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

Click here for more info about kitchen212 cabinets.

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

Uses for Wood Molding

Wood molding is a great home improvement tool. Like paint, it is versatile and it is a small change that can make a big impact. The addition of molding can change the way a room looks. It can be used in many different ways, too, so it is a very unique tool. You can do a lot with some simple molding additions in your home.

Wood molding is basically a trim. It gives a finished look to a room. It can also be used as decorative edging especially if you have the correct saw jig to match other wood carvings in your home. Using it can be a good way to quiA0Cckly and cheaply finish a wall. There are many different styles from which to choose so you can do almost anything with it and accomplish almost any look you want.

How to Use It

The main use for molding is as a border along the bottom of a wall as a baseboard or the top as crown molding. It goes on the wall at the bottom or top and helps to create a seamless transition between wall and floor or ceiling. It is easy to finish a wall when using molding because all you need to do is hand it up. Depending on the width of the molding it can even help make painting easier, as you do not have to paint all the way down to the floor since the molding will cover that area. It can also be used to frame windows. It will cover the wall seams around the window and just give the window a finished look. It is also often used as a chair rail, which is when it runs around the center area of the wall. It is called this because it is often seen in dining rooms where people scoot back from the table and risk bumping the wall. With the chair rail they will hit it instead, thus saving your paint job from damage. It can be used as the base for handrails on stairs. This is a decorative touch that makes the stairway look more finished.

There are many more uses for wood molding. Really you can use it in any way you can imagine. It is a durable product that comes in a variety of styles, so they can be a great way to add to a current project or simply spruce up a room in need of a change.

Leroy Calstard writes articles predominantly for http://www.insidewoodworking.com , a web publication with information about woodworking tools guide , jigs for woodworking and different topics. His contributions on jigs for woodworking and wood jig are found on his online sites .

Bathroom Design Plan - How To Make a Small Bath Look Bigger

What will you do if your perfect bathroom plan is bigger than the space you actually have? Instead of tearing down the wall to make up for that much needed space, why not use these simple yet effective ideas to make your design look bigger...

1. Multi-purpose cabinet and display shelf

One cabinet with display shelf that is both functional and decorative is enough for your plan. Use thin and long cabinet to create an illusion of open space. Maximize the wall by going long instead of going wide.

2. Better floor management

Open up your space even more by showing as much floor as your can. A floating vanity creates an illusion of additional floor space. Also, use lighter color flooring materials to make the room appear larger.

3. Use proper materials

One of the better ways to create a spacious bathroom is to install simple yet elegant wall tiles. It could be made of glass, marble, limestone, or ceramic. Use a minimalist wall treatment approach so that it can achieve a clear and spacious look. Another tip is to make your bathroom cohesive to the entire house. Install in your bathroom the same wall material you use on the room next to it. But do not limit yourself to these options alone. Be 16CEcreative. Employ some elements such as window, glass wall, or mirrors to generate a more open feel.

4. Work on the ceiling.

If you are stuck with a limited floor area, think above your head. Let the natural light to come in by constructing clear glass ceiling on one area of the bathroom, for example the bathtub. If the budget permits, set the ceiling higher than your original plan. A 10ft. by 10ft. bathroom constructed with an additional foot of ceiling is equivalent to 100cu.ft. of free space. A high ceiling will definitely give you the feel of open space.

5. Use appropriate equipment, fittings, and fixtures.

Sink, bathtub, toilet, basin, vanities, shower, faucets, knots, and bots should not overwhelm one another. The perfect plan is the one that give attention to both big and small details. If you can't find commercially available equipment, fittings, and fixtures that will fit to your plan, hiring a contractor or customizing them yourself is a viable option.

For bathroom design ideas, visit http://www.bathroomdesignideas101.com

Bathroom Design Tips - Going Vintage

Even with the rise of contemporary and other modern interior designs, a lot of people still enjoy going fC2Bor the vintage look. There is that certain aura of calmness and prestige that comes with vintage bathrooms. You may be surprised to know that you can easily and cheaply get the items you need in the most common places. Here are some tried and proven tips.

