive for you, and might save you some unnecessary frustration.

Circuit Breakers Info provides detailed information about circuit breaker panels, circuit breaker manufacturers, plus advice on how to replace and install circuit breakers and where to buy used and surplus circuit breakers. Circuit Breakers Info is the sister site of Electricians Web.

How To Design A Bathroom

Everyone wants his bathroom to be luxurious and elegant.If a bathroom is designed properly it can be place where you can get rid of your all day stress.The most of the bathrooms are not well ventilated and gloomy.Lighting and ventilation are two important things which should be taken in account while planning a design for your new bathroom.One of the most important element which enhances the beauty of a bathroom is mirror.A bathroom mirror reflects both natural and artificial light in your bathroom and makes it look more spacious.A bathroom mirror is available in different sizes,styles and covers.If you want to give a modern and stylish look to your bathroom you need to choose a right mirror.

You also need to have some additional accessories which make your bathroom ornamental.Some of the outfits which are essential for your bathroom are soap dishes,towel rails,glass shelves and baskets.These outfits provide order and more storage space in your bathroom.

One of the most important accessories is a bathroom shower.Bathroom shower also comes in different sizes,styles and colors.A bathroom shower should be practical and elegant.There are many types of shower available as walk in shower and a bath tub shower.You can choose the one which suits your taste and needs.You can opt for a bath tub and shower combination if you are having limited space in your bathroom.With the help of modern accessories and outfits you can give your bathroom a refreshing and luxurious look.

Feel free to visit Bella Bathrooms if you want to have information about Bathroom Furniture and Accessories.This article is written by Jitesh Arora.

Finding Your Way In the Dark

Many people want to do amazing and remarkable things with their living space but often times they don't. Many people would rather just leave the status quo with the way it is and this is truly a tragedy which befalls many a living space too much of the time. However with new emphasis on self-reliance and changing your life in your own way as best you are able, many people have shunned convention and have tried to make their homes as much a part of them as they can. If you would like to join the growing and empowered ranks of these folks, all you need to do are follow a few simple preliminary steps.

Finding Your Way In the Dark

If you are a homeowner or even if you're just renting and you're trying to re-imagine your space, you often times are among the grand majority who have many of the same problems time and time again. Too often people will place far too much value on certain items which they need to get rid of the most. This is not an uncommon event as it is these events which are most kitschy, sentimental, undervalued, and glaringly problematic in trying to redesign your living space. You need some impartial eyes and not just your partner. For all you know the piece that you are hanging on to is likely the one which your partner, girlfriend, boyfriend, best friend, or mother has been trying to make you get rid of for such a long while that they may view the same piece with an equal amount of negative energy. It may be best to bring in an impartial acquaintance or someone who doesn't have a lot of experience with your space so that they can offer up their suggestions. As a reminder this is just a "suggestion" but often times the best advice can at once seem like it is ill conceived, rushed, or throw away.

Bring Your Ideas To the Table

Once you have assembled the list of things you'd like to get rid of then you need to think of what you'd like to replace them. While this may seem to be an easy exercise, it is not always so. You may find, especially if you are doing this with a partner, that their initial rebuffing to your ideas and you to theirs is you are both looking to replace the old with the old! It is too often the case that people who have gotten rid of long cherished items will simply try to replace them with modern interpretations which amount to the same only different. If this is the case you should bring ideas to the fore before getting your heart set. You should never be immovable.

One easy enough way to do this is by shopping online rather than in store. If something is in your hands then you are just a credit card swipe away from it being back in your life; if you are shopping online you can get a 360 degree view of the item and can rationally discuss why or why not this should be an item in your new kitchen design scheme. Many online stores that carry the best kitchen cabinets and other kitchen products will have lots of ideas for finding a new style.

The free-lance writer Eric Slarkowski is especially interested in issues relating to designing kitchen islands and designing kitchen islands. You might come across his contributions on designing kitchen islands and best kitchen cabinets over at http://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com

Bathroom Remodeling Can Be Both Big and Small

There are many home improvement projects, but few can provide the benefits of a bathroom remodeling project. There are a few things to consider when remodeling your bathroom. This article will take a closer look at this topic.

Start your bathroom remodeling with your bathroom accessory and shower curtain list. Although it may not be as important and crucial as some of the other decisions you have to make at the start of your bathroom remodeling project but a little thought and action at the start can save you a lot of time, energy and money later on.

