How to Repair a Shingle Roof

Shingle roof repair must be one of the easiest types of roofing to work on. Whether you are thinking on doing it yourself, or maybe hiring a contractor to do it for you, you should take time to learn how it is done. Here in this article, we will talk about the basics so you can become familiar with this form of covering houses.

Since long ago people have been laying pieces of similar materials on their roofs to keep the rain out. Today in Western society that material has become the asphalt shingle. If you wondered why it is done in the Spring, it is because of the warmer weather. Warmth makes the asphalt more pliable and easier to handle. If you have a leak, you should go into the attic on a rainy day and locate it from there. If this is not possible, look from a distance at your roof with a pair of binoculars to see loose or missing shingles. If there are small holes or cracks, they can be repaired with roofer's cement. If you have some shingles that are only slightly bent, you can use some asphalt cement and a nail. Make sure the shingles are warm before you try to bend them.

If you do have too many shingles that need replacing, you should start replacing them one row above the area that is damaged. You can dislodge the nails with a flat shovel. Continue until the damaged shingle is showing and then remove it. Your replacement shingle should be cut to fit. If you need two to make it fit with the sequence of shingles, now is the time to do it. Slip the new shingle into the place of the old one you took out. Try to use the old nail-holes. If you can not do this, seal the old holes with sealant before you attach this new shingle. Now, put roofer's cement over the nails, press the shingle down on the roof to seal the adhesive to the roof and you can now replace the row you previously took off to get to the problem area.

There are other types of shingle roof repair, such as wood shingles. They are not similar to the asphalt and are not all that common. There is also the slate shingle which is even less common and will usually require a professional to replace more than a few damaged shingles.The work can behard at first for every version, but as long as a small enough area is damaged, the owner may be able to repair it themselves and save money and perhaps time also.

All of our articles are originals, if you liked this, check out Shingle Roof Repair. To find out more, visit our site http://www.roofrepairhelp.com/

Installing Windows At A Eye Leve

Stair Building Video For Great Advice

Stair building tips for installing lights and decking, handrail tips and some deck advice.

For more helpful home improvement information visit: http://www.gregvan.com

Stair Building Tips

Home Buying Books
Home Theater Books

Home Paper Organization

Have a home paper organization plan.
This one is probably the most critical step in getting the paper in your home organized. If you do not have a plan, chances are that the paper that comes into your home simply ends up wherever it lands. This is especially a bad situation when you have bills or important mail that you treat this way. This can lead to late payments, late fees and other things that negatively affect your current finances and your future financial situation.

So how do you get a home paper organization plan? Decide what you will do with every piece of paper that comes into your home. Now depending on the piece of paper, this will affect where it belongs. Let me explain. Chances are that you do not need your kids' arts and crafts projects from school in the same place that the bills go. So have a designated space in your home for incoming arts and crafts projects and a separate space for your bills. Bills would logically go in your home office while arts and crafts projects could go in your kids' rooms or in a certain "display" area of the home. Deciding where the paper in your house logically belongs is important for getting it organized in a way that you actually use and can keep up with. And that brings us to point number 2.

Stick to your home paper organization plan.
Easier said than done, I know. But critical if you want to stay on top of the paper that makes it way into your home. So how do you do this? One way is to get the whole family involved in the paper organization plan. Get their buy-in to the plan and more importantly, get their agreement to follow the plan. Having a plan that no one follows is not going to get you very far. Make sure that everyone is clear on the plan so there are no excuses for not following it.

Another way to make sure that your home paper organization plan is followed is to make sure that there are appropriate consequences for not following the plan. One consequence might be that anyone who does not follow the plan has to organize all of the paper that comes into the house the next day. Decide on what works for you but having consequences for not following the plan can help everyone in the house (including you!) keep up with it.

Keeping the paper in your house organized requires that you come up with and stick to a home paper organization plan. All it requires is that you think about the paper that comes into your home and how you need to keep it organized for your needs. Get more help for your paper organization nightmares at http://www.YourHomeIsOrganized.com/HomeOfficeOrganization.htm

Choosing the Right Roofing Contractors

When searching for Roofing Contractors, it is crucial to do your research. A roofing business is one of the simplest businesses to start allowing anyone with a couple of tools to claim to be a roofing professional.

When you start your search for roofing contractors, you should begin with the simplest of places: BBB, and Angie's List. The Better Business Bureau can be a great source for finding out previous complaints that a specific company has had. However, don't be mislead by the BBB Accreditation. Practically any roofing business can pay a small fee and become accredited. So just use the BBB to look for complaints. Now Angie's List can be a much better tool. Angie's List doesn't accept money to be included in the list. The only way a Roofing Company can get into Angie's List is by someone filing a report, good or bad about that specific business. So the information you will find will be much more creditable than the BBB.

Another step you can do to narrow down the list of roofing contractors is to search the internet for local roofing contractors websites. If a contractor has a website you will be able to browse their photo gallery, see their mission statement, and get some good, overall information about the company before you even pick up the phone.

Once you have narrowed down your list of contractors, you should require each of them to provide proof of insurance and worker's compensation, which will protect you in the event a worker would get injured while repairing your roof.

Always remember, you get what you pay for. You should only get bids from roofing contractors after you have verified the above steps. If one of the contractors price is much less or more expensive, you should ask that contractor to explain why theirs is more or less. This way you can make sure all of the contractors are offering the same products and services.

Best of luck in your search for roofing contractors, and hope the best for your new roof.

Mark Rhodus
Result Imaging
http://www.ResultImaging.com

Advantages Framing With Steel

The Key to Ice Dam Prevention

Keeping your roof COLD is the key to Ice Dam prevention!
So how do you go about that? There are three essential elements to solving this problem. Many people think that heating the roof is the solution, BUT that is actually the problem. When the roof is heated enough to force snow and ice to melt rapidly, the water drains down to the eaves where it is much colder and refreezes there. If you have aluminum gutters, the likelihood of this occurrence, with all other variables being the same slightly increases. The ice cold aluminum will instantly freeze the draining water, causing large, heavy ice dams.

This can lead to damaged gutters, damaged shingles, rotting of fascia, water damage to roof and inside attic (moisture in an attic has huge Mold potential) and more. Because the roof will continue to warm from the top down, more melting will occur, dumping excessive amounts of water next to your home's foundation. This can also have detrimental affects on your home including flooded basements, foundation cracks, ruined walkways and landscaping and much more.

So how do you keep your roof COLD?

The key is Insulation. I recommend the use of spray foam insulation. By implementing an air channel system, your attic will draw cold air in through the soffit vents up and out through the ridge vent. Adding insulation to the rafters over the air channels will keep the roof colder and the attic warmer. Ideally that is what we all want right? Adding blown-in or blankets of insulation to the attic floor will assist in keeping the attic at a reasonable temperature and keep the living spaces of your home much warmer in the Winter months. If you have a heating system in your attic, we recommend that you consider insulating the unit and any ducts. This minimizes the heat being forced up (heating your roof) and maximizes the efficiency of your heating system, keeping the heat where it is supposed to be.

Lois Bartels is the owner of Green Bear Innovations, Massachusetts greenest home improvement company offering green insulation, basement waterproofing, foundation repair, sump pump installations, mold and radon assessment and remediation... We use energy efficient products, recycled/recyclable materials and hold a high standard for resource conservation during all installations. We are based in Reading, MA and serve the entire state and also RI, CT and NH. For more information about our Green Insulation check out our website, http://www.greenbearinnovations.com

Extreme Temperature Building

The Truth About Gutter Protectors and Leaf Guards

All gutter covers and leaf guards are not created equal. A gutter guard or gutter protector has to do three basic tasks:

1. Collect all the water
2. Keep out leaves and debris from the gutter
3. Be easily maintained easily by the homeowner.

Except for one product, in mild-to-heavy debris conditions all gutter guards fail to do all three tasks effectively--read on.

All solid top gutter guards work by the principal of surface adhesion. They generally have a solid top and a curved front surface that leads the water downward and into the gutter.

It makes sense to do some research before buying gutter protection. A product that really does its job could cost thousands of dollars. But in the case of gutter covers, more money doesn't necessarily mean a better performing product. Remember that salesmen are good at telling you what they think you want to hear.

