Monday, June 29, 2009

Solving Issues With Crawl Spaces Under Your Home

First major issue is circulation. The circulation in this case, typically because there aren't many pored floors in crawl spaces is the circulation can cause mold to grow faster in a tight, dark, moist environment. Simply installing a fan to pull air out of the space and outside can solve a few issues, but it can also create quite a few.

By pulling air through the space you can coax the moisture to, through capillary action, pull more moisture through the foundation. Or when the fan isn't running, you have a direct leak for dense humid air to gather in the craw space via the fan duct. There are systems out there that you can research to find solutions to circulation. However, there is a more permanent solution to crawl spaces' moisture issues.

Encapsulation is a process that takes a high density vapor barrier (one much less permeable than a Vapor Diffuser which most contractors use on the above grade house construction.) and actually wrapping the walls and the floor in it. Essentially locking the moisture under the barrier where it can then be directed to a Sump Basin and be ejected from the house using a sump pump and discharge line.

Encapsulation, depending on your desired outcome, can be designed as either a moisture lock out or a functional storage space. By adding sub flooring under the high density Vapor Barrier you're ensuring moisture flow to the sump as well as creating a more stable floor in which to cause less friction with the above Vapor Barrier. If it's going to be a high traffic crawl space, with much moving and storage on a regular basis, then a second sheet of Vapor Barrier can be installed on top of the encapsulation to add extra strength. If someone wanted to add yet more sub flooring on top of the vapor barrier, which could also be an option.

Jacob Lee - pioneer basement - http://www.pioneerbasement.com

Hole In Roof And Roofing

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Constructing a Balcony, Deck, Or Porch

Your balcony, deck, or porch is possibly one of the most important places in your home. You or your family may possibly use them as frequently as your living room or television room. They are great places for having breakfast or dinner in the spring and summer, perfect for sitting out to read, play games, or sew, wonderful for hosting parties and barbeques, and even work well as a romantic location for you and your loved one to spend time together. These places deserve a lot of attention, and intricate planning. Oftentimes they are overlooked in building, remodeling, or decorating. You can possibly walk away from this guide with a fresh outlook on your outdoor living spaces, and with some great idea for their potential revival!

First, and foremost, clear away the clutter that is often thrown onto your back porch or deck. Beyond furniture, outdoor toys and items, and grills, your backyard does not need to be home to trash, junk, or storage items. Sift through everything in your outdoor living spaces, throw away what is unneeded, sell or donate the things you don't use, and you've got yourself a great start!

Once you have a clear space on your outdoor balcony, porch, or deck, divide it up into different areas. You can put a hammock or swing on one side, set up an umbrella, and add a nice dining area with table and chairs on another. If you have the means, install a screen over an area so as to create a separate porch. You can keep couches in a breakfast nook, or perhaps set up a table and chairs there for a more covered and weather-proof dining area. With summer comes summer storms, and having a screened porch is a great way to spend time outside while staying protected from the rain.

Make use of a blank space by planting a garden around it, decorating it with tall and leafy plants, or growing vegetables. Not only is it visually appealing, but it creates a useful and positive area to spend time in. Many people plant bamboo to differentiate between different parts of their balconies and deck. If you have a Jacuzzi in your backyard, consider using bamboo as a privacy shield around it. You can hang up lanterns, string or rope lights, and paper lights to produce a beautiful and sultry ambiance. Candles can be used all around your deck or balcony as well. Don't forget, you can purchase candles infused with citronella for a beautiful look with a useful effect- keeping the bugs away! Adirondack chairs are also popular. They are frequently seen at beach houses and in southern homes, and are a beautiful touch for any backyard furniture.

Mr. Oliver is a marketing agent of LifeStyle Builders. The new home builder provides custom home building throughout the Richmond Virginia area. For more information on their New Home Contractors please visit their website.

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Laying Ceramic Tile - Important Details That Must Be Right

Laying ceramic tile is a simple process. Get the basics right and the project will be a success. Now there are quite a few tricks that you need to know for the project to turn out right. Overlook these few things and you may have problems. Actually some of the most important steps are before you lay the first tile.