If you don't make your bathroom accessory list at the start of your project how will you know whether the fixtures that you order will match with your style in accessories? You might fi16CFnd that the stainless steel bathroom accessory look that you grow to love later in the project simply doesn't go with the style and color of the bathtub, toilet and other fixtures that you chose weeks ago.

If you are planning a complete remodeling of the bathroom, then look for some of the best designs available in remodeling magazines or websites with galleries exhibiting various designs. While bathroom remodeling can be an exciting project it can also seem daunting because of the various aspects that need to be considered for the look and design you require.

Next to consider in your bathroom remodeling design are the materials you want to use. One of the most difficult decisions that face you when you are remodeling your bathroom is the design of the ceramic tiles. In bathroom shower remodeling, great care is required in the selection of tiles used for flooring and on walls in the shower area.

When you've got an accurate drawing of your bathroom as it is now it's time to start dreaming about the bathroom that you would like to have. I think that the fun part of using squared paper to design a bathroom is drawing the new fixtures to scale on graph paper and cutting them out so that they can be pushed into position on top of another sheet of graph paper with a drawing of the room on it. At the end of the day project managing your bathroom remodeling job is a full time job and if you want to avoid the stress that it brings then you should hire someone to project manage for you.

If you spend time on the design of your small bathroom remodeling project before you start any work you will be surprised at how much space you can save by experimenting with small sized toilets, small deep bathtubs, tiny wash basins and carefully shaped small shower cubicles. Bathroom remodeling design could be an exciting project but it can also seem daunting because of the various aspects to consider. A small bathroom will always be small but there are many ways to create the illusion of a much larger room and using bathroom wall mirrors is one of the ways.

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

New Bark House Stopping Traffic!

When my husband and I bought a vacant lot near Charlotte Street ten months ago, we only considered one material for the exterior as we got ready to build a house there: poplar bark shingles. We were used to seeing 100-year-old chestnut bark houses farther up in the mountains, and wanted that same kind of no-maintenance durability for our new Asheville home.

Apparently not many Asheville residents are used to seeing all-bark houses, though, because the construction site has been stopping traffic since the bark went up in the fall.

Today, chestnut bark is no longer available since a blight wiped out all the trees. However, poplar bark shingles are a worthy substitute, and because I was writing a book about poplar bark shingles, we felt no reservations about that material. My co-author, Chris McCurry, is one of the owners of Highland Craftsmen, the company in Spruce Pine, N.C., that produces the shingles.

Poplar bark is a reclaimed forest material which would otherwise be mulched, burned as industrial fuel, or left to rot on the ground after commercial timber operations. Instead, squared by hand, then kiln-dried and carefully wrapped until installation, the shingles provide a hardy exterior cladding that never needs paint or stain.

Poplar bark shingles are being used not only for homes all over the United States, but also for commercial applications. The shingles range from " to 1 " thick, depending on grade, and come in various lengths and widths. They require careful installation over a plywood substrate and a layer of roofing felt, but once nailed in place according to manufacturer's guidelines they remain flat and stable for decades.

Our lot's small dimensions -- 3,900 square feet, or .09 acre -- dictated a small building footprint, in this case 30' X 32'. That includes a 24' X 24' two-story core of heated space linked by an 8' X 8' bump-out stairwell, with covered porches upstairs and downstairs in the Asheville bungalow style.

Builder Frank Wilson of Candler has overseen construction, with Asheville carpenter David McCaslin hand crafting stairway and porch railings from locust poles. Custom cabinetry by Carl Hankins, owner of Asheville's Kitchen Concepts (cabinet55@charter.net) looks like fine furniture instead of just cupboards.

The downstairs consists of a great room with kitchen and living/dining room, flanked by a guest suite with bathroom; upstairs there's an office and spacious master suite. The house has an energy-saving on-demand water heater and only an under-counter refrigerator, and the covered porches should diminish the need for air-conditioning.

One observer said, "It looks like it rose from the ground." That's exactly the feel that poplar bark shingles give a building. A squirrel took off running up the back of the house once the bark was on.

Nan Chase's first book, Asheville: A History, has just been published by McFarland, and her book Bark House Style: Sustainable Designs from Nature, with Chris McCurry, will be published in June 2008 by Gibbs Smith.