The bottom line is that choosing the wrong product can be a night mare. You might end up with birds living in your gutters and if they clog, you won't be able to get into your gutters to clean them or worse yet, a roof leak. And the mother of all failings is overflowing gutters that leak into your basement providing a fertile environment for toxic mold.

Basically there are six different types of gutter protection devices:

1. Screens-the basic ones are flat and made of metal or plastic with round holes, square holes, and louvered openings. The more sophisticated types have rounded tops, steps, or troughs. Debris lays on the top, dries, and is then pummeled through the openings to clog the gutter inside or the debris clogs the screening device. Bottom line is they work if the homeowner is willing to go up the ladder to clean them and replace the ones blown out by storms or hijacked by squirrels.

2. Filters, membranes, and brushes installed on or in existing gutters. One is a solid top with a filter strip in it that requires replacement every few years (sometimes the squirrels help with the job). Others are basically meshes or brushes installed in the gutter. Bottom line is that they clog like screens. One manufacturer touts his benefit is that the brush is removed and cleaned as required. Can you imagine removing a brush full of mucky tree debris and shaking it out? You'll need to wear a rain coat and then power wash your home.

3. The fin type with a solid top and a rounded front nose. It's one long fin extending the entire length of the gutter-more about them later.

4. Fin Type with trough has a solid top with rounded front nose and a trough.

5. Flipping type gutters, rain dispersal....

6. Flat solid top with rounded front nose and a double row louvered front vertical surface.

Which gutter covers may not perform the first task and collect all the water? Answer: Those with a very tight radius or use a series of bends on the nose of the gutter cover. The larger the radius and the smoother the radius, the more water that the gutter protector will collect, otherwise the water just skips off onto the ground in heavy rainfall conditions.

If your home has a valley, there is little hope of collecting the water unless you use gutter screens (the first type) or the sixth system--more later.

The second job a gutter protector has to do is keep the gutters clean. Most any gutter protector will keep gutters clean in a light debris environment. However, in mild-to-heavy debris environments--especially spring time--debris will stick to the rounded front surface of the third type (fin) and fourth type (fin with trough) of gutter covers and go into the gutter or the trough.

The third concern is about the ease of maintenance of the leaf guard gutter. Unfortunately, most manufacturers will either out right tell you that no maintenance will ever be required or that they will infer that none is required. But think about this. If you live in a treed environment where you need to clean your gutters several times during the fall, would you honestly believe that you'll never have to do anything to maintain your gutter guards? Asking a homeowner to believe that there is no maintenance required is like asking him to believe in Santa Claus.

The truth is that all six types of gutter protectors will clog in mild-to-heavy debris environments. The question is, "Where"? Only one clogs where it can be easily dealt with by the homeowner.

The third and fourth types of products require the gutter to be cleaned inside. One of these gutter guards also use clips to anchor them to the gutter that work loose causing the cover to collapse into the gutter. You'll also notice that many of third type are very similar in design and appearance. One actually has sieve type openings on the top of it which act like a screen.

All products thus far mentioned have to be maintained by having someone climb a ladder and clean the gutter and or the gutter cover. With some of the fin type products, nails need to be removed from the roofing to remove the product which could contribute to roofing leaks.

Wouldn't it be great to have a gutter protector that does live up to all its promises-a product which uses two rows of interspersed louvers in the front vertical surface to collect rain water and limit the size of the debris that can enter the gutter? And wouldn't it be great to have a product that can collect water in valley configurations.

Can you actually imagine a product that can keep gutters clean and free flowing for twenty plus years in heavy debris conditions? A gutter guard that can easily be maintained while wearing a suit and tie with a telescopic pole and brush from the ground?

Find out more about advanced gutter protection that makes all gutters self cleaning gutters by visiting http://www.waterloov.com

Window Header Framing Problems

Organize Home 101 - 7 Sure-Fire Tips to Get an Organized House

Organize home 101 is a two stage process. Stage 1 is getting things under control, especially clutter. Stage 2 is about regular routines so you maintain an organized house. Follow these tips for success.

#1. Keep things simple and practical. Use transparent storage bins and boxes. Use color coded labels. Paste photographs on storage boxes to represent the contents. Create a place for everything and keep everything in it's place. Store frequently used items near where they are used.

#2. Declutter your storage. Pick a closet or cabinet at a time. Plan ahead and obtain any dividers or storage boxes and labels that you'll need. Pull everything out. Sort the contents into piles for rubbish, recycle, charity donation, selling and keeping. While it's empty, give the closet or cabinet a good clean. Store anything that's to be kept. Move on to the next storage item and repeat.

#3. After decluttering your storage, figure out if you need any additional storage. Be creative. Go for dual-function furniture, like beds and coffee tables with built in drawers.

#4. Set up a simple system to manage your paperwork. Red box file to store all tax documentation, blue box file to store all receipts, green box file for bills to be paid, yellow box file for all instruction manuals... and so on.

#5. Set up a simple system to manage tasks and "to do lists". Calendar with planner. Diary for scheduled actions like pay credit card bill. Keep a pad and pen in a fixed location that you can add shopping items to as you discover you are running low on.

#6. Daily routines: Review your "to do list", calendar and diary. Deal with that day's paperwork and mail. Go round the house with a basket, collecting anything that's "lying around" and return them to their proper place.

#7. Weekly routines: Do a small decluttering job, like clearing out a drawer or shelf. Dispose of all old newspapers and magazines. Check around the house for any clutter problems, especially on surfaces and floors.

Click here for more ideas on how to declutter your home fast. Having an organized house saves you time and effort in the long run.

Discover the best home organization solutions. Learn more organize home tips.

Building a Deck Steps & Stringers Video

Stair building tips for installing lights and decking, handrail tips and some deck advice.

For more helpful home improvement information visit: http://www.gregvan.com

Stair Building Help

Do You Lose Or Win In Christiani

Landscaping - A Recreational Activity For Kids

The patio, the garden and the front yard are usually landscaped to make the house look better and inviting to visitors. Landscaping, aside from being a decoration, can also be an alternative recreational activity for kids.

Here are some suggestions to make landscaping a form of recreational activity for children:

1. Landscaping is a family activity. It may be used to spend time with the family and a way to bond together. The time may be used to motivate kids to learn gardening. Kids will be very productive as they help in removing weeds and watering the plants.

2. An area may also be allotted in the garden as the kids' play place. They can decorate the place and put their toys in the playground. The playground can add design to the landscaped garden and make the place welcoming to the kids.

3. Landscaping a garden may be a way to communicate with kids the importance of taking care of plants. While gardening, a parent can show how to take care of living things like plants and butterflies. This is one way to educate them and prepare them in becoming responsible individuals.

4. The children may make use of the landscaped garden as their play area. This will benefit parents since they can spend time in the garden and watch their children at the same time. This is an effective way to spend quality time with children rather than doing the gardening by yourself.

5. Parents can also motivate their children to start a garden of their own. They should be encouraged to plant in flowerbeds and small pots. This will also help parents in organizing the garden while the children are enjoying their time.

6. Landscaping may also be a way to discover any skills the children have with plants and their passion for nature. Kids may find out that enjoy the spending time in the garden and may make landscaping their hobby. Landscaping as a hobby for children will prepare them for exploring their talents, passion and love of nature.

Landscaping is not limited to older people. It is also for kids and young teens. Parents should be creative in introducing this new alternative way of spending time and having fun at the same time. Kids will enjoy this new activity as they will be able to discover new things.

Bill McRea is the publisher of Garden Facts also Garden Decor and Landscape Trees Landscaping and Gardening with information and products.

Buying A Functional House

How to Repair a Bad Credit Score, Today!

To begin with, if your credit has suffered a dent (or even a major hit) over the past year or so, don't get too discouraged. Yes, you really should have a good credit score. No, if you don't then it's not the end of the world. Just start wherever you are and start making things better.

The first thing to do is to stop damaging your credit. In other words, don't make things worse. How do you do that? Well, for one, pay all your bills on time. Now, that might mean that you need to budget your money differently from the way you have been, and also it might mean that you have a second income source...part-time job, eBay business, selling some of your belongings. But whatever you do, you need to stop the downward trend.

The next thing you want to do is to start paying off the balances on your credit cards. Especially if you've got cards that are maxed out. Besides making the minimum monthly payments, you need to start paying off the money you owe. You do this by selecting the card with the highest interest rate and paying as much as you can on it each and every month, then you go to the next card, and the next and the next. A famous debt counselor, Dave Ramsey, calls this the "debt snowball".