Some tile projects fail because of the base over which the tile is set. That's because any movement of the finished tile surface will likely lead to cracks. You see a tile surface is brittle. Move the base around and the tile will crack either in the tiles themselves or in the grout. A cracked tile surface is because of movement of the base. You can easily prevent this.

Now on some surfaces you may need some bracing. But usually even if you have a bouncing mounting surface, covering the surface will solve the problem. Putting down a plywood base or a cement board base is often the solution. The cement board base is almost a standard professional first step. In any case, make sure your base is clean, smooth and solid.

Once you have a solid base, the next important step is to decide where that first tile goes. Get the first tile right and the project is well under way. You see the finished look of the tile surface depends on where the cut tiles are and how all the tile joints look. Usually most rooms aren't exactly square so it's a challenge to make the tile lines match best with the existing walls. Planning is the key to success.

You can often start a floor in the center and work out for the best look. Once you get started it's easy to keep joints even using regular tile spacers. Then you can check regularly with a carpenter square to keep all the tiles properly aligned.

Laying ceramic tile is a step by step process. No particular step is hard, but there are quite a few tricks that you need to know to have the best chance for success. Get off to the right start and you'll surely have a good looking finished project.

You can get access to video tutorials showing the professional tricks to laying ceramic tile on our tile website.

Al Bullington invites you to visit http://InstallingCeramicTile.net for answers to your tile questions.

Friday, June 26, 2009

Key Points to Consider When Selecting an Architect

Are you in the process of planning for a house renovation? Do you want to make sure that your home will be remodeled according to your discriminating taste? Are you having a hard time looking for an architect to do the entire job for you? Worry no more - use this guide to learn the best characteristics to look for in an architect.

You might be wondering, why choose an architect at all? What's in such a title that makes him quite popular and so expensive to use on a residential remodeling job? Browse along so you may find out the answers to these questions. These are facts you ought to know about the best architects and why you should hire them.

When it comes to having a major change in your own home, it is always a must to look for the best architects in your area. By doing so, you are guaranteed to get the total pleasures of your investment. But, how to go about choosing an architect? Here are the important questions to determine which one is best for you:

Reputation. This is very significant in knowing who the best architects are. Proper educational background may also help set the credibility standards of the profession. With the right architect, you do not have to worry about looking elsewhere for the persons who will work on your project. You also get to feel the importance of your decisions. They have already established their names in the business and will do nothing to harm their hard earned reputation.

Willingness to serve. Architects can be key resources to providing all that you need to have your job done on time and on budget. Customer satisfaction is certainly part of their core objectives. As you raise your queries, these experts are more than determined to impart to you their knowledge on the field. You do not have to consult other people to get an idea on how your house will look like after renovation.

Perseverance. A residential architect is always determined to get the project done. They deliver results to you in the fastest times possible. They see to it that all your requirements are met before making changes in your timeline. They also suggest what's on their minds that will add to your project, making it a masterpiece. They look into the urgency of your needs as well.

Passion. As architects, they are qualified to perform the duties as one of the most hardworking persons in the field. They pour their hearts out in everything they do. Whether it is a small room that needs updating or a large residence which needs extensive change, these professionals look into details consistently and accurately. Check to see that your architect meets these criteria when you speak with references on past jobs.

Integrity. Honesty should always form part of people in any field of expertise. When you select your architect, ask for references who will vouch for their honesty. This is the person who give you all the proper estimation on the costs that you will spend from the planning stage up to the completion of the job. They actually let you know what to expect from the entire project and how to get it done in the fastest of times.

These traits of the best architects make them one of the most sought-after professionals in the field. When you hire the right one, they will truly put their mind and soul in everything that they do. Knowing the architect will allow you to rarely find a problem once you get to know them. The best architects will allow you to participate not only during the planning stage but in the entire process.