Author: Janet Marie http://www.abandre.com (This is one of the most popular articles that went out in our Christmas newsletter)

Highland Craftsmen (company who produces the bark shingle siding) http://www.barkhouse.com

Home Security Alarms - Get the Best Protection for Your New Home

In order to protect your house, a home alarm system is your best bet. Two main types of home alarm systems are available: a local alarm and the monitored system. Local alarms make a lot of noise in order to scare off an intruder which is what they were designed to do. A fully monitored home alarm system not only makes a great deal of noise, but it sends out an emergency signal to a monitoring center so that a proper response can be made in case of an emergency. There is another benefit that a monitored home alarm security system has. It may qualify you for a deduction on your homeowners insurance policy.

Which home alarm system is the best one for you? Whether you are building a home or buying a new one, this should be the first question on your mind. You want to see that your loved ones are protected as well as your valuables. Lets narrow the field down so that it will not be such a confusing choice to pick the right home alarm security system. Lets look at the features of a hard-wired system and those of the wireless system.

The Hard-Wired System
A hard-wired alarm security system is usually best installed while your house is being built so that all of the necessary cables can be installed ahead of time. Many of the components that are used with this system are much cheaper which makes it an excellent choice for your pocketbook! However, you may be spending more money on maintenance costs down the road. This is probably the only drawback of a hard-wired home alarm security system. The great thing about the hard-wired components is that you will not have to worry about weak transceiver signals since they are run through wires.

The Wireless System
The other option that you have for your home alarm security system is the wireless system. It has much to offer, and one of the reasons that it stands out as the best system is that it can be installed if you are building a new home or moving into an older home. It may be an expensive investment, but down the road the maintenance costs are rather cheap. You will probably only have to be concerned about maintaining the power sources for those cameras, motion detection devices and microphones that you set up in your home. The one great feature that set this apart from a hard-wired system is that since it is wireless, it will be able to work on a WIFI network. You will be able to monitor your home from any location you happen to be in as long as you are connected to the Internet. With WIFI technology, you will be able to control the wireless home security camera with a laptop, a remote computer, or even with a WIFI capable phone. The type of technology gives your endless options of how you will be able to monitor your family as well as your valuables.

Now that you have narrowed your choices down to a hard-cabled or a wireless system, you are now able to choose the best home alarm security system to protect those things you value the most.

Get all your home security questions answered at http://homesecurity.best-info-on.com

Bathtub Refinishing

Bathtub refinishing is a popular choice when it comes to renovating or remodeling a bathroom. Instead of taking the time and expense of removing an existing bathtub, old bathtubs are looking new once again by refinishing the tub.

TAEAhe concept of making an old tub look new has caught on for homeowners who like the idea of saving money on a bathroom makeover project. Bathtub refinishing allows people the option of applying different substances on an existing tub to bring back the shine of a new tub.

The cost of replacing a bathtub can be a huge expense and the demolition that is sometimes required for removing an old tub can be very time consuming. The process of refinishing a bathtub can take as little as two days for completion without the added cost and time.

When considering restoring an existing bathtub, there are several products to choose from. Bathtub refinishing products range from less expensive do it yourself kits available at the local home goods store to the more expensive materials that a bathtub restoration professional uses. Although the entire process can be done by most people, hiring a professional may be worth the extra expense.

When a professional refinishes a bathtub, the supplies used are usually a superior quality and the result often shows. The professional uses a spray on type application that gives a nice smooth even coat on the entire bathtub. Most do it yourself refinishing kits have roll on applicators, which do a good job for most bathtubs, but may lack the superior quality of a professional application.

Consider bathtub refinishing if you are planning a bathroom renovation. It is less costly than replacing a bathtub and the final results have proven to make homeowners very satisfied with their old but new bathtub.

Be sure to read more about bathtub refinishing where we show you the benefits of refinishing a bathtub. Also learn more about bathroom renovations including installation of luxury bathtubs such as clawfoot bathtubs, walk in bathtubs, steam showers, and more by clicking on the link today at: http://www.bathtub-depot.com/bathroom_renovations.html

Finding Fantastic House Renovation Ideas

If you want to renovate your home then it can be confusing where exactly to start. Some home renovation projects are extremely difficult and can be very scary! There are a few things that you must think about when planning any home renovation project. The most important thing is to educate yourself so you are able to carry out the tasks correctly. You will have to put a lot of effort into renovating your home, so you will want to make sure you are able to do it properly.

Flooring

Flooring in your home is very important, but it is also pretty expensive. Improving the flooring in your home is a very good way to improve the overall look of your home. Replacing with a high quality floor can make your home worth much more and also make it much more desirable if you came to sell it.

There are lots of different options that you can use when updating your flooring, two of the most popular options are hardwood flooring and using carpets. Almost everybody has a different opinion of what would work best in their own house. You can find numerous different types and colors of flooring which will work with any theme and color scheme.