Another thing you need to do is to look at your credit report and see what it says. You might have charges on there that you didn't make. Credit reporting agencies are notorious for making mistakes on people's reports. Just by cleaning up your credit report, you can raise your score.

Yet another thing you can do is actually something you don't want to do. You don't want to get any more credit. No more credit cards, no more loans of any kind. If you're overwhelmed, then it's time to stop digging the hole. You're can't dig down and dig your way out of a hole. You get out of a hole by climbing upwards.

To learn more about credit and how to use it, visit Patricia's blog My Free Credit Site.

There you can find articles about credit cards, hints about credit reports, and virtually anything you'll need to better your credit and not get ripped off.

Open Plumbing Waste Pipes

PS3 Repair Manual - Repair Your PS3 Console

Is your PS3 console having problems so some sort? In this article we talk about one of the best PS3 repair manuals available online. It can be very frustrating when finding solutions on how to fix your PS3 console, some of the methods are very expensive to perform, but fortunately there is some good guides out there that can provide a cost effective solution.With these guides anyone can fix a PS3 console by themselves and its cost you nothing to do it, e.g PS3 hdmi problem.All you need to do is hop on Google and do a quick search under - "PS3 repair guide".The repair guide I will refer to shows you in easy to follow steps how to fix any PS3 problem without voiding the warranty.

What exactly do I get with a PS3 repair manual?

One common problem that occurs with a PS3 is the blu ray lens being dirty - the guide will show you how to clean DIY style. Also included in the guide is instructions on how to repair the blinking PS3 problem and the PS3 hdmi problem people are reporting.Problems involving freezing games and moves and solved with quick fix answers contained in the manual.Don't worry we haven't forgotten the video display issues which is also covered in the PS3 repair guide.

Why do you need to use a PS3 repair manual like this?

Sony would rather you take it to a technician than fix it yourself.The procedure for repairs on your PS3 is they have it sent to their repair people and they take care of all the repairs. But this is impracticable and costly on your behalf.So sending it to Sony is not necessary considering you can fix all the most common problems like the PS3 hdmi problem for free. You can send your PS3 to a local repair center but that will cost $125 for a look at. Forget that!! Get a PS3 repair guide that will teach you how to fix any PS3 problem that might pop up while using it.If you get the guide it will have all the answers you need, so make sure you get one.

This valuable repair manual also offers many other tips and info that are not known to many PS3 gamers, it contains info that enable your PS3 to do things a normal factory PS3 can't do.

You will also learn how to install Linux on your PS3, play iPod movies on the PS3, run your PS3 like a PC computer with Linux.

Transfer files from iPod and PS3 console or MP3 vixa Desktop PC to PS3 system.

Don't worry there is instructions on how to install/uninstall Linux OS on your PS3. You can get info on how to make a DNS and use all of PS3's online services no having to update, you can make a PS3 server using Windows or Linux platforms , plus learn how to replace PS3 hard drives , and much more.

The PS3 offers the best movie experience with bluray dvd, but its not much use to you if you PS3 console is not working when there is problems. Don't waste your time spending money on technicians who will take weeks on end fixing your console.

Please visit - PS3 repair guide to get your copy of a PS3 repair manual.

Fireplace Drywall Ceiling Damage

Post Your Ideas Here On Deck Building

Do you have any ideas for building or repairing wood decks . We would love to hear from you in the comment area. Any useful comments that you can make on deck construction or deck building will help our blog readers.

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House Foundation Books

Leaking Toilet Home Repairs

Let me explain how a toilet works. First when you go to flush the toilet a little arm pulls a rubber flapper up and lets the water drain into the toilet bowl. The water draining into the toilet bowl forces the old water out along with the number two or number one waste and extremities.

If the toilet sounds like it is running there is a good chance that the seal between the rubber flapper and the plastic rain at the bottom of the toilet is broken somehow. The sound you are hearing is water running around this ring and in to the toilet bowl.

This leak is actually causing no damage to the toilet itself but is wasting water. Hence the water bill will be a little higher if you don't fix the leaking toilet. The best way to find out if this is actually your problem is to take the toilet tank lid off. Then stick your hand down into the toilet bowl and press gently on the rubber flap.

If the water stops leaking or starts running faster this is your problem. Turn the water off to the toilet. There will be a shut off valve on the wall under your toilet bowl in the bathroom. After you turn the water off removed the plastic flap and examine it.

You will be looking for a warped toilet flap or of some sort or grooves on the flapper itself. Take the toilet flapper down to your local home improvement store and buy a new one. Go home and replace the new toilet flapper and this should solve 90% of your leaking toilet problems.

There is one more thing it could be. With the toilet tank lid off, check to see if water is overflowing into the little round plastic pipe. This plastic pipe should have a small hose running from the float valve assembly into it.

If the water is over flowing from the toilet tank into this little plastic pipe you will need to adjust the float.

First thing you will need to do is while the toilet is running lift up on the float lever arm. If the water stops you can simply bend the metal arm of the float lever. The purpose of bending the arm will force the float deeper into the water there for stopping the water from rising over the small tube in the center of your toilet.

There are few parts to a toilet and most parts can be purchased at your local hardware or home improvement centers. Toilet repairs like this can be made simple and the parts used to replace are inexpensive.

Happy Toilet Repairing.

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

Visit us and get more information on building and remodeling your homes and Some Great Plumbing Ideas

Acoustic Ceiling Water Damage
Temporary Ceiling Repair

How to Repair Damaged Skin and Have a Better Facial Look

We want to look great forever and have a young looking skin however is inevitable the signs of aging such as wrinkles fine lines, skin blotchiness, age spots, loss of radiance, sagging skin crows feet, etc. but we can do something about it and have a fresh and beautiful looking skin.

There are various reasons of why we experience the signs of aging even at a premature age, what most people dont want to understand is the most of the signs of aging can be avoided if you follow a healthy life by eating healthy foods, exercising, taking multi vitamins, protecting your skin from the sun, etc.

The problem is that we dont give proper care to our bodies and skin so the result is damaged skin The biological causes of skin damage are:

Free radical damage
Dehydratation of the skin
Changes in DNA
Degradation of elastin
Loss of collagen
Changes in fat content of the skin

To repair skin damage and recover the skins natural beauty is necessary to increase the building blocks of the skin fibers with are collagen and elastin.

When we are young our bodies produce enough collagen to repair the fibers of our skin easily, but as we age our body declines to produce collagen and it cant repair the skin damage easily.

Fortunately there are some natural ingredients that increase the production of collagen in the body. But be careful, there are some creams that contain collagen, but it does not work, because collagen can not be applied topically, the skin can not absorb the collagen molecules because they are too big.

Instead CynergyTk is a powerful natural ingredient that stimulates the growth of collagen in the body, as well as elastin. This way the skin will become more firm and elastic gradually without any side effects.

Click Here to Discover the Results of my Research on the Most Effective Skin Care health products. If you have unwanted wrinkles, fine lines, and damaged skin visit http://www.best-skin-care-line.com to discover the shocking truth that now one else wants to expose.

Real Estate Development - Applying For a Property Development Permit!

The development permit is one of the keys to a successful real estate development project. Problems getting a permit approved can cause major delays and result in increases in holding costs. We like to do everything possible to ensure in advance that our development application will be approved smoothly and quickly.

Once we secure control of a site, we assemble the project team that will design and document the proposed development in accordance with the requirements of the Local Authority, the design brief and development mix.

Depending on the complexity of the project, our real estate development consultant team usually consists of:

- Property Accountant
- Property Lawyer
- Architect
- Town/Land Planner
- Civil/Hydraulics/Structural Engineer
- Land Surveyor
- Landscape Architect
- Quantity Surveyor
- Finance Broker

Other possible team members, such as acoustic and traffic specialists, may also be required by the Local Authority to submit a detailed report with the Development Permit Application.

To minimise the risk of disputes, we create a written agreement with each consultant. The agreement we typically use describes, among other things, the basis on which fees are calculated, the fee structure and services to be provided at each stage and the method by which we agree for the consultant to proceed to the next stage.