Chuck R Stewart recently remodeled his vacation home using a Seattle architect who is a specialized Seattle residential architect.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

How To Spruce Up Your Patio - Creative Home Ideas

Tired of the same boring patio? Why not give it a makeover? Here are some tips that you can use in sprucing up your patio:

Fill it up with chairs

One way of upgrading the appearance of your patio is through the addition of chairs. Choose high-quality chairs like Adirondack rocking chairs or Amish-made rocking chairs made from the finest hard wood. These chairs will provide you with the comfort and relaxation you need while staying in your patio. Also, when choosing a rocking chair, keep in mind the type of material used. Make sure that the wood used in the construction of the rocking chair is weather-resistant and sturdy. If you're not a fan of chairs, maybe you should buy a hammock instead. It is still comfortable to chill in, pleasant to look at, and inexpensive to purchase. Also, like the rocking chair, the hammock sways.

Put a cute tiny table

Where there are chairs, there are at least one table. Add a cute tiny table that is made preferably from the same type of wood material as the chairs. Matching chairs and tables will certainly add up to the flair of your patio. Choose a table that is simple yet stylish. Like the chairs, your table must be weather-resistant since it will be staying outdoors for a long time. The table is a good spot to place your cold drinks or afternoon snacks while you're enjoying a little sun outside the house. The table is certainly a good addition to your patio!

Buy an outdoor whirlpool bathtub.

Why not purchase your very own whirlpool bathtub? You will have the chance to experience the soothing sensation provided by the whirlpool effects of the water. It is recommended for people who are stressed by work or school because it relaxes the muscles and cleanses the skin. Since the tub is quite spacious, you can also enjoy it with your friends. You can catch up on the latest Hollywood gossips and the recent prime-time soap episodes while eliminating those unwanted dirt and dead cells off your bodies. Now that is relaxation!

Add some useful gadgets and pretty accessories.

Decorate your patio with some useful gadgets. Add outdoor heaters or fireplaces to add warmth in your patio during cold weathers. If you want, you can also add a mosquito-inhibitor or an insect-control unit that keeps insects and other pests away from your place. For an added personal touch, you can also put in some accessories like decorative planters, wall fountains, garden bells, and outdoor umbrellas.

Jerry Brecken is a freelance writer who is currently writing for My Rocking Chairs, a guide to selecting and buying nursery rocking chairs, and massage rocking chairs

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Candle Making 101

If you'd like to try your hand at candle making, set aside two hours one day next weekend, and start with an easy project, using your old candles to test the waters. If it's instant gratification you crave, you'll see the fruits of your labor in just a couple of hours with a minimum expenditure for supplies.

People often speak of candle making and soap making in the same sentence as if they are similar experiences. The process is not the same. If you have thought of making your own soap, try candle making first. The process may appear similar, but it's simpler and safer. When you make your own candles, you are simply melting wax, not conducting chemical experiments in your kitchen.

We'll give you a play-by-play preview of the process, but consider this an overview. Before you actually set up shop and play candle maker for the afternoon, download a proper set of step-by-step procedures from the Internet. You'll find hundreds of candle-making projects available online, but start by recycling your old candles just to get a feel for the process. In fact, in this overview, we'll describe the process of melting down your old candles and turning them into brand new votive candles.

If you enjoy the experience, which is similar to cooking, then you'll want to order more supplies before beginning your candle-making hobby in earnest. With a little practice, you can give unique, hand-made holiday gifts, and delight your friends with something that you personally created.

Safety First

Anytime you work around an open flame, you have all the ingredients for a potentially dangerous situation. Work carefully and mind your safety P's and Q's at all times. Candle making requires your undivided attention. Don't even think about multitasking while working with hot wax.

Materials and Preparation

Before you begin, you'll need to gather the following equipment:

Old candles anything that you would otherwise throw away
Votive wicks, pre-tabbed
Votive molds (metal is best)
Scissors
Silicone spray for metal votive molds
Old saucepans to create a "double boiler"
Candy thermometer
Oven mitts

To minimize cleanup, cover your burners with aluminum foil and spread old rags or newspapers over a flat work area.