Updating floors isn't really that difficult, it's much easier than say changing kitchen cabinets. I would suggest sticking to snap together engineered hardwood flooring as it's much easier.

Windows and Doors

Another way to greatly improve your home is to renew the windows and doors in your home. The windows, doors and floors are very important to prospective buyers because they think that it is a lot of work to change them. You should also treat replacing windows and doors as an investment, after all by replacing them with double glazed windows you should be able to save money on your heating costs. This saving will be most noticeable during the winter months.

It is very important to make sure your windows are kept in tip top condition. One of the best investments you could make is actually replacing your windows. Windows are often59B overlooked when considering home renovation projects, however they are very important. Your house will look much more appealing from the outside which should make it much easier to sell should you want to.

There are a number of different replacement window options that you can consider, including:

- Wood
- Vinyl
- Aluminum

All of these are very popular and durable, most places offer reasonable prices. You must be prepared to shop around in order to find the best buy.

If you don't feel confident enough to replace the windows yourself then don't hesitate to call in the professionals!

The collaborator Jack Blacksmith is very passionate about news relating to bay window curtains and storm protection. His contributions on garden replacement windows can be discovered on his webpage and also other online publications.

10 Things to Consider When Remodeling Your Bathroom

There are many home improvement projects, but few can provide the benefits of a bathroom remodeling project. Remodeling the bathroom can be a great way to add real value to your home while increasing the enjoyment level of yourself and your family.

There are a number of things to consider before undertaking such a major project, however, such as:

1. Have a detailed inspection of your bathroom done before you start. It is a good idea to have a plumber inspect your current bathroom for leaks and other problems. Remodeling time is a good time to fix any leaks and update the fixtures.

2. Pay attention to energy efficiency. Chances are you will be able to save money in the long run by installing low flow toilets, water saving showerheads and other energy efficient fixtures.

3. Sketch out your proposed bathroom design. It is important to plan carefully for what you will do with the space. If you want a larger bathtub, or even a whirlpool, be sure to sketch it out and make sure you have enough space.

4. Pay attention to storage space. Storage space is at a premium in many modern bathrooms. You may be able to use your bathroom remodel to gain more cabinet and storage space.

5. Prepare a realistic budget for the project. No remodeling project can be succes8CDsful without a realistic budget. Take the time to draw up an honest budget, and try your best to stick to it.

6. Shop around carefully. The prices on the same fixtures can vary quite a bit between stores. Be sure to shop around for what you need in order to get the best price.

7. Find a reliable contractor. For most people, remodeling the bathroom is not a do it yourself project. It is important to find a contractor who has experience with plumbing and remodeling bathrooms.

8. Pay attention to color. A fresh coat of paint can make a huge difference when remodeling the bathroom, but many people fail to take this important and inexpensive step. Painting the bathroom with a fresh coat of paint can make a huge difference.

9. Stay organized. Proper organization is essential to a successful bathroom remodeling project. Use a calendar to keep track of important deadlines, and remain organized as you go forward.

10. Keep your eye on the ball. It is important to see the bathroom remodeling project as a whole project. Even though there are many small hurdles to tackle, it is important to see the project as a whole.

For more information on home improvement and bathroom remodeling, take a look at our comprehensive home improvement guide at http://www.get-home-improvement.com.

Brooke Sikula is a freelance writer based in Ventura, CA and maintains her own website at http://www.brookesikula.com. She is also a regular contributor to http://www.homesfix.com.

How to Install an Inground Flagpole

An inground flagpole is simply a flagpole that is rooted in the ground. It is a permanent pole designed to withstand winds of up to 130 mph, depending on the height and material of the flagpole. Just as trees require roots for support, inground flagpoles need foundations.

A foundation is made by digging a hole, wetting the soil, and pouring in concrete. A cylindrical groundsleeve is then inserted into the wet concrete. A groundsleeve is a thick steel cylinder with an open top and a wide base, designed to protect the flagpole from the corrosive effects of the concrete. On the outside of the groundsleeve are steel plates58D that lock it in place. On the inside of the groundsleeve are steel wedges that firmly center the base of the flagpole. Oftentimes the groundsleeve will include a ground spike to channel away lightning (but this might be of little concern if you have a fiberglass flagpole, the only flagpole material that does not conduct electricity.)

The foundation may also include a flash collar, which fits over the ground sleeve and bottom of the pole to protect it from the elements and give the foundation a finished look. Space between the collar and pole is sealed to keep water away from the base of the pole and the foundation.