The architect will draw up plans for submission to council (these aren't the detailed plans required for construction) that fit in with the planning regulations and the local authorities development guidelines, using a contour survey prepared by the land surveyor. The town/land planner is often involved at this initial stage, providing advice on the overall planning policies of the Local Authority.

Today most architects use sophisticated 3-D CAD software to compile drawings as it allows for 'virtual' buildings to be created. This system has the added benefit of creating fly-throughs and 3D images (also useful for the sales process and submission to Council) as well as documentation of the building for the Development Permit Application and for Construction by the Building Contractor.

We normally tailor our designs and standard of finishes slightly above the requirements of our target market, so they stand out from other developments on the market. This way our projects have the potential to attract a premium rental and sale price plus it makes it a lot easier to sell, if we need to.

The Local Authority will assess the submitted Development Permit Application for its impact on the neighbours, local community and the environment, typically including:

- Privacy for neighbours
- Traffic generation
- Overshadowing of neighboursAdverse impacts on air, water, and noise levels
- Amount and type of waste the project will generate
- Other areas of concern include historic districts, parks, open space, trees, and wildlife habitats

If the consultants have all done their jobs well, most of these concerns will all be addressed to the satisfaction of the Local Authority within the development application, and approval should be given within a reasonable timeframe.

The actual development approval process will obviously vary between areas, and it is continually under legislative review, so up-to-date information should be obtained from the local authority and/or the Planning consultant on your RED Team.
After a Development Permit Application is lodged with the local consenting authority or Council it would typically follow something similar to the process below:

- Initial Review
- Expert Referral
- Advertising and Notification Period
- Assessment
- Outcome

Several factors can delay the development application consent process which can end up becoming costly to a property developer. Here are some of the most common assessment delays:

- insufficient information
- non-compliance with development rules
- poor designs creating unacceptable impact on the neighbourhood
- objections from neighbours or other groups
- unsatisfactory impacts on trees
- complexity of assessment reports
- external referral delays

It's not necessarily the end of the process if Council has refused the development permit application. An experienced architect and planning consultant can greatly assist in challenging a planning decision.

Adrian Zenere is a Registered Architect and Licensed Builder with over 25 years experience in the design and construction industry along with his wife and business partner Amber they have built a multi-million dollar property portfolio through Real Estate Development. Together they run their own architectural practice http://www.archizen.com.au specialising in Holistic Architecture combining eco sustainable development with feng shui principles and creating harmonious living that is respectful of our environment. Their projects are regularly featured in the Australian Property Investor, Luxury Home Design, Lifestyle Magazine, Home at Yellow and several newspapers.

They are also founders of the Real Estate Development Club where they use their knowledge and experience to help real estate investors become successful real estate developers. To have a closer look at Adrian and Amber's entire Real Estate Development process and download your FREE REPORT visit: http://www.RealEstateDevelopmentClub.com

A Hays Town

The master architect, A. Hays Town was a friend of mine. He passed away last year at the age of 101. Although in recent years he was not as well known nationally as he deserved, he was the master of Southern (especially Louisiana) vernacular architecture.

At a time when traditional architecture was frowned upon by the architectural elite, he was its greatest proponent. In the 1930's Mr. Town was on the cutting edge of modern architecture. One of his ultra modern poured in place concrete school buildings made the cover of Life magazine. In his 60's he retired from modern commercial architecture to pursue his passion-traditional, residential architecture. He said, "residential architecture is personal" and that is why some architects love designing homes and additions and others can't be bothered.

Mr. Town was the first architect I knew of who used recycled building materials on a daily basis. He did so not out of thrift or to save the planet, but because those materials had a history and a patina that was irreplaceable.

As an architectural student in Louisiana, I knew the work of A Hays Town very well. During those long hot summers, I would often work on construction sites, and as luck had it, I ended up on one of Mr. Town's.

I recall looking across the room at a man in his 70's on a step ladder. He was rubbing steel wool on some wood panels to show a finisher the level of color and hue he expected. I introduced myself and asked him about the profession of Architecture. He then, in his inimitable gentlemanly manner, spent an hour or so discussing the joy of building and invited me to tour his home. From that point forward I would periodically stop by to visit and later call, from New York to keep in touch.

He was a rare individual who is said to have designed over 1000 homes. Each homeowner feeling honored to live in one of his thoughtfully designed homes.

In 1999 Philip Gould and Cyril E. Vetter produced the wonderful homage to A Hays Town in the book "The Louisiana Houses of A. Hays Town"-available through the Merritt book store as well as Amazon.com.

Mr. Town influenced many young architects, myself included. His work will continue to influence Architecture perhaps for centuries.

http://www.crisparchitects.com/

James M. Crisp, AIA is an architect working in New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts.

Bathroom Water Damage - Using the Wrong Bathtub

A couple of years ago, me and another contractor were working on a whole house remodel and this involved removing the exterior stucco on the home, so that we could install siding and stucco around the entire home. We had no plans to work on the master bedroom. These plans were changed after the stucco was removed, from behind the bathroom shower walls.

Even though we were remodeling the entire house, we were making a single story into a two story and it was a pretty extensive project. The homeowner had mentioned to us, that the bathroom was completely remodeled less than two years ago. Standing inside of the master bathroom, everything looked beautiful and in good shape. We were shocked to find the damage, only after we removed the exterior stucco and it was bad.

The water damage ruined the sub floor underneath the bathtub, the lower wall framing and even some of the plywood sheeting in the master bedroom. The homeowner needless to say was very unhappy with the additional expenses to the project, but nevertheless wanted us to remove and repair of the damage.

I want to make a very important point, whether you're a contractor, handyman or homeowner. All it takes is one small hole or a little crack to cause an enormous amount of damage in a short period of time. I have seen a hole the diameter of a triple a battery, ruined an entire ceiling. The water damage in this bathroom was caused from cracks in the grout and using a bathtub with no flanges. Always make sure you purchase the correct bathtub.

This damage could have been prevented by using an experienced contractor or the right parts. If the right tub would have been ordered, I would imagine that very little damage would have been done to the wood framing. Here's a little bit of advice from a building professional. If you're thinking about remodeling a bathroom yourself and have very little experience, I would advise you to find some helpful bathroom remodeling books or hire someone who knows what they're doing. Sometimes these books or contractors can save you more money in the long run.

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

If your looking for some more bathroom remodeling or home building ideas.

Concrete Patio Gofer Damage

Comment on Wood Deck Repairs

Do you have any ideas for building or repairing wood decks . We would love to hear from you in the comment area.

Home Fence Books

Safeguarding Windows and Doors

San Diego is one of the safest large cities in the country. However, home invasions do occur in the area, and homeowners should take steps to safeguard their homes from being robbed. Many homes are robbed because owners don't take into consideration basic safety measures for their windows and doors. Burglars will often move to the next target if they have any difficulty getting into the home through a door or window with an extra safety feature.

Leaving your doors and windows unlocked or open is an invitation to burglars to come into your home. Ensure that all doors and windows are locked before leaving home or going to bed. For those who enjoy leaving their windows or doors open at night, there are interesting options that will maintain your safety. For example, there are doors available that act as screen doors, but offer a much sturdier frame that is difficult to break through. These kinds of doors are one of the most convenient ways to ensure your family's safety without doing away with the enjoyment of fresh air in your home all night long.

Another common way that doors and windows are compromised is because of faulty or old locks. Many locks are simply outdated or are easy to open from the outside. New windows and doors offer many security features that will secure your home and allow you to live without worry.

Front doors are another weak point in the security of your home. Many homes are built with doors that allow people to see in without many problems, while others don't even have a peephole. Choose a front door that gives your family privacy and allows you to see who is at the door before you open it. Teach your children to ensure that they know the person at the door before answering.

Keep expensive electronic equipment away from doors and windows. If burglars are tempted by the sight of an expensive television or computer, they may try to get in your home even if you've added secure doors and windows. By removing these from plain sight, you make yourself less of a target for a break in.

San Diego is home to several companies that can remodel your home with the latest technology in doors and windows. Choosing a company that provides the best materials at the best price is an important part of remodeling your home and ensuring that your home is safe from burglars.

Don't settle for the company that offers the lowest price, as they may use inferior materials. Look for a company that ensures that your needs are met by using the best doors and windows on the market.