Prepare the Molds

If you prepare your molds in advance, you won't have to scramble at the last minute, and risk the possibility of your wax cooling before you can pour it.

Spray the inside of each mold with Silicone per the instructions on the can.
Place a pre-tabbed votive wick in the mold, and set aside.

Melt the Wax

This process requires your undivided attention.

Remove old wicks, labels, etc. At a bare minimum, clip the burnt part of the wick.
Melt the wax.

If you're using old jar candles, you'll need to melt the wax in the jars separately.

Pour the Molds

Allow the melted wax to cool to 160 to 180 degrees F.

Pour the wax into the prepared molds.

Allow to cool and shrink.

Melt wax for the repour and allow it to cool to 180 degrees F.

Repour to top off the molds.

Allow to cool.

Remove the candle from the votive holder.

The key to successful candle making is preparation and setup. If you have everything prepared and within easy reach, you'll have a smooth melt to pour process. If you haven't prepared in advance, the wax may cool faster than you can prepare your work area and molds, costing you additional time.

That's all there is to creating brand new candles from your candle remnants. If you enjoy the process, you can progress to creating your own custom candles from scratch, giving them as gifts, or even starting a brand new career path.

M J Plaster is a successful author who provides information on shopping online for candle making supplies and candles in general. M J Plaster has been a commercial freelance writer for almost two decades, most recently specializing in home and garden, the low-carb lifestyle, investing, and anything that defines la dolce vita.

Shed Blueprints - 5 Tips For a Successful Building - Using Shed Blueprints!

Using Shed Blueprints for building a shed...Do you need a place to store your lawn mower, rakes, tools etc...As well as providing shelter for your outdoor items, it adds to the value of your home and can be pleasing to look at creating a rustic setting in your back yard. With the many Shed Blueprints available on line, you can choose the one that best suits your needs!

If you want your investment to last for years to come, you'll need to follow these 5 tips for successfully building an outdoor structure. I'm a Journeyman Carpenter and have built many structures using Shed Blueprints and helped many friends build there's. As you know there are 1000's of different sizes and designs to choose from, which ever one you select these 5 Tips will keep you on the right track.

The 5 tips for a successful building are:

1) Solid Foundation:
Any outdoor structure no matter how good it's constructed will not last if the foundation sinks or rots. Ideally a concrete slab on grade will last the longest and provide a flat surface that won't rot and insects can't harm. You can use pressure treated lumber for you base and is the second best choice.

2) Solid floor:
If you've chosen to use the concrete foundation you can skip this. If you're using wood use pressure treated 4X4's or 6X6's depending on the size of your building. It's important that all lumber that comes into contact with the ground be treated! Using treated floor joists and box joists are recommended.

3) Have proper air circulation:
Moisture will destroy wood so will mildew caused by no air circulation. Make sure that you leave an air space's to allow for good ventilation, if you're concerned about birds and other larger insects getting in, use screen to keep them out... but will allow air flow.

4) Select and locate door and windows:
You'll want to be sure that the door size you use will be big enough for your lawnmower, lawn tractor and other larger tools to fit through it. A little bigger is better, ever whacked your knuckles when carrying in something through a doorway? Locate the windows on walls were your not storing big and long items usually away from the door.

5) Build with low-Maintenance Materials:
In today's fast paced world any spare time you have you want to do things you enjoy and not having to scrape and repaint every 2 to 3 years. Use Metal trims and vinyl siding which may cost a little more but will not need any maintenance other than hosing down.

Using these tips and having good Shed Blueprints to follow will ensure you many years of trouble free enjoyment from any outdoor structure you decide to build.

If you've found this information useful and want to find out the easiest way to build sheds and save yourself 100's even 1000's of dollars on your shed construction, Do it yourself! Take a quick look at http://hubpages.com/hub/ShedBlueprints See the sample sheds you can build as well as some of the other fun things you can build!

Of all the resources I've seen on line I've found one that is the most comprehensive and complete home project resource on the Internet. The Detailed diagrams...Complete material lists...and very explicit step-by-step instructions! And it's your lucky day you can get a FREE complete shed to download at Shed Blueprints Grab your copy before there all gone!