When building your foundation, it is important that the flagpole extends far enough underground so that it will not blow over. A good rule of thumb is that ten percent of the poles length should be underground.

Some of the larger flagpoles do require professional installation. Ask the manufacturer or distributor whether they will do it for free with purchase.

Flag poles Info provides detailed information on flagpoles of all types, including telescoping, fiberglass, commercial, residential, aluminum, tailgating, wall mounted, in ground, flagpoles for sale, and more. Flag poles Info is affiliated with 25BOriginal Content Web.

Brilliant Kitchen Floors

The kitchen is a very important room in everyone's house, for a start it gets used at least three times everyday! It also seems to be a meeting room where all your friends and guests seem to congregate. This is why it's so important that your kitchen create a good impression. Even if you have dirty dish5B4es cluttering up the space, a luxurious floor can make all the difference. If your floor is old and worn then it's time to start considering replacing your kitchen floor with something more up to date.

Some people think it's a good idea to lay vinyl flooring on top of existing floors, however although this is a quick way to get the job done it's a bad corner to cut. Any imperfections in the lower floor will quickly show through on the new floor. If you are going to replace the floor in your kitchen, then you should take the old one up before starting to lay the new one.

If you are convinced with keeping the old floor then you can lay a new sub floor over the top of the old flooring. This creates a perfect level surface the same as if you ripped the old floor up. However this isn't as good as removing the old floor as there are weaknesses which could cause problems in the future.

In order to speed up the job you should take everything from the kitchen that isn't fixed down. Removing all the clutter from your kitchen makes the job much quicker. If you leave everything in your kitchen then you will find you have to move it around when you are laying the new floor.

Be Accurate

You can rent a machine that can take up the vinyl flooring for you, however even when using these machines you still need some hard work. No machine will take all of the flooring up, you will have to do these spots that are missed by hand587. You need to have as smooth a floor as possible in order to fix the new floor down securely.

When you have removed the entire old floor you should install a new sub floor. When cutting flooring make sure you are accurate, you will need to cut the flooring around your walls and kitchen cabinets. You don't want any noticeable gaps, but you also don't want any problems when they expand in hot weather.

When you have fitted the sub floor you should clean it with a mop in order to remove any of the dirt that may be lying on there. Make sure it's clean so it can't affect the adhesive. The adhesive should be evenly spread across the floor in sections, do not try to do the whole floor at once you could well find yourself stuck to the floor!

You should allow the glue to dry completely before you walk on it or start installing appliances. This weight could cause movement in the floor before the glue has been allowed to set.

Being particularly interested in refacing and cabinets, Jerry Blackburn is writing a lot of detailed reports on the topic. You might find out more about his work on remodel kitchen cabinets at 275http://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com

Installing Counter Tops

How To Install Formica Counter tops

First, prepare the surface to accept the laminate plastic:

The best material for this job is plastic laminate 1/16" thick for the flat surfaces. For the vertical surfaces, 1/32" thick can be used. Sanding and cleaning the surface that you are covering is very important. Make sure you remove any paint or varnish. The counter top you are covering is probably made of strong particle board, but standard particle board and even plywood are fine as underlayment for plastic laminates.

Next, cut the laminated plastic:

Using a circular saw, a saber saw, a back saw or a utility knife, cut the laminate material. Make sure the saw blade is very fine toothed. Place5B4 a strip of tape (masking tape or duct tape) along line to be cut on the laminate to stop chipping and to have a line that is easier to see.

If you are using a power saw, cut on the reverse side of the laminate. Since these types of saws cut on the upstroke, cutting from the back will prevent chipping. If use a hand saw, you can cut from the front at a low angle. Make sure you cut the sheets a little wider and longer than you need to allow for trimming.

Then, apply the laminate plastic:

It is recommended that you apply the laminate with contact cement, although you can use epoxy adhesives. Using coarse sandpaper, roughen the surface to be covered. Lightly brush off the residue, or better yet, use an air compressor to blow it off. Be very careful when you lay the sheets. It is important to know that 50 to 75% of the bonding strength of the cement is present in the first contact, so you have to make sure the pieces are accurately positioned before you put them down. On vertical surfaces, you can position the sheets directly on the surface without using any wooden strips or paper.