Vintage bathrooms are usually influenced by the 1920s and 1930s era. Colors and shades are usually light with hints of black or navy blue. Tiles are porcelain or marble with smooth finishes of white and other pale colors like sky blue and light green. Halfway up the walls, apply square tiles. Vintage bathroom floors have a mosaic design wherein a bold color interior would be bordered. You can find these kinds of tiles at your local shop or get them at cheaper prices in garage sales.

Built-ins are very popular vintage pieces since the period wanted everything fresh and clean-looking. Most decorations you have to place in your bathroom may need to be both aesthetic and practical. Hidden medicine cabinets are ideal pieces as well as towel bars built into the sink. Towel bars are heated via hot water or electricity so you can easily find the perfect one in your local hardware shop. Your towel bar may be built-in the sink or independent.

When choosing bathroom lights, you should pick frosted glass and metals since these effectively create a vintage atmosphere. Antique sconces and ceiling lights are great as well which you can get at antique stores or flea markets. Hanging lamps are good also. Skylights were popular back then so experiment if it compliments your overall theme. As for lighting, a standalone bathroom lamp is good plus yellow or fluorescent ceiling light. Light bulbs were very popular during the era so feel free to use these.

A vintage bathtub is one of the main items that your bathroom needs. There are clawfoot and pedestal tubs made of cast iron or acrylic. These are quality pieces that you can order from special vintage manufacturers. A vintage sink is also important so try to have some space available for a vessel or pedestal sink. A vintage toilet preferably white is an excellent addition to the tub and sink. Stainless steel fixtures are common and look well with white shades. You may choose to keep your current toilet or invest in novelty toilet seats.

For bathroom design ideas, visit http://www.bathroomdesignideas101.com

How to Install Wall Tile

Wall tile is a feature that works for most rooms in the house. It's attractive, plus it protects the walls from dirt. Tile is much easier to clean than most other types of walls! Here are a few suggestions for how to install wall tile.

First, you need to prepare the w1C84all. To do this, first seal the walls with adhesive. Seal the walls first with a thin coat of adhesive. Be sure to strip away all loose will suffice.paint and wallpaper. If the wall has any kind of glossy sheen, be sure to get rid of it by sanding lightly. Finally, use spackle to patch noticeable cracks.

Next, decide what kind of pattern you want for the tile. Much like floor tile, there are a few alternatives. The two most common are the running bond and jack on jack pattern. Running bond just means a pattern with offset grout lines on the rows, whereas the "jack" format has the tiles set up much like the squares on a chess board.

As to how to install the wall tile itself: Begin by attaching a support strip at the bottom of your base horizontal line. This becomes your reference point. It will show you where the tiles should fall. It will also help support the tiles until the adhesive dries. Once this is accomplished, use the trowlel's notched side to spread the adhesive. Spread until you've got what looks like beaded ridges. Spread the adhesive in approximately 2 foot sections, increasing the coverage as you become more accustomed to the process. Remember not to cover your reference lines on the wall.

Find your support strip again. Using a twisting motion, gently push the first several tiles into place above the strip. Remember: twist, don't slide, as this will push the adhesive out of the way... which you don't want.

Between your tiles, you'll want to place plastic spacers in order to keep your lines from running crooked. These should stay in until right before you grout, when you can remove them. Keep going with this process, always being careful to keep the tiles lined with your reference lines. In the event of excess adhesive rising above the tiles, clean it out immediately.

Continue to lay your tile up and across to the edges where trimming is needed. Then you can take down the support strip and install the tiles that go under it. Do the same on the remaining walls. Finally, measure along the edges, cutting your tiles to fit. After you install the edges and then trim the excess, you will have accomplished your goal: successfully-tiled walls!

If you would like to learn more before you start your project so you are totally prepared. And know all of the ends and outs before you start. CLICK HERE to learn what you need to do.

Shower Doors and Curtains

One of the easiest shower remodeling projects is to upgrade existing shower curtain or doors. Installing a new shower curtain is a quite simple and can be accomplished by anybody. To further enhance 1C7Athe look of your bathroom you may also want to consider adding (or upgrading) shower doors.

Shower Curtains - Installing a shower rod and curtain is another simple DIY home repair project. If you do not currently have a shower curtain installed or if you are replacing the existing shower curtain rod measure the distance between the walls at the height where the rod will be placed. Home repair centers as well as a large number of departments stores will usually have quite a selection to choose from. Select a rod of the correct length along with your preferred style of shower curtain and curtain hangers (make sure they are the right size for your curtain rod!).