Friday, June 19, 2009

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.

Support Post For Valley Beam

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Painting and Decorating Your Home

Growing up, I had a good friend named Reggie who lived in a house that was always clean, always well decorated. Due to this fact, painting and decorating has always come easy for me.

His mom liked to do a quick re-paint of their whole house every spring. She and Reggie (his dad died when he was young) would take a whole week to give everything a fresh coat of paint. His mom was a very clean women. She was raised on a farm and I guess people back then farm kids were raised well.

Because my best friend and his mom would take a few days to go throughout the house painting, no doubt this made an impression on me. I would come into the kitchen or go through their house and everything was nice and new. A nice lifestyle. Something painting decorating is all about - it adds flavor to our lives.

As I got older and found a wife, I moved into one of my grandfathers apartments. I noticed that he was a good painter also. He painted white ceilings with pastel color walls and the woodwork trim was enameled white also. So from these two experiences alone I learned how to be a good painter decorator.

Basically if I was to do a custom interior paint job, I would get custom color charts from the paint store. Paint stores have historical custom color charts with three-color schemes. This helps to take the guesswork out of matching and choosing colors as well as planning out a color scheme for each room.

From there all you have to do is pick your curtains, bedspreads, carpeting, rugs etc. and match them to your new paint job. That's basically all there is to doing interior decorating as far as I see it. Then comes the talent. Some people have a knack for putting colors together that it looks really good.

If you just moved into a new house and there is existing carpeting that you don't want to change, tile floors, stained woodwork or painted woodwork that you plan on keeping the same, you simply have to match up new colors to those existing items.

I painted for an interior decorator off and on for a few years until they moved to another city. I painted most of her house inside and some of the outside. She had a real knack for pictures, wallpaper and furniture. She also had the money to do it all.

Painting decorating the outside of your home can be mentioned here also. There are exterior custom color charts that show three-color patterns or scenarios, even historical colors.

It can get rather pricey to live life at its best when it comes to painting and decorating your home. If you do a little bit at a time it can be a fun hobby. One thing that I highly recommend as a painter decorator is to use quality paints and wall coverings. Never skimp on these things. After all, why waste your precious time and resources on inferior materials? Especially if you have to live with it.

I like to see people put different colors in every room so that every room that you enter is a treat to the eyes and the emotions. I like to see colors that gradually flow from one room to the next gracefully. It's the little things like that that create the nicer lifestyle. There is power in color. Colors effect our moods.

Some people that I have painted for will put the same drab color in every room throughout the house as if they got a special deal on the paint or something. And some people never paint any rooms until they move out. They never get to enjoy the paint job.

Now I'm not all that good at choosing colors. I remember a friend in school that had some of those doodle art pens and was coloring a psychedelic VW Beetle. All his colors he chose were amazing. They all went together so well and they were bright.

As long as I use a custom color matching chart from the paint store I can do a pretty good job when painting and decorating houses. Nonetheless some people have real knack for making awesome colors flow.

Lee Cusano has owned his own successful painting decorating business since 1991. He has also helped many others to start their own painting business with his "Paint Like a Pro Estimating and Advertising CD-ROM". Lee also offers a new free report titled "How To Quit Your Day Job This Week and Double or Triple Your Income". To get it please go to http://www.painting-business.com

I Have A Squeaky Floor

Drywall Repair - Home Repair Tips

Drywalls are common finishes used in the interior of homes whether in New York, or other cities in the U.S. No modern home could ever have been built without it. Though the building material has been manufactured to be tough, it is still not totally safe from any damage. Different levels of finishing, thickness and treatments that come with it offer various levels of soundproofing, fire resistance as well as impact tolerance. The extent of the drywall repair will be dependent on the degree of damage.

Also known as gypsum board, any damage to it is commonly remedied through homeowners doing the drywall repair themselves or hiring a pro. Though both options do have their benefits, they also have drawbacks. So when faced with any damage, it pays to carefully consider which alternative is best for your circumstance.