Need more on windows and doors? Cal Windows and Doors specializes in windows and doors in Irvine, CA and anywhere else in California. Learn how to prepare your home for sale with upgraded windows and doors and other great tips on how to get beautiful windows for your home.

Best Roach Killer

Bed Bugs Eradication From the Home

the splendor of residences that have central heating, of which they can take full advantage regardless of the season. They shun light and hide in and on furniture, on bed frames, in and behind skirting boards and wall sockets, on curtain rods, in back of hanging paintings or photos, inside of couches, and on mattresses and headboards. Bed bugs are classified as parasites and feed on a diet of blood, usually that of human beings. The pests crawl over their human hosts at night, applying the piercing structures of their mouths to the penetration of the skin for extraction of blood.

Bed bugs treatment is essential if you find small brownish or reddish dots on bed lines; these are droppings or spots of fecal matter. There is a chance that you may notice swelling where you were bitten. This will not cause harm. Having an infestation of bed bugs is NOT stating your are unclean or having unsanitary living areas. Knockout Pest Control inc offers treatments for bed bug pests that hide in small crevices.

It begins with an inspection to locate these annoying yet harmless insects. Our subsequent bedbugs treatment for the infestation includes light pesticide spray treatment of bed tufts, seams, and buttons on the mattress and box spring.Spray or dusting of cracks around baseboards, bedside furniture and window frames.Use of silica gel dusts to treat infested wall voids and attics.Treatment of the entire residence to remove nests of birds, bats, squirrels or other rodents.

The first step to take is to thoroughly vacuum the bedroom, and don't forget the mattress. You should replace the vacuum bag when you are done. Treat the mattress and let it dry before replacing the sheets, using a mattress pad. Bed linens should be professionally cleaned.

For a successful bedbug eradication from your home, it is essential that you know how to find and kill them appropriately. Tillman Scientific offers a Complete Control Kit that allows easy and quick elimination of bed bugs and their eggs to prevent them from infesting again. The first step is to prepare the area with a thorough, complete cleaning.

You will need to thoroughly cleanse anywhere that has even the smallest hiding place. This might be along the edges of your floors, inside drawers, underneath mattress folds, or under couch or chair cushions. Bed bugs are so microscopic and flat that they can fit into even the smallest of places, so search carefully.

Next, you will find information in our kit about using a harmless and effective pesticide to eliminate pests. Included are spray, powder, duster and mattress that safely kill bed bugs gradually. These products can be left indefinitely without creating any harmful effect to your bed or box spring.

If you see small brownish or reddish dots on bed linens, you need to treat your bed for bed bugs. Your bedbugs treatment might include a spray of light pesticide. You should spray anywhere that these awful bugs like to hide, including: all of your bed linens; your mattress; your box spring; cracks near the baseboards of your walls; window frames; and furniture. For achieving complete bedbug eradication from your home, it is essential that you know how to find and kill them appropriately. You must clean and vacuum out any place that has cracks or crevices.

Good San Diego Contractors

I would love to hear your good contractor stories. I'm so tired of hearing about contractor nightmares, is there anyone out there that has a good contractor story. Place it in the comment area underneath this question.

Kitchen Books

Why Chimineas Are a Must For Any Backyard

Chimineas , Outdoor fireplaces & fire pits add ambiance and warmth to any backyard setting. Placed outside on a deck or patio, these portable fireplaces create an instant gathering spot for family & friends. Outdoor Chimeneas serve as popular backyard and patio accessories. They make a great gift for anyone who enjoys an outdoor fire and the perfect conversation piece for entertaining friends. If you prefer to use propane instead of wood the propane conversion package can be installed for a clean burning alternative.

They don't have dampers to control burning like a wood stove. However, if it came with a ceramic lid (and you haven't broken it yet), you can somewhat control the burning rate by placing it over the stack to restrict air flow. They can now be seen everywhere from home centers to garden centers.

Chimineas allow more time to be spent outside entertaining guests or enjoying chilly evenings in front of the fire. Not only will they become the centerpiece for any outdoor occasion, they will also turn your customer's backyard into an outdoor room providing a cozy ambiance. They are considered fireplaces and need regular cleaning and maintenance. Dirty ones can become fire hazards. They appeal to your senses. It's no surprise that they have captured the hearts of Americans.

Chimineas also enclose a fire, protecting people and property from sudden gusts of wind. Properly designed units will have a bit of smoke at the beginning and end of your fire, much like a well designed "in house" fireplace will smoke very little or not at all during a fire. Fire Pits and other outdoor fireplaces are generally intended for summer use with the intention of winter storage, since clay or terra cotta can easily crack in extremely cold winter temperatures if a fire is built inside. Although cast-iron versions are at no real risk of cracking, precipitation such as snow and sleet will very quickly rust them into disuse.

Chimineas are unique, varying in many sizes, shapes and a fantastic array of colors to suit any decor. They make a unique element to any outdoor living space (e.g. they are shaped like a bottle and, as its name implies, have a small chimney. Fire pits do not. They are available in cast iron and cast aluminum predominantly. They are also available in copper and clay.

The units are tall and narrow and really make sense if you don't have a large space but want an area for a fire. Don't go too small on the fire area though, or you will be chopping your wood into bite-sized pieces to fit the opening. They are developed and designed for such enthusiasts. These are stand-alone fireplaces made from clay, having an ethnic look. Fire Pits are trendy outdoor fireplaces made either of clay or cast iron. Clay units are handmade, and they must be lined with sand or volcanic rock to prevent them from cracking due to extreme heat. Chimineas are often the least-expensive style of outdoor hearth. Dirty units can also become fire hazards so be sure to clean them often and you will be able to enjoy them for years to come.

If you're looking for anything Chimineas related we carry everything there is to make your backyard the most enjoyable place to spend your time. From Fire Pits to Firepits to Outdoor Fireplaces and almost every kind of Fire Pit Accessory there is we are your one stop store for all Fire Pit related merchandise.

Framing Plates On Concrete

Deck Construction Building Help

Working in the construction business for over 30 years and listening to homeowners, tell me how fortunate I am to have the ability to work on my own home. It kind of makes me feel good to hear them praise me and when I have completed their project, they usually are extremely happy with how it turned out. I've been listening to this for years and came to one conclusion, anyone can do what I do, with the correct information.

I was building a deck and a homeowner and his son were there constantly, watching me work on the project. They would ask if they can help and if there was anything they could do, they would like to learn the deck building process, so one day they could build their own decks. Most of the time, they were in my way and slowed me down. I finally got to a point where I had to asked them if they could watch from a distance, because I was starting to run behind on the project. It was starting to cost me money to educate them. I just didn't have time for this and there was no way, that I wanted to hurt their feelings or make them mad at me.

They agreed and at the end of the day, would have a couple of questions for me. I told the father, that I would bring him a few books on deck building and he could keep them as long as he needed. Him and his son were more than happy to accept my offer and the next day, they were nowhere in sight. At the end of the day as I was putting my tools away, a homeowner and his son approached me and thanked me for loaning them the books, but they were done with them. The son explained to me, that they were going to purchase some of their own books on deck building, because mine were a little out of date.

To make a long story short, I finished the deck, got paid and went on my way. A few months later they contacted me and asked if I had time, can I come over the house and look at the new deck, that they built next to mine. I said I would be glad to, and would be there tomorrow evening. When I arrived at the job site, I couldn't even get out of my truck, the father and his son were waiting for me in the driveway and directed me to drive to the back of the home.

There new deck was about 10' x 10' and matched the one that I built pretty good. They did a great job and after I told them, what a wonderful job they did building the deck, they were like two kids in a candy store. It seemed like, I had just made their day and it made me feel good, and that they felt good.

Sometimes building a deck or home repairs can be performed like a professional, with a little bit of help, from the book.

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors.

If you're really interested in learning more about remodeling, new home construction, home maintenance, home repairs and really want to get the nuts and bolts of home improvement. Visit our web site and select from the best-selling home building books on the Internet.

Swimming Pool Books

Protect Your Home and Health Against the Dangers of Moisture

If you are building a home, or remodeling a home think seriously about ventilation and preventing moisture damage. Homes are built much tighter these days, and proper ventilation is a must.

Moisture can be very damaging to a home, and sometimes even to your health. There are some types of mold that are downright dangerous.

Where does it all come from?