Typically the shower curtain rod will either provide brackets for you to install (if you have a laser level it will come in handy here), be spring loaded, or will telescope and tighten to the correct length. Install the rod level as per the instructions for the specific rod you have selected. Note: If the curtain hangers you have selected do not open, make sure to put them on the rod BEFORE installing it.

Shower Doors - Installing a shower door is a bit more involved project but still not too difficult for the average diy home repair handyman. The project again starts with measurements - measure both the top and bottom of the shower opening - depending on your tub/tiling, these measurements may not be the same so make sure you record both. Your bathroom, plumbing, or home superstore should have a selection of doors to choose from. They will typically range in price from around $60 to $200+ depending on the style you select.

While each specific door will have its own set of instructions, the basics will still be the same. You will be installing a set of side rails, a bottom guide/splash plate, and a top guide for the doors to hang on. Usually only the side rails will actually be fastened to the walls. As with many projects of this type, the actual installation is fairly simple once the preparation has been completed

Before starting the installation, make sure you have any special tools required. Usually, you will require only a drill (with ceramic tile bit if necessary), hacksaw with fine tooth blade, screwdrivers, tape measure, and caulk (usually clear silicon bathroom caulk). Pay close attention to your specific instructions and measure twice before cutting each piece to length. Also make sure to dry fit (no pun intended) the pieces before you start fastening these to the wall.

Once you have all of the pieces cut to length and all necessary pilot holes drilled the installation is usually quite simple. Attach the pieces in the order specified by your manual and make sure everything looks/works ok before you make it water tight by calking the inside gaps.

On average, this project should only take an hour or two of your time and can be accomplished with a minimum of difficulty. This is one shower remodeling project that is well worth the time. You will be suprised how much your bathroom appearance is improved by this simple change.

Ray Breitenbach writes for Simple Home Repairs. Please visit for more information on how to perform you own basic home repairs.

Basement Renovation

A finished basement can be a great place where you can entertain your family and friends by putting in a recreation room which includes a pool table, ping pong table, pinball machine, and/or dartboard.

Before a basement renovation you should:

1. Look for basement foundation cracks. Hairline cracks in the basement can be the fault of improper curing where as large cracks are most likely caused by settling. Both can be repaired with hydraulic cement if the crack is not active i.e. whatever caused the crack is no longer15C9 an existing problem. If the basement crack is still active then the crack patching may be re-opened later.

2. Look for basement moisture problems. Moisture problems may be tough to fix. Water is persistent and can make its way through the basement walls that are considered permeable. An easy way to test water problems is to tape a piece of aluminum foil to various places on the basement walls and floors. Seal the edges of the foil tightly and leave in place for several days. After several days, if moisture droplets appear beneath the foil then moisture is going through the basement masonry. If the moisture appears on top of the foil, the problem is condensation from basement humidity. Look for other water problems by looking in the underside of the basement's first subflooring for signs of leaks. Fix any faulty pipes and fixtures. Look for brownish stains on the basement subfloor and sides of the basement joists. This will indicate active or an old leak that has been repaired. If the stain is spongy, an active leak exists.

Basement renovation planning is key to the success of your basement. For instance, if you decide you want a wetbar and/or bathroom, you will need to have the plumbing done first. This would be a top priority because the plumbing usually goes beneath the cement floor. After the plumbing is completed, you need to plan and install the electric which may include hiring a certified electrician. Your plans should include enough electrical outlets, telephone lines and cable hook-ups. These will be used for your television(s), lamp(s), computer(s), electronic games, and a computer modem. Once installed, you must decide on paneling, dry walling, or painting to cover your cement walls. Although paneling might be cheaper, the refined look of drywall makes it the material of choice for finished spaces. Paneling can look dated and does not always last long.

The next phase in your plans should be the stairwell. Some professionals suggest you should open up the stairwell and install a banister because a basement typically features stairwells that are enclosed. By opening up the basement stairwell you remove some of the basement like atmosphere. Some designers would like to see the doorways of the basement widened and employ arches and columns to dress them up. Examples include French Doors for privacy or a partial separator using decorative glass to add elegance to the basement room.