DIY Drywall Repair

Other than saving on the overall cost of the project, what drives many homeowners to do things themselves is the feeling of satisfaction upon finishing off the task successfully. Resources on the topic are abundant and you can easily look up helpful articles ad instructional videos about it in the World Wide Web, and even offline through magazines and books. The task is fairly easy if you are dealing with minor drywall repair involving slight dents, or small holes.

Just like other home improvement and maintenance project, the problem you would have to face if you try to handle the drywall repair on your own is the risk. Without any experience and skill, the risk of committing any mistake and thus sacrificing the quality of the result is huge, especially in cases where the damage is extensive. So if you think you are not up to the job, then better let the pros handle the work.

Drywall Repair Specialist

The factor that makes many homeowners cringe at the thought of acquiring professional help is the cost of labor, making up for the considerable difference when you think about how much the materials would cost. A hired drywall repair specialist, though, would save you time which you could choose to spend doing more important things. Equipped with the right tools and quality materials, you would not have to bother rummaging through the shed to look for tools.

In areas where guests are entertained like the living area or the kitchen, it pays to maintain their attractiveness. The smallest flaw could really take a toll in the area's appearance, and what more if there is a gaping hole on the wall? With a drywall repair specialist to do the job for you, the project results would be seamless and noticeably better; and a lot faster letting you enjoy the results in the shortest wait.

Drywall repair takes some practice and ample skills to produce results wherein the damage would seem to not even have existed. So when faced with any drywall damage, you have to weight your options carefully. The thing that you think might save you more could even cost you more.

Eugene Makeev of Craftsmen Network helps New York home owners avoid the common pitfalls with Brooklyn, NY drywall installers by matching their needs with prescreened drywall contractors NYC.

Please feel free to use our drywall estimator.

Home Termite Repairs

Friday, June 12, 2009

When We Choose Misery Over Happiness

I am not one to feel sorry for most people. They seem to have a unique ability to cause themselves the most damage during certain parts of their lives. I have met some pretty self destructive people in my life. Being raised by a mother that lived in misery and love.

My mother had a difficult childhood. It seemed as if every corner she turned there was a obstacle either right in front of here or waiting just around the corner. Her father died when she was 12 year old. He was a farm laborer and didn't make much money. In other words they were poor...... She got sent to live with a few foster families and according to her she was molested by one of the fathers she lived with.

Soon her older sister invited her to live with her. My aunt was married to the owner of a pottery business and had 2 children about 10 years younger than my mother. My aunt soon realized she had a live in baby sitter that allowed her to stay out drinking most of the day.

My Uncle was what you would call a drunk back then, now we call these people alcoholics. Well any way I think you are starting to get a picture of my mothers life up to this point. It is probably safe to assume that this isn't the ideal life for a young woman.

The next event to happen in my moms life was for my uncle to fall in the shower one night after tying one on that night. He died soon after but my aunt seemed to make a another good choice and ended up marring the owner of the bar that they spent most of their time in.
The Grand essentials of happiness are: something to do, something to love, and something to hope for. Allan K. Chalmers

By this time my mom was in High School and met my future father. It wasn't exactly a marriage made in heaven. My dad was always an easy going man. He seemed to let most stuff go in one ear and out the other.

As you guessed it they had a few children. Nice one Dad and Mom. According to the books I have read on Angelic beings. People that believe in the after life and angels. They tell me I had a choice and was able to choose my parents....... What was I thinking...... I should have choose someone with some money and a couple of parents that were deeply in love .

How did I end up here in this situation.

I ended up loving my parents like most of us. They seemed to be doing the best that they could possibly do raising me, my bother and my sister. My mom and dad ended up getting a divorce and I went to live with my father.

My Father is remarried to a wonderful woman that seems to bring him a lot of happiness.
I haven't seen my mother for a while now. She lives with a life of excuses and misery. Her childhood was not the greatest but that doesn't give her the right to bring misery into other peoples lives. She has made a conscious choice to live what seems to be a painful life. Maybe her choices in life have made me choose happiness over misery.