We have many moisture creating features in our homes today. Bathrooms, in particular, have changed and most homeowners are packing them with all that the latest fixtures have to offer.

The bath has become not only a place for hygiene and grooming, but a retreat with many spa-like amenities. These include steam showers, showers with multi-spray units and large rainheads as well as whirlpool tubs. Water is abundant today in a bathroom, and all of that moisture has to go somewhere.

Proper ventilation could save you a sizable sum in repairs, not to mention a lot of time and aggravation. Not only can moisture do structural damage, but it creates mold and adds to the time required for cleaning. Better to avoid either situation.

Good bathroom ventilation is used on a regular basis. This means you want a system that is quiet enough that you will actually use it. Also it is necessary to select a system that will do the job for the square footage that you have. You need to know what to buy to tackle the job at hand.

Proper installation to carry moisture outside

Your exhaust fan needs to be properly installed to be effective. That means it needs to send the moisture outside, and not into your attic where it could do more harm.

An adequate unit will cost you a bit of money, but the rewards make it money well spent. Better to remove moisture before you find you have damage to your structure, and need to make expensive repairs.

Find information on how to select an exhaust fan for proper bathroom ventilation, as well as more bathroom remodeling tips.

Wood Rot From Stucco

A Shingle Installation Tip

If you're looking for shingle installation tips, you've come to the right place. But first a true story... 17 years ago, I worked for a small roofing company in Cape Coral, Florida. The boss had sold a new flat roof to a homeowner who had a leak on his lanai. The flat roof was very old and obviously needed replacement. But after one of our crews installed a new flat roof, the irritated homeowner reported that his roof still leaked in the same place.

The boss sent me out to take a look. The leak was showing up at a back corner of the flat roof, right at the base of a valley in the shingle roof. As soon as I saw it, I just knew it was a valley leak. I had seen that very same situation many times before.

Based on the location, I couldn't believe the boss hadn't sold a valley replacement along with the flat roof. I figured we would probably be stuck replacing the valley for free. But the Boss was the kind of guy who could sell ice cubes to Eskimos. He actually got the homeowner to pay for the new valley. I did the work and found that the valley metal had holes rusted all the way through it. Obviously, we had found the leak... Or so I thought. Next rain, the irate homeowner calls again. Same leak. Same place.

I went back for another look. The only other thing I see is a little dip in the shingle installation at the flat roof transition. The guys hadn't tapered out the layers of flat roofing very well. The shingle roof was only about 3:12 slope and I could see how a little dip like that could hold water and leak. So I reported to the boss that we had to redo the transition on our brand new flat roof. Since there was no way the homeowner was going to pay for that, we were going to have to eat that cost. So now both the boss and the homeowner were irate. That was until I did the work and it rained again. Same leak. Same place. They weren't just irate any more... It had turned to rage.

The official term for leaks like that is a "head-scratcher". Over the years I've become somewhat philosophical about them. I figure they exist to teach me patience... and keep me humble! Back then, though, I was more upset than the boss and the homeowner put together. In fact, I decided that if I couldn't find that dumb leak, I was going to quit roofing altogether. I went back over to the house one more time and sat down on the flat roof trying to figure out where the water was getting in. We had fixed everything it could possibly be.

That's when I noticed a nail sticking out of the shingles. It was several feet over from the top of the valley... but it was right in line with the leak. The rusty nail was the same color as the shingles and virtually impossible to see when standing up. It was also so loose I could pull it out with my fingers. It only took a few minutes to repair the nail hole... and it stopped the leak. The homeowner needed a new flat roof and valley, but it was the dang nail that caused the leak.

The lesson here is that protruding nails (or "nail-pops" as they are usually called) cause leaks. In fact, they are one of the most common shingle installation problems. They typically occur when the roofer is using a nail gun and a nail fails to seat all the way. Over a period of time, the protruding nail pokes right through the shingle above it, eventually causing a leak.

To prevent it, make a habit of glancing at the nails you just installed. Keep a hammer handy and smack down any that are sticking up. Also, take a look at the roof about a month after the shingles are laid. That will give time for the shingles to lay nice and flat. From the ground it's easy to see any shingles that are sticking up a little. Those are nail-pops. Just pop the shingle loose first thing in the morning when the shingles are cool and pound the protruding nails down.

Of course there's a lot more "shingle installation" information you need to know. To make the job easier and help you avoid big mistakes, go to: http://www.roofingsecrets.com

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

All About Retaining Walls - Home Repair Advice

Introduction to Retaining Walls

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

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

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

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

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

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

Options for Retaining Wall Materials

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

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

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

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

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

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

House Renovation Books

10 Ideas For Corporate Team Building

Corporate team building is important to encourage a sense of camaraderie within a team to facilitate communication both personally and professionally. Here are ten items that make it to the agenda of many corporations when planning team building activities.

1. Encourage each team member to share a personal anecdote about some aspect of their lives. The topic could either be fixed by the moderator or chosen spontaneously by the individual.

2. Stage a friendly competition or pop quiz during the workday to break the regularity (and monotony) of a daily schedule. Offer small prizes to encourage more enthusiastic participation.

3. Arrange group outings to sites relevant to the team's field of work. For example, a group of IT folks may be interested in visiting an IT exhibition or trade show where they can gather ideas and concepts for use in their work. Once they return, they can share their views and experiences with each other to learn from each other's experiences.

4. Encourage cross-mentorship within the team. Each individual will have a special skill or talent that can be shared with the others. In this way, team members can learn new skills or brush up on old ones by interacting with each other.

5. Encourage open communication about their work experience with their colleagues. Invite each one to note the best qualities and focus areas of every other member in the team. Each individual will then have an understanding of how he or she is viewed by their team members. Group discussions with the moderator of how and where improvements could be made may prove helpful.

6. Challenge the team to a physical adventure that calls for everyone to work together in sync to arrive at a successful conclusion. For instance, white water rafting or rock climbing require a high level of dependence and trust in one's team members. The reward of having completed the challenge together will leave a lasting impression as will the bond of trust forged in difficult times.

7. Share an informal meal together. If appropriate to the time of day, alcohol and music may be included to put everyone in relaxed spirits and encourage greater brevity amongst team members.

8. Incorporate some level of silliness in the form of party games to drop barriers, reduce tension and promote goodwill. For example, Twister and Dumb Charades can be entertaining for all those participating as well as those awaiting their turn.

9. Scavenger hunts tend to be quite popular and are often helpful when finding an item requires co-operation with members of a related team not involved in the hunt or even with those from the competing team.

10. Encourage the team to come up with ideas and concepts that they would like to try as a team.

Paul writes for Barcelona Tickets and Barcelona group travel.

Electrical Outlet Problems

Inspecting Your New Home

So you finally got the call that you've been waiting for several months to receive. You're new home is finally complete. Over the past year, you've gone through the motions of building a custom home. You selected a floor plan, options, upgrades and made customizations. At the same time, you dealt with banks, mortgage and insurance companies, all of which collected money from you but gave you nothing in return, yet. Now, after all the chaos, you're builder is ready to hand over the keys to you so you can move and start enjoying you hard work.

Before you do, take time to thoroughly inspect the property. Building a custom home can be overwhelming experience. Take time before moving in to make sure everything is up to par. Having mistakes, flaws and forgotten options fixed after moving in is much more difficult. Here are some common things to look out for:

Options - Take a copy of your contract and walk through the house making sure that all the options, colors and styles you chose ended up being installed. This sounds like an obvious thing but these mistakes can sometimes go months without being noticed.

Electrical outlets - Test every electrical outlet and switch in the house. Go from outlet to outlet and make sure all are working correctly. Don't assume that, just because one outlet in a room is working, that all outlets are working. This will take about 30 minutes in most homes.

Plumbing - First, check that each sink in the house gets both hot and cold water. Then, make sure the toilets flush correctly. You'll also want to run the showers in each bathroom to make sure that the drains operate correctly.

Flooring- Make sure the flooring in your home has been installed correctly. Here's how you do it:

• Tile - Gently tap each piece of floor tile in the house with a broom handle. If it sounds hollow, ask the builder to replace the tile. Even though the tile may not look out of place now, it will break or popup within a few months.
• Carpeting - Take off your shoes and walk around the carpet in the each room of your house. As you walk, check to make sure that the carpet runs flush up against the wall. In areas where the carpeting touches tile or other flooring, walk along the edge. If it feels like thorns are under your feel, it usually means that you're felling the small nails used to install the carpet. There's an easy fix for this that your builder can do for you.