When looking at windows, if applicable, add as many as you can. Basements tend to be dark and gloomy but with more natural light it becomes a better and well lit area. If windows are very limited, look into security and use glass block windows. When it comes to artificial lighting, the choices are fluorescent lights, table lights, floor lamps and ceiling lights. If your budget allows, stay away from the fluorescent lighting since it is not the most appealing in design.

When installing the ceiling, stay away from suspended ceilings because they make the basement look like a basement. Consider using tray ceilings. When choosing the color for painting, use a light, bright, or dramatic color scheme. With these colors, you can turn that dark gloomy basement into a room that opens and brightens.

The basement floor is always cold since it is in direct contact with the ground. Look at having a subfloor between the concrete and flooring space. This will make it a warmer and dryer living area and a smooth surface for your carpet or flooring of your choosing. If a subfloor is not in your plans and you are using carpet, get plenty of padding to put under the carpet. Try to have a storage room added, maybe around the sump and furnace area. This would be convenient for all those things that can't be thrown out. Think about adding shelves to this room to keep it fairly organized.

To control noise, have thick wall to wall carpeting and a high quality pad can absorb much of the sound. You can use sound deadening material below any underlayment or subfloor. This is nice especially if the basement is used for a bedroom or office. An easy way to reduce noise is by installation of thick insulation between ceiling joists.

In below-ground basement renovations, should you want to add a kitchen or bath you can tie into the plumbing system that is in place above. You can buy toilets and lavatories that are specifically designed for below grade applications.

After your basement renovation are complete, start adding the "toys" that will make it an enjoyable area where you get away from it all.

Keith Hoyng is the web master and operator of http://www.quickcash2u.com which is a good source of information for remodeling and much more information. Visit this site at http://www.quickcash2u.com/basementremodeling.html

4 X 10 Patio Cover Beam Overhang

Sanding Hardwood Floors

There are certain hardwoods that are vulnerable to weather and climate changes. Some woods contract or shorten when it is hot. Others expand when there is moisture. When this happens, the floor becomes uneven. If left unchecked, it could ruin the look of the room and even become hazardous enough to cause accidents.

You do not have to take out the planks and replace them. The more practical solution is to sand them. Sanding your floor is a project that needs your dedication and time, whether you do it yourself or hire a contractor for it.

Sanding It All Away

For the initial sanding, you will need to use the coarsest sandpaper- the 20 grit. There is a sanding machine that you can use to make the whole ordeal easier and faster.

For efficiency, you will need to sand the floor at a 45 degree angle to the grain. It may take several rounds before the surface evens. It really depends on the precision of the tongue-and-grove milling of the hardwood.

Another technique is pushing and pulling the sander as it moves. The pressure is strong as it moves forward. You will need to lift the sander at an angle and apply pressure as it moves back. Continue this method until the diagonal scratches are not visible anymore. You must be careful that the traces of the sandpaper are eliminated. The slightest pattern will show after you apply a coating.

The process may take a long time. Be prepared to change the sandpaper form time to time. Stock up on 20, 36, 60, 80, and 100 grit sandpaper. For wood that is coated with aluminum oxide, use a commercially available softening solution before sanding. It may be hard to sand if you do not do this. Sandpaper also contains aluminum oxide so scratching the two surfaces against each other will take more force.

Hardwood Floors provides detailed information on Hardwood Floors, Engineered Hardwood Floors, Solid Hardwood Floors, Long-strip Hardwood Floors and more. Hardwood Floors is affiliated with Install Hardwood Flooring.

Handrails

Obtaining a Remodeling Estimate

Most of the time, you will need to enlist the help of professional remodeling companies if you decide to remodel your home. Unless you are considering to do all the work absolutely by yourself, chances are that professional companies will need to be called upon. If this is the case, then, you will certainly need to obtain remodeling estimates by these companies. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind, though, about the estimates that you will obtain from remodeling companies:

#1: Obtain Multiple Estimates

Anytime that you obtain any kind of request from a specific company then chances are that you'll want to approach more than 1 or 2 companies to find out what the costs will be. While one company may charge $1,000 just for installing tile on the floor, another company may charge considerably more expensive. Deciding on which company will offer you the best value for their remodeling work is what homeowners should be keeping a lookout for.