Now, finish the job:

Once the laminate is positioned correctly, take the dowel rods out one at a time as you bond the two pieces together Using a roller, press down the laminate sheets you have just laid down. Roll the whole surface thoroughly to get rid of any pockets of air and to assure that the plastic sheet is very strongly 59Battached to the surface at all the points of the sheet. If you have a large surface and one piece is not large enough, you will have to make a seam. First, bond the two pieces into place. To finish off the edges, clean the base of the router so that anything stuck on the base will not scratch the laminate. You can usually remove any small debris with a piece of tape and don't need power tools and table for such trivial tasks. Remove any surplus contact cement with acetone. Ordinary polish remover for nails can be used if you do not have acetone.

Concentrating on information about woodworking machinery, the author published normally for http://www.insidewoodworking.com His writings on power tools and table saw reviews can be found on his online sites.

Natural Slate

Guaged

Guaged refers to a process where the thickness of a series of tiles is evened out for the installation process. If stones have varying dimensions, they may set unevenly in an architectural application. The way to resolve such a problem is to use mechanical grinder to remove excess stone from each tile.

Natural / Cleft

When slate has a natural clefted finish it means that the surface of the stone is rough, and has not been honed or polished down. The word cleft refers to the splitting that occurs within the stone, during its formation, and which causes the uneven features found in finished tiles.

The main draw of using clefted slate is that it has a natural and rustic look. Cleft stone looks like real stone, and it gives an application an outdoorsy feel.

Another major advantage of using clefted material is that it is extremely slip resistant. That is why many restaurants and commercial kitchens use this material, as it cuts down on lawsuits from customers who fall in wet puddles.

Clefted material also tends to wear down well in high traffic areas. The dimensional nature of the stone tends to soften over time, and achieves an attractive brushed patina which many people find to be quite beautiful.

The drawback to using a clefted material is that it may be uncomfortable to walk on it with bear feet, due to the tiny ridges and peaks which poke out of its surface.

Polished

Slate that has been polished has been grinded by a machine to give the material a smooth, shining, glossy appearance. Polished slate tends to resemble marble, except that the colors are more unique, and the dimensionality that was in the original stone is retained to a certain extent, as shadow lines in the polished surface of the material.

Polished slate is often considered more elegant than natural slate, and has a more finished look. It also tends to retain many of the colors and features found in the original stone, making it both rustic and powerful, while still retaining its sophistication and style.

The problem with polished slate is that it is never as dramatic as the natural surface of the stone, and many of the powerful colors found within it will be washed out by this process. Polished slate is also quite slippery, and doesnt have any of the dimensional qualities that make the clefted version so popular in restaurants.

The polished version will also tend to show scratches and dirt much more easily than a natural finish will.

Honed

A honed finish is the halfway point between clefted and polished slate. A honed surface is smooth to the touch, but doesnt have the glossy shiny appearance and texture that a polished material has.

A honed finish is generally used when you want a polished look, but you dont want material that will cause a slipping hazard. This type of finish gives slate a little bit of texture, just enough to catch your shoes on, making it much safer than a polished alternative.

Unfortunately you do lose many of the colors and features found in a natural stone when you hone it, making the outcome considerably less vibrant.

Brushed / Flamed

The brushed or flamed finish is relatively new in natural stone. It is a process where a natural cleft is honed down slightly, just enough to get rid of the most dramatic peaks. The difference between this and honing is that the resultant materials looks like it is natural, with the vibrant colors and the dimensionality, but you can walk on it with bear feet.

Brushed material is very popular in hotel lobbies where owners are trying to achieve a look which is both dramatic and inviting, without presenting a slipping hazard, and without the natural clefting that can make people walking in socks uncomfortable.

Conclusion

There are many different choices you have for the finish of your natural slate. The style you choose should depend largely on taste, but also on the application you are trying to achieve. You have to balance slip resistance and color against uniformity and elegance, and figure out what is really important in your project.

Natural slate tile and slabs offered by the author Joey Lewitin, and available on the site http://PebbleZ.com

Thanksgiving Craft: DIY Leaf Napkin Rings

These classy looking autumn inspired napkin rings will add the perfect touch to any Thanksgiving feast. As an added bonus they are very easy to make and cost next to nothing.

To see the image of the completed project, visit http://www.dotcomwomen.com/crafts/thanksgiving/leaf-napkin-rings.shtml

What You Will Need

1. Salt

2. Flour

3. Water

4. Rolling pin

5. Cutting board

6. Cookie sheet covered with aluminum foil

7. Golden yellow paint or some other autumn color.

8. Fine tipped paintbrush

9. Ribbon in a dark autumn color such as maroon.

10. Leaf button or small leaf stamp

11. Sharp kitchen knife

12. Fake autumn leaves (these can often be found in the craft section of most stores)

13. Hot glue gun

Directions:

1. First you will need to make the salt dough.

2. In a medium bowl mix: 1 Cup salt, 1 Cup flour and Cup water.

3. Knead the dough until it reaches a clay-like consistency. If it is too sticky add more flour. If it is too dry add more water.