I have always wondered what it is that motivates someone to live a life of true unhappiness when it takes the same amount of energy to live a life of joy. Life is meant to be full of joy and happiness so start today by making the right choices to live a fulfilling life of happiness.

If you are reading this and can't make up your mind what kind of life you truly want to live visit me at http://live.spiritualideas.com/ . Change your thinking and change your life.

Greg Vanden Berge will help you create a new approach to life and discover talents you never knew you had. We can help you get the most out of yourself all the time. Start developing your innate strengths and abilities to start enriching your life TODAY !

Roof Drain Stain On Stucco

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Video on Home Repair, Large Hole in Your Wall

Great video on how to fix a hole in your wall .

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 home inspection or home building ideas.

Home Water Heater Damage

Monday, June 8, 2009

Planning Your Bathroom Remodel Budget - Home Improvement Ideas

As a bathroom remodeling contractor, I get calls from people, that have no idea what they want or how much anything is going to cost. Here's some simple tips that can be very helpful when planning a bathroom remodel budget.

Bathroom Remodeling Investment

In 2008, the average mid-range bathroom cost around $16,000 and you could recoup around $12,000 of your original investment upon the sale of your home. According to a popular remodeling magazine, larger bathrooms using expensive fixtures, tile, bathtubs, woodworking, toilets and showers had an average of $52,000. Upon the sale of a home, you could recoup around $36,000 of your original investment.

Finding out How Much Things Cost

My first suggestion, would be to visit your local home improvement center, lumber yard or plumbing supply warehouse. Larger stores like Home Depot and Lowe's, seemed to provide you with value pricing but don't have a large selection. While doing some research on the Internet I noticed that some of their pricing is outrageously, outrageous. Some plumbing supply warehouses can provide value but beware others won't.

Create a List of Bathroom Remodeling Parts

You can get a good idea of your bathroom remodel costs for your budget by making a list of bathroom parts with pricing and then adding them up for a grand total. If you're a total bathroom remodel budget is $15,000 and you have a $6,000 bathtub with $4000 worth of tile, you could have a budget problem.

Figuring out the Labor

You will have to contact a contractor to get an actual cost for the labor. Sometimes you can double the cost of your bathroom remodeling parts to get a rough idea. If you have a list or a couple of lists and a few pictures of some sample bathrooms, this will make the contractor's job easier and often they can give you a labor price within a few days.

Give Yourself a Cushion

I would suggest leaving yourself a small financial cushion for any additional remodeling items. For example, you could see a different toilet, or instead of painting the walls, you now choose to wallpaper, you could incur additional expenses that you haven't planned for. If you know exactly what you want and stick to the original bathroom remodeling plan, you shouldn't need the cushion.

Financial problems often transfer into construction problems, so spend some time figuring out, how much money you want to spend on the bathroom remodel and try not to go overboard on the budget. I hate to see homeowners struggling with home improvement loan payments. Try to create a bathroom remodeling budget that is realistic and will not create a financial burden upon you or your family.

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.

Problems With Catholicism

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Inexpensive Ways to Update a Tired Kitchen

Ask any home owner or renter and they'll say their kitchen needs an upgrade. Whether it's the leaky dish washer, the plain cabinets or the drab curtains, something certainly could use an update. But remodeling your kitchen can be difficult, especially if you've got a busy home that can't afford not to use the kitchen for a week due to installations. Additionally, kitchen remodeling can be a headache, especially when the estimated cost seems to add up all too quickly. But there are ways to update your quaint, tired-looking kitchen, all while saving you money you thought you'd have to spend. Follow these tips and you see a difference in your home and in your wallet.

Tip #1: Budget Wisely
Of course, we'd all like to remodel our kitchen without spending any money. The reality of the matter is, depending on what or how much you'd like to replace, there will be a cost associated with it. However, some projects are noticeably more expensive than others, so plan accordingly. For instance, replacing all counter tops, flooring and appliances can certainly put a dent into any savings or wallet. If you can't afford a total kitchen replacement, consider changing elements of each project (such as refurbishing appliances and cabinetry, instead of buying new).