Most homeowners don't notice many of the imperfections in their new home until moving in. This usually happens because they don't do a thorough job inspecting, or are put under pressure during the final inspection. The best way to inspect a home is to use it as you would when you move in. Here's what you do.

First, sit on the toilet in each bathroom and look around. You'll probably spend a fair amount of time in this position so make sure you like what you see. Are the counter tops in the bathroom level? Does the tile on the floor and in the shower look even? Does everything else appear to be in order?

Follow this same logic and apply it to each room in the house. Think about how you will use each room and pretend to do so. Go into the dining room and sit in a chair. Again, look around the room and make sure everything looks in place. Go to the kitchen and open every cabinet door and drawer. Make sure the refrigerator door opens all the way, etc.

The advantage to doing a thorough inspection of your new home before moving in is that you can have the builder fix everything first. Once furniture, moving boxes and kids are in the house, small repairs can become a big deal. Save the stress and get everything right before you move in.

Mason Morrison writes home improvement articles for Masonite Doors, a leading front door and interior door producer.

Long Dryer Vent Problems

Spray Foam Insulation For Existing Homes

Do you have a sneaking suspicion that the fiberglass insulation in your home or office is falling apart and not doing its job? Do you find bits of pink fluff everywhere? It might be time to ditch your tired old fiberglass insulation and replace it with something that will last. Spray foam is not only more resilient than other kinds of barriers, but it comes with numerous other benefits as well.

If you're concerned about the condition of your home or building due to poor insulation, then spray foam can help solve your problems. Spray foam insulation is liquid polyurethane that dries into a tough foam consistency over a surface. Because it's liquid, it can fill in tiny cracks and holes that fiberglass can't protect.

The thick, tightly sealed layer it creates is far more energy efficient than any other kind of material. It controls the indoor climate by keeping in more heat and cool air, depending on the weather. This will save you tons of money on electric bills, and be more comfortable for the occupants.

Polyurethane insulation also doesn't come with any health risks. Fiberglass is made up of wiry, pink fibers that can make the skin sore and itchy if exposed to it. These fibers come loose and can be inhaled. Breathing in the fibers can cause lesions inside of the mouth and esophagus. Spray foam doesn't have tiny particles that break off and float into the air. It's also harmless to the touch, but is so durable that it does not crumble off anyways.

Another benefit of spray polyurethane is that it can make your house or building more hygienic. The thick barrier prevents insects and other pests from sneaking inside. If you've had pest control problems in the past, spray foam insulation can be your new exterminator. Not even moisture stands a chance against its tough exterior.

Spray foam keeps water out, which means it also keeps away dangerous mold, which can cost a fortune to repair. If you've been trying everything to get rid of mold, this material is excellent to use in existing homes. Since it can be a messy procedure, and previous insulation will have to be stripped and removed, it is recommended that only professional perform the service.

You may be put off by the initial cost of having your home outfitted with a spray foam insulation kit. However, the money and time you will save in the future more than pays for itself. It will even add more value to the home or building, and you won't have to worry about replacing it.

The best part about polyurethane is that it is environmentally friendly. If you're trying to make your house or building greener, then spray foam is the way to go. It is made from recyclable and renewable materials, and you'll be saving energy. Its versatility allows it to be sprayed almost anywhere, so you can even insulate the floors and ceilings. Spray foam insulation is a great move to make when you're improving your home or building.

Looking for better insulation alternatives for your existing home or office? Spray fiber and and spray foam insulation are greener, more hygienic and cheaper in the long run. Visit Apex Foam for more information. http://www.apexfoam.com.

Need Help Remodeling In Carlsbad

The Bible's Power Over One Child

I mentioned Sean in another one of my articles, the story of a young foster boy that we were taking care of. Sean's father was my ex-wife's uncle, and they were going through some tough times for a while and their three children ended up as wards of the state. We eventually ended up taking the oldest child because he was the hardest one to place and another home. His brother and sister ended up with a family that wanted to adopt them and eventually Sean went to live with them and I believe all three of them were adopted by this family. I don't know this for a fact though.

Sean was a emotionally damaged child. His parents would punish him with some strange and bizarre punishments. They weren't really physical punishments but seemed to leave the emotional scars on him and I often think about where he is and what he is doing.

We watched him for about a year and I learned quite a bit from this young man. He was in the third grade but was still at the first grade level for reading and math. I would spend a couple of hours each night during the week helping him with his schoolwork, I seem to have created some sort of allusion that I would be able to bring him up to the third grade level within a short period of time. Wrong. He must've had learning disabilities and of course I don't think I was that good teacher.

Sean was easy going, polite and extremely obedient. He would do anything to avoid getting in trouble and often blamed others for his mistakes. His punishments must have been more than he could bear before he arrived at our home. I think you're getting the picture about what kind of a child Sean was.

One day I found myself in a dilemma with Sean, I couldn't get him to tell me the truth, even though I knew he was lying. I forget what the problem was but I remember a hollow look in his face. It was almost like he wasn't really there. It was almost like he was just doing time, sitting on the bed, listening to me asking the same question over and over again, "Sean are you lying", but he wasn't even paying attention.

I normally would not punish my children for accidents, and never tolerated lying. I was trying to explain to him that he wasn't going to get in trouble, I just wanted to know the truth. He wasn't budging at all and stuck to his story. I remembered that his mother and father were Catholics and feared the church, almost as much as they loved it.

That's what I came up with my evil plan. I don't know where I come up with these ideas, but every once in a while one pops up in my head and I run with it.

I told Sean that I was going to bring the Holy Bible in, and if he could swear on the Bible that he was telling the truth, I would accept that and this would be the end of our conversation. I couldn't believe my eyes, as he started crying and screaming, frantically and excitedly as a yelled out, I did it, I did it, don't bring the Bible in, I won't do it again.

I couldn't believe that was all it took to get information from him. I have always been a pretty good interrogator and found myself gathering information from those people easily, but this was amazing. His fear of the Holy Bible got me thinking about how powerful this book actually is to some people. I remember when I looked upon this book, pretty much the same as Sean did.

It's just a book, like any other book. It's not made at a holy factory or a secret monastery in the Swiss Alps somewhere, it's made from paper and ink and can be damaged and destroyed like other books. I would be surprised if I threw the Bible into the fire, that it wouldn't burn. I would be even more surprised, if I seen three men standing in the fire, wait a minute that's another story in the Bible.

Is it possible for this book to actually control the lives of people. It seemed to control Sean, I wonder if I, could have actually been driving a nail home that his parents started. Could I have added to his belief, that the Bible is a book from God the creator of everything.

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

Greg is currently working on a video library filled with great movies on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion. Simple Words Create Powerful Beliefs.

Give Your Bathroom Mirror a Makeover!

Are you ready to update to your bathroom? Does the cost of a remodel have your project on hold? Start with the basics. Your plain bathroom mirror is begging for a facelift and this inexpensive update can breathe new life into your aging space.

For years, contractors and homeowners have cut costs by installing lifeless sheet mirrors into their bathrooms. But as the focal point of this space your mirror should offer more than just a reflection. Adding a custom mirror frame can compliment and even set the tone of your bathroom decor. Combine a bathroom mirror makeover with a coat of fresh paint and new plumbing and electrical fixtures and you can update your bathroom for a fraction of the cost of a remodel.

Several suppliers offer easy to install custom mirror frames that are cut to your mirror dimensions. Simply measure your mirror, choose your look, and order your new frame. With hundreds of combinations of materials, colors, and styles, it's easy to choose the look that's right for your bathroom. Does your mirror sit on the backsplash or run right into the corner wall? Does it have ugly clips or a strip holding it up? No problem. The frames have been designed to cover clips and hide the mirror's edges.

Within a few days you will receive your custom cut mirror frame including all the accessories you need to install it in minutes. Most manufacturers use a simple installation method that attaches to the surface of your mirror using a heavy duty tape, and corner connectors. This makes it easy for anyone to install the frame using no special tools or skills. Once complete, the frame is securely adhered to the glass for a worry-free install.