4. Put a small amount of flour on the area where you will be rolling out the dough and spread it evenly so that the dough will not stick.

5. Roll out the dough with the rolling pin until it is about a of an inch thick.

6. Use the button or stamp to make an impression in the dough.

7. Use the knife to cut a rectangle or square around the impression.

8. Place the pieces on the cookie sheet. Make sure you place them on the sheet with the indent facing up.

9. When you have made as many as you need. Turn the oven to warm and put the pan in the oven.

10. The amount of time it will take to dry the pieces depends on the oven. So check them constantly. It will most likely take about 2-3 hours for them to dry completely. When they are done they will be hard, light and make a hollow sound when tapped on.

11. When they are done, paint the indent with your chosen color.

12. Allow the paint to dry.

13. Plug in the hot glue gun.

14. Cut the ribbon into four inch long pieces.

15. Choose leaves for the napkin rings and remove stems if necessary.

16. With the hot glue gun, put glue on the back of a salt dough piece and attach it to the front of a leaf, so that the piece is slightly slanted.

17. When the glue has dried turn the leaf over and put a small line of glue towards the base of the leaf.

18. Attach the ribbon so that it forms a ring.

19. Use as you would any other napkin ring.

Article Dot Com Women. For more Thanksgiving craft and decorating projects, visit http://www.dotcomwomen.com/crafts/thanksgiving.shtml

Affordable Insurance

You'll trim down your insurance costs by tackling your policies one after the other. If you can reduce each of your policies by as little 10% it will easily amount to much. Thankfully, you can save a lot more and you can also start doing that within minutes. Here are things that will help you save...

1. A normal garage has oils, gas and other liquids that are high5B4ly inflammable in nature. So your home insurance premiums will be cheaper if your garage is located at a safe distance from your residential structure.

2. The material you use in building your house has much effect on your home insurance premium. For example, brick homes are best in states with high winds while frame homes are preferred in earthquake regions. This means that people who live in the East will make huge savings if they opt for a frame house. On the other hand, those who live in the West will enjoy cheaper premiums if theirs is a frame house because of the earthquakes there. Expect to save a minimum of 5% if you opt for a house with the preferred material.

3. Upgrade your heating, electrical and plumbing systems to modern standards and you'll enjoy a discount of as high as 15%. Although you may like the old-fashioned fire place, you certainly are aware that it is definitely not as fire-safe as a current heating system. Advancement has been made in house building technology. Make good use of them as they will not only lower your home insurance spend but increase the value of your property in many cases.

4. Ensure that you fully know what the exclusions are in a home insurance policy. They are things that the policy doesn't provide you coverage for.

So before you settle for a low-priced rate make sure the policy does not exclude something that might compromise you down the line. Any home insurance poli5B0cy that places you at risk isn't really worth the paper it is written on no matter how inexpensive it is. All it takes is studying the policy to avoid rude surprises in the future.

5. Folks seem to take more precaution against fire than water damage by not checking their plumbing and fixing things as regularly as they should. Reports show that water damage is the predominant claim on a homeowner's policy. Consequently, proving to any insurer that your home has little or no risk of water damage will result in a good discount. And do not forget to inform your agent if you upgrade your plumbing.

6. You can bring down your home insurance premium by obtaining and comparing quotes from at least five good quotes sites.

Here are recommended pages for home insurance quotes...

Affordable Home Insurance Quotes In Minutes

Low Cost Home Insurance Quotes In Minutes

Chimezirim Odimba writes on insurance.

Steam Shower

Showers are considered to be extremely essential features of modern human life and are the commonest devices used by individuals in order to cleanse their body as well as to ensure the prevention against any form of disease or infections. There are various kinds of showers that are used in households for regular usage and there are certain kinds of showers which are used popularly in spas and these are believed to have therapeutic effects on the body and aid in relaxation. Steam baths or sauna baths have been very prevalent practices since early times and steam showers are also quite a popular form of bathing.