Another aspect of obtaining multiple requests for remodeling that needs to be considered is where the companies and professionals are situated. If there is one company located outside the city and there is one that is inside, chances are that one of them will be more expensive based on their location and traveling charges to travel from their location to yours. However, this may be a well worth investment if one company reputation prevails over another, but these are all things that must be thought about.

#2: These are only Estimates

Just as the word indicates, obtaining a remodeling estimate is only an estimate of what you will be paying. For example, if a homeowner does receive a remodeling estimate for $2,000 in order to complete a job then they should very well expect to pay anywhere from $3,00 to $4,000. The overhead costs that should be expected on top of the company estimates are because there are typically unexpected hidden costs during the remodeling process.

For example, some of the materials may be more expensive than initially realized, or there may be more work that is actually required than originally thought. In any case, the remodeling estimates that are obtained from remodeling companies should be treated only as estimates, and homeowners should be mentally prepared if what they pay is actually a great deal more expensive.

Of course, there are several other things that one must think about when obtaining a home or business remodeling estimate. For example, one must think about if there is any aspect of the remodeling process that they can do themselves. Even if it seems like a small aspect of the project that can be done by you, chances are that it will detract significantly from the expense of the professional remodeling company.

All in all, though, these are important things to think about when obtaining a home or business remodeling quote to do the work. In any event, remodeling companies are typically more than glad to offer them when they're asked!

Did you find those tips on remodeling estimate useful? You can learn a lot more about remodeling estimate by visiting http://home-remodeling.homeimprovementnewbie.com/

The author of this article is Shin who is the webmaster of the site http://www.homeimprovementnewbie.com/ where he provides tips on home improvement.

Damage Pool Equipment

Metal Shingles

Metal shingles were previously seen as roofing material for low-slope houses. Over the years, they have been found out to be a significant roofing alternative for steep-sloped roofs as well.

Metal shingles are usually meant to look like traditional asphalt shingles, wood shakes, or tiles, but metal shingles come with a greater guarantee to ward off rough weather. Many consider these shingles to be the strongest roofing material available. Contrary to popular belief, modern technology has made metal shingles very light, and they are a feast for the eyes, and also have very high fire-resistant ratings.

These classic shingles give a building a593 timeless look and often come with permanent color warranties. They can be made out of a wide variety of metals like aluminum, copper, stainless steel, zinc and phosphate coating, and alloys of tin and zinc. The different metals can be suitably chosen by the prospective buyer according to his geographical location and climate.

There are other minor details that a buyer should keep in mind. Stainless steel shingles are said to weigh less than most other traditional roofing material. Metal shingles made with alloys of zinc and aluminum should ideally not be painted. Tin roofs should be painted at an interval of eight years. Zinc and tin alloys are perfect for rough coastal weather. These are the various issues that should be considered before making one's choice.

There are a number of benefits that the owner can enjoy once he chooses metal shingles as his primary roofing material. They come with excellent resistance guarantee to strong wind, fires, hail and storms, earthquakes, and other such natural calamities. They are also well protected from pests and are extremely anti-corrosive. Most manufacturers offer a fifty-year warranty on their metal shingles.

Metal shingles are mostly recycled and statistics show that they are, in most cases, 100% recyclable. Installation is also relatively simple, but consulting a roofing professional would probably be considered a smart idea.

Shingles provides detailed information about shingles, cedar shingles, fiberglass shingles and more. Shingles is affiliated with Home Foundation Repair.

Brown 2 X 2 Stair Handrail

Insulate Your Home With A Coat Of Paint!

What is the best material to use for heat and cold insulation in your home? The fact is that the material that the insulation is made from is not what provides the heat and cold barrier. It is the air that is trapped in the insulation that provides the thermal barrier that keeps you warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Each type of insulation, whether it is a foam product, fiberglass batts or shredded paper provides different sizes and numbers of air pockets within them. That is why crushing insulation or pushing insulation into a crevice is counterproductive, it removes the air pockets, which is what provides the thermal barrier.

Now you can paint and insulate at the same time!

A relatively new product to enter the market provides air pockets within paint. The principle of the product is based on a complex blend of microscopic hollow ceramic spheres. Each ceramic sphere has a vacuum inside it, similar to mini thermos bottles. By mixing the ceramic spheres into paint it creates a product that provides enhanced insulation and saves you energy and money.