Turn your bathroom into an enjoyable space that captures your unique style and compliments your home's decor. Add a custom mirror frame to your bathroom mirror to unlock its true potential as an enhancement to your living space. It's easier and much more affordable than you might think.

Cari Delille is a bathroom mirror frame expert with MirrorMate. MirrorMate sells easy to apply, custom mirror frames to makeover your existing bathroom mirror in just 20 minutes. Why settle for a bare mirror? Fully dress your decor with MirrorMate frames.

Don't Be Afraid of Kitchen Or Bath Design

When designing for a new kitchen or bath, some people are intimidated by the large selections of plumbing fixtures, lighting fixtures, ceramic tile choices and all the other things that go into remodeling your kitchen and bath.

Don't be. Kitchens and baths are the best dollar return value when renovating your home. A St Paul kitchen makeover returns 80% value when done. In some homes you can get over 100% return.

There are things to watch for but your kitchen, bath contractor should be experienced in what offerings you should consider and what you should think twice about.

Hot remodeling can be traditional Cherry wood cabinets with a chocolate glaze over a Cambria quartz top, or Maple in a Shaker style over a lush granite counter top. Under cabinet lighting to show off your new tile backsplash will round out the view.

Remodeling can be regional; a kitchen remodel in Minnesota may follow a design that would be considered too country for Los Angeles and a kitchen makeover in New York may be too bold for a Minneapolis kitchen. But don't let that stop you from getting what you want. Remodeling means compromise sometimes.

Kitchen design is taught in classes sponsored by the National Kitchen Bath Association. Many of its kitchen design students go on to excel at remodeling. Many great kitchen remodel experts never took design classes and yet their kitchens and baths win design contests the same as people who graduated in this specialty. Experience is the key. Talent doesn't come from school, but a good design program brings that design talent out.

Bathrooms are especially challenging to remodel, it's a small space that is walled in, and so designing a bathroom usually means working within a box. A good bathroom remodel is only possible if your remodeling contractor understands and works around obstacles and realizes the limitations of the structure.

Design for kitchen and design for bath creates challenges that when properly met will result in a home renovation you'll be happy with for years. I have worked for people who tell me they still love the kitchen or bath I did for them 10 or 15 years ago. Quality remodeling can be timeless. It should at least be functional and pleasing. Sure, interior design is challenging, but meet it head on with a good contractor with good design plans and the results can be a kitchen or bath remodel that is the envy of the neighbors.

Paul Lesieur/ Certified Kitchen Bath Designer
Website: http://www.silvertreeconstruction.com

10 Tips To Get You Through Your Kitchen Remodel

Most everyone wants a new kitchen but few people realize the work and inconvenience that goes into a kitchen remodel. A big remodel can take months and you wont have access to the room while the work is going on. While this can be a trying time, once you have your beautiful new kitchen in place it will be well worth it!

Heres some tips to get you through the remodel and on to your new kitchen:

1. You will need to set up a temporary kitchen in another part of the house. Make sure it is a convenient location with have access to water and a space to keep food cold as well as a place to heat up meals. Sometimes portable appliances like a crock pot or electric frying pan and a small dorm fridge and microwave work good for a temporary arrangement if you will be replacing your old appliances.

2. Make sure you really think about how long the job will take. Most jobs run take longer than expected. This can be frustrating for everyone, so its in your best interest to set a realistic date and that way you wont be disappointed.

3. Make sure you know what you are going to reuse. Whether you do some of the work yourself or hire it out make sure that it is very clear what things are going to be reused. The cabinets, counter tops and flooring can become damaged during a remodel and if you are planning on reusing them this can be a huge problem and expense. Remember to be careful around these reusable items.

4. Make sure you seal off the room properly so you dont get dust and debris all over the house. If you have hired someone to do the job, they will probably know just what to do but if you are doing it yourself, invest in some plastic sheeting and make sure you secure it around the doorways as good as possible.

5. Get everything out of the kitche. Box up everything that will not be used in your temporary kitchen. Label the boxes and store them out of the way.

6. Remove anything that isn't nailed or screwed down. This includes drawers, lazy susans, spice racks, wall clocks, ornaments, etc. Place a protective cover over anything that must remain in place while you work.

7. Make arrangements for the removal of any refuse that may accumulate during the remodeling. if you must rent a dumpster, do so in plenty of time or have a pick up truck on hand for hauling the rubbish to the dump. if you plan to salvage the old cabinetry for a workshop or donation to a charitable cause, have a place ready for them to go as you take them out of your work area.

8. Think safety and remember to turn off all utilities b efore removing any major appliances, turn off all utilities. This can be done at the individual shut off valves for gas and water. If there are no shut off valves, you will have to turn off the main valve. The main gas valve is usually located near the gas meter. Remember that, once you turn off the gas to the whole house, ALL pilot lights will have to be relit before they will work again. Without careful planning you may find yourself without hot water when you're ready to clean up after a hard day's work.

9. In older homes, the wiring may have been modified over the years and it may not be clear which circuits or fuses control specific areas. If you are unsure, turn off the main power or get professional assistance. Never take a chance with electricity! In addition, tape over the breakers so they won't be turned on inadvertently. If you plan on upgrading your electrical system and adding new outlets and fixtures, it will be necessary to dismantle all existing outlets and fixtures.

10. Remove all light bulbs. Then, dismantle each fixture by using a screwdriver to unscrew the plate and the receptacle and pull the receptacle out of the box. Put wire nuts on any exposed wires for the interim. The bare copper wire is the ground and does not need to be capped.

Lee Dobbins writes for A Kitchen Decorating Idea where you can find more tips on kitchen remodeling and decorating on a budget.

Home Buyer Incentives - It Doesn't Hurt to Ask

In a seller's market, a prospective home buyer needs to be a little more cautious when negotiating a purchase; however, in today's buyer's market, incentives are an accepted part of the deal. It certainly never hurts to ask. It's not uncommon for a seller to wait for three months or longer to sell their home, especially during this time when the market is saturated with homes for sale. They need to make their home stand out amongst the rest, and often times, offering sales incentives is the easiest way to accomplish this.

Here are a few of the more common closing requests that never would have been considered a few years ago in our previous seller's market.

House Price & Closing Costs

It's quite acceptable to negotiate 5 percent off the price of the house and then request another 3 percent for the closing costs associated with the purchase of the home.

Inspections

Home Inspection: Everyone asks for a house inspection these days. It's the most sensible way to avoid costly surprise that may result from rotten beams, water damage, faulty wiring or cracked foundations to name a few. Once the inspection is completed, the buyer can take his list of deficiencies, associate costs with them, and either request that they be fixed or deducted from the purchase price. It is also common practice to request the seller to arrange and pay for the inspection.

Radon Inspection: This used to be a common inspection in the 1980's and 1990's. There are approximately 20,000 deaths in the U.S. each year as a result of this cancer causing, odorless gas. A test to determine radon levels in a house costs less than $50, and if the levels are high, repairing the problems cost about $1,000.

Well Inspection: When purchasing a home with a well, the seller should be responsible for a thorough inspection of the system including:

• Functionality of the pump and overall well system.
• The well quantity, or the amount of water drawn per minute, to ensure an adequate flow and water pressure.
• The water quality has to be tested to ensure that it doesn't pose a health risk.

Septic Inspection: In rural areas with no connection to sewer lines, the seller also has to provide proof of a certified inspection of the septic system.

Home Warranty

Including a home warranty can go a long way to providing peace of mind in a home negotiation. At an average cost of $250 - $400, it is a reasonable request to make of a seller.

Decorative Improvements

Sometimes a carpet or paint job may be in dire need of upgrading and a buyer can either request replacement of these items or deduct the cost from the offer.

Non-Fixed Items

Generally, any fixed items stay with the house, but often times it is to a buyer's advantage to request certain things to be included, such as:

• Drapery
• Appliances
• Lighting fixtures
• Decorative items
• Lawn tractors or snow blowers
• Vehicles

New Home Buyer Incentives

When purchasing a new home from a builder, the incentives are almost endless, and range from new appliances, landscaping, big screen TV's and even swimming pools.

This buyer's market won't be here forever. Right now you've got an edge; be sure to take advantage of it.

Go to http://www.coloradoshomes.com for your complete guide to Colorado real estate. Acquaint yourself with the many communities including the listings for Boulder CO real estate.

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