Steam shower rooms where the means by which one could experience the effects of steam showers as this shower is usually practiced amidst enclosed spaces. In order to understand the reason behind this, it is necessary for one to have an idea regarding the usage mechanism of steam showers. Steam showers function with the help of steam generators which help in the production of water vapor by the process of humidification. Therefore, if steam showers are set up in bathrooms it is essential to make sure that it is placed in an enclosed area so that the water vapor thus produced does not get the opportunity to escape out in the open. In such cases, the effect of the steam shower will be reduced greatly. Moreover, in such cases, it is also possible that the wallpapers or paints adhering to bathroom wall may be damaged as a result of this excess steam production.

In most cases it is noticed that these steam showers are available in the form of stand-alone showers and here the shower units are located in three different regions, above the head, on the backside or behind the posterior part of the body. Most of the health spas and gymnasiums provide these features and contain separate steam shower enclosures. However, in recent times, it has been noticed that steam shower set ups have become common features in bathrooms as well and the reason behind this is that at present the various technological innovations have greatly lowered its installation and maintenance costs. Moreover, to ensure rapid sale and to increase popularity steam showers are often accompanied by various other features like telephones, CD players or MP3 players, radios and television systems and aromatherapy. Such features have immensely popularized the usage of this product.

To get the best cleansing experience, you must purchase only the best bath and body products, without chemicals which can dry out your skin, make you look older, or even cause cancer!

Be Ready With Your Layout

"Imagination is the layout; reality is the product".

Whatever, your imaginations are, it's now time to draw them on a paper. Layout your measurements and the details with your ideas to get a picture on how the final product will look like. With this picture, reality is definitely one step ahead of imagination.

The kitchen will be your main focus when it comes to the layout. Think about things that will take place in your kitchen in future before you start doing the layout- from preparation of food to cooking and not to forget those special sharing moments during the festive seasons with your family. With that in mind you can start to think on ways to get things organized and well pl5B4an. Maybe you will need some extra storage space or a bigger pantry. That's quite a lot going on in your kitchen.

Designing the layout is the time to think where do you locate your dishwasher, refrigerator, oven, stove and sinks. Draw a simple symbol on top of each box to help you identify the location for each appliance. Make sure these appliances are located nearby their sockets or pipes.

Planning to add an island in the middle of your kitchen, don't forget to draw it down. Remember to draw every detail you want your kitchen to project precisely as this will help you when it comes to fixing.

Drawing a layout is simple, easy and fun! Just take a pencil and start sketching. If you do still find a hassle in drawing or perhaps have a phobia towards art, then try using kitchen planner software to get this done. The results are more than just amazing. All you need to do is just clicking on your mouse together with your mind thinking. Pick your theme before keying in your measurements and you're almost done with a 3D image of your dream kitchen. Get this software now at no price at all from the Internet.

For more information about kitchen cabinets visit our site

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Tin Ceiling Tile - Is a Tin Ceiling Right for You

Have you noticed that your old ceiling is looking drab and stained? Have you considered replacing but dont have the money to hire someone to do it for you? Replacing your old ceiling is a job youA9D can do yourself when you use tin ceiling tile to replace the old ceiling you have now.

You can choose unfinished tin panels that are made with bright tin plated steel stamped panels, not the economy tin or lightweight grayish aluminum you may see advertised elsewhere. Tin ceiling tile comes in many patterns and colors as well varied types as well. You can choose from styles such as Nailups, Dropins, and Snaplock as well as all moldings. Many people decide to finish their tin ceiling tile themselves by paining or applying a clear polyurethane coating to them. You may decide this option works for you.

With a Snaplock tin ceiling tile, you can anchor it directly into a drywall ceiling with six drywall screws. You can apply this method to plaster ceilings too, but you will want to use metal plaster screws instead of drywall screws.

Tin ceiling tiles can be used in a kitchen for a backsplash. This is becoming quite popular in home dcor. The 6 pattern is most often used for a backsplash, but a 12 pattern may be used as well. The Nailup panel is the appropriate product to use, the Snaplock is not intended for this purpose.

If you have a low ceiling in one of the rooms, you intend to install tin ceiling tile, it is best to use light colors. This can help reduce the appearance of a low ceiling. If you are thinking of replacing your bathroom ceiling with tin ceiling tile, you can be as creative as you would like. You can make bold statements with color in your bathroom because they are a private room.

Tin ceiling tile comes in many colors, patterns, and sizes. They can add a fresh element to an old stale room with ease and little cost. You will be pleased with the effect a tin ceiling tile has on the entire room.

For more information about Tin Ceiling Tile?, feel free to visit us at: http://www.about-tin.info/Articles/Tin_Ceiling.php