The paint, with its ceramic additive has proven to increase the R insulation level of walls and ceilings. While use of the product on interior walls is extremely beneficial, its use on exterior walls is even more dramatically effective since it blocks the extreme heat of the sun.

The ceramic materials have unique energy savings properties that reflect heat while dissipating it. The hollow ceramic microspheres reflective quality affects the warming phenomenon called "Mean Radiant Temperature," where heat waves from a source such as direct sunlight cause a person to feel warmer even though the actual air temperature is no different between a shady and sunny location. It is the molecular friction within the skin caused by the sun's radiant energy waves, which makes the mind think that the body is warmer. The ceramic microspheres in the paint refract, reflect, and dissipate heat.

The performance of the additive when mixed with light colored house paint can reduce exterior solar radiant heat gain into a home and interior heat loss from a home by over 20%. Summer heat gain through a building's exterior walls can be reduced by over 20%. Winter heat loss through interior walls can drop to the point where a once chilly room is now a pleasantly comfortable one - making your home more comfortable in the winter, and summer!

The product is available as a premixed paint or it can be purchased as an additive.

For additional information on using insulating paint follow this link: Insulating Paint.

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

2x4 Support For Stair Tread

Is a New Roof In Your Future?

Purchasing a home is the single largest investment that most of us will make. The roof of our house plays an important role in preserving our house and maintaining its value in the resale market. The life of the roof depends on the roofing materials used, the local weather conditions, care taken during the installation process and the level of maintenance applied to it. Asphalt and wood shingle roofs can last for 30 to 40 years, respectively. Clay tile rofs have a lifespan of 20 years whereas metal roofs can last for more than 40 years.

The sun has a detrimental effect upon the roofing material, regardless of what type of roof it is. The rays cause the material to expand, contract, warp, curl, and lose strength and shape. Elements such as rain water, high winds, snow, hail, etc cause further damage to the already weakened roof resulting in leaks, damage, mildew and fungus growth.

If an inspection of a roof reveal that there is a leakage problem at several points and that the shingles are worn out, replacing the roof is a better idea than making repairs. A new roof offers the benefits of providing sturdy protection for your house preventing damage to the structural systems inside the home from leaks as well as a new roof can provide improved insulation and a change in the appearance of your home.

Types of roofing materials

There are many different types of materials that are used for the purpose of roofing.

Wood Shingles
Wood shingles are usually made from western red cedar and are popular because they are easy to manufacture, light weight and have a very distinctive appearance.

Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt is one of the most commonly used roofing materials around today. It has a lifespan of 15-25 years. Asphalt shingles have a fiberglass body that is coated with asphalt and mineral granules for added protection. When the edges of the asphalt begin to crack and warp, it indicates that age has caught up with the material, which is beginning to dry and may no longer be a good weather proofing material. Asphalt shingles are easy to install and can be used with a variety of flashing and edging products without any special accessories for roof edges, wall cuttings, and chimneys.

Tiles
Tiles can be either ceramic, clay, or concrete. Ceramic tiles are favored in warmer climates. Tiles lend style to the roof but are difficult to install because of their weight. The roofs need to be reinforced before tiles can be laid out.

Corrugated Metal
Corrugated metal is very durable and will last upwards of 50 years with periodic maintenance, they need to be painted and protected from moisture. Metal roofs are available in sheets at home improvement stores in a wide range of colors and can be crafted to give the appearance of traditional tiles. They are sturdy and durable.

Slate
Slate is another durable roofing material that is almost non-absorbent. Slate has been used for centuries. It is a naturally occurring product that is resistant to wind, sun, rain, and other forces of nature. Its gentle colors and unique textures coupled with its durability offer a great mix of utility and beauty. However, slate roofs are difficult to install and the material is expensive.

Cost comparison between roofing materials

Factors affecting the cost of the roof include the area to be covered; the material used, layers of shingles placed; effort involved in removing the existing roofing; and any work required on the gutters and siding. The cost of roofing materials is usually quoted in terms of squares. One square is equal to an area of 10 feet x 10 feet.

Costs of common roofing materials are given below. These costs are exclusive of the installation charges.

Fiberglass coated with asphalt:
It comes with a warranty of 25-35 years and costs between $30 - $35 per square foot. The weight per square can range from 200 to 300 pounds.

Wood shingles:
These carry a warranty of 20-30 years and cost between $100 - $200 per square foot. The weight per square can vary from 300 to 350 pounds.

Clay/Concrete tiles:
The warranty for tiles can range from 25 to 75 years. Tiles can cost between $150 - $500 per square foot. The weight per square can vary from 500 - 1200 pounds.

Steel and Aluminum:
These come with a warranty of up to 50 years and can cost between $150 - $250 per square foot. The weight per square is in the range of 50 - 100 pounds.

Natural Slate:
It carries a warranty of over 100 years and costs between $300 - $600 per square foot. It weighs between 600 - 2000 pounds per square.

How long does a new roof take to install?

Roofing is a seasonal business, so if you intend to get it done by a roofing contractor, it is possible that your turn may come after a week or two of your agreeing to get the work done. Other important factors include the weather conditions, area of the roof and the roofing material. An asphalt roof can be finished in 2 - 3 days. A wood shingle roof can be laid in 3 - 4 days. Metal roofing can be completed in 2 - 4 days.

Can a homeowner do the roofing by himself?

Some types of roofs lend themselves more easily as a do it yourself project than others. Roofing is a very physical job that requires a fair amount of brawn and some brains too. The work involves moving a lot of material and nailing it in place, installing the flashing requires skill. If you wish to get it first-time right, it is advisable to take the help of someone who has done it before. A roofing project requires the efforts of more than one person. An important consideration is the weather, if you get a spell of clear weather, try and finish the work, if the weather changes you must be equipped to protect the unfinished roof against the elements. Also, you need to be careful about your own safety while handling various tools, a slip from roof height is potentially fatal.

Copyright 2007 by ABCD Publishing

Dan Fritschen, the author of this article, is the founde365r of the websites http://www.remodelormove.com, http://www.remodelestimates.com and http://www.remodelingorganizer.com He is the author of three books on home remodeling.

Snagging And The House Builder

To not snag a new house before moving in is a receipe for considerable problems that could manifest themselves after the builder has long gone.

These days the house building industry is populated by mainly publicly owned companies who have share holders breathing down their necks to keep profits up. The builder will then do anything to keep costs down as low as possible with scant regard to quality. The net result is poor quality work requiring remedial maintenance or worse a total rebuild of the offending problem.

To achieve the lowest build cost the builders will subcontract almost all the elements of the building process and just act as project managers.

In effect many subcontractors have little or no actual project management and are often left up to their own devices for long periods of time.

Over the years this has resulted in a general "work to the lowest" level acceptable rather than to the highest standards. On the basis that those customers that complain will have the remedial works carried out those that do not just live with the problems.

This low standard of work has resulted in subcontractors recruiting many untrained workers masquerading as qualified builders. The Author noted a large sign on a new building site in southern England " Wanted Bricklayers. Great rates no experience required" one shudders at the brickwork that resulted.

The one action a house buyer must take before completion is to carry out a full and in-depth Snagging meeting with the site manager.

This meeting should not be confused with the property handover where the workings of the house are explained, boiler, heating etc. The Snagging meeting should just be to inspect the property and identify any part of the property that requires remedial work prior to the owner moving in.

Site managers are quite adept at delegating this meeting to site (sales) offices. A prudent purchaser will insist that the site manager is present, capable of taking notes and has allocated the time to properly carry out the Snagging meeting.

During the meeting the builder is unlikely to assist you in finding faults they will just follow along (usually looking miserable) and take notes.

It is important that the purchaser takes detailed notes on all items that are unacceptable to compile a Snagging report that the builder will give to the various tradesmen following the meeting. By using a digital camera to record items of particular interest you can be sure of a very accurate and undisputable record.

The meeti16D0ng can be very stressful unless you ensure good preperation has been undertaken. This would include a Snagging list of items to inspect, the correct tools for the meeting and a method of recording the meeting for future reference.

Overall the purchaser must make sure they conduct a full and detailed inspection of all parts of the building to ensue that the Snagging list is compiled. This list should then be copied and enough copies given to the builder for them to give to the various tradesmen to carry out the remedial work.

John Mills is an Estate Agency director and has extensive new house buying experience. John advises all his clients to Snag their new homes with vigour and to take copious notes. The builder is not your friend. http://www.snagging-guide.co.uk