Tip #2: Plan Your Mission
With your budget limit in mind, envision what features of your kitchen you'd like to change. You may want to consider creating a mock blueprint. What you've imagined in your head may seem frivolous or impossible on paper. By planning ahead of time, you'll eliminate the chances of over-buying the tools you need to remodel, consider what appliances and features can be kept, as well as work out the dimensions if you plan to rearrange furniture.

Tip #3: Shop in Unusual Places
There are many valuable but often hidden places that homeowners simply skip over when they consider remodeling. Check out your local paper or neighborhood for auctions, flea markets, garage and estate sales and thrift stores. These places are chock-full of steals you wouldn't find a most furniture stores and outlets. Also, since suppliers to these stores come from a variety of sources, their inventory is much more eclectic. If you've always been searching for a unique painting, accessory or cabinet, you may just be able to find exactly what you were looking for!

Tip #4: Give it a Facelift
Typical kitchen designs should be updated every 5 or 7 years. Chances are, your home has not kept up with that remodeling schedule. Most likely, the cabinetry, splash guard and appliance places will need some updating. Replacing even just your cabinet door knobs and locksets with oil rubbed bronze cabinet hardware can easily add a decorative accent to your otherwise dull cabinetry. Darker finishes such as Swedish iron, matte black, weathered nickel and oil rubbed bronze cabinet pulls are easy to install and are perfect for muted cabinetry.

Tip #5: Refinish the Floor
Many times, a kitchen needs just a simple accent piece. Why not refinish the floor? Home designers typically evaluate the floor last, but it might be your best option. Many newer floor designs offer the convenience of "sticky" floors that can be applied on top of your existing flooring (if the flooring is smooth and clean).

Tip #6: Add Light
Believe it or not, one of the easiest ways to instantly transform a kitchen is to add light. Replacing your light fixtures with a brighter bulb may give your existing cabinets extra shine. Or, if your kitchen has windows, consider tying back the curtains to add in natural light. Consider trading in darker curtains for sheer or lace curtains or valiances. Sunshine will not only keep your kitchen warm during daylight hours, but also, it will illuminate what you've already got without having to spend any money.

Jim Richardson is Vice President of Your Home Supply (YHS), the definitive website for home improvement tools, and gardening supplies. Your Home Supply offers a wide range of oil rubbed bronze cabinet hardware to help customers with common household repairs, as well as decorative accessories for the home. Visit them now at http://www.YourHomeSupply.com

Stair Landing Fire Block

New Versus Old Lumber - Structural Failure

During my 30 years of remodeling and building new homes. I have ran across quite a bit of structural framing failures. I find myself answering this question a lot when explaining to a homeowner about the structural failure I am repairing on their home, "Why Didn't They Use Better Lumber" or " Why Didn't They Use Larger Lumber." I really have a hard time answering these questions because I honestly don't know the answer.

However I can try to use some logic and reason to give these people an answer that seems to make sense to both of us. Why didn't they use better lumber, quite simply because, with most older homes that were built before the 1970s they actually do have better lumber. Now you're probably thinking how can these homes have better lumber when the lumber is old versus the new lumber used in a brand new house.

Most of the structural repairs I have made over the years has nothing to do with the lumber and whether it was new or old. A large number of these repairs were caused by neglect and poor maintenance.

The lumber in most older houses are from older growth trees. Some of these trees were extremely large and only the premium parts of the trees were used. The premium lumber is cut farthest away from the center of the tree. Now the larger the tree it makes sense that there will be more premium lumber.

A large majority of the newer lumber used in home construction comes from trees about 6 inches in diameter. Now you're probably wondering how can they cut a 2 x 8 piece of lumber out of a 6 inch tree. Of course they cannot, the larger lumber comes from larger trees.

Most 2 x 4's that are less than 8 foot long can be cut from these trees. This scrap or waste that comes from cutting these two by fours will now go into engineered building materials like particleboard, oriented strand board and engineered beams. Another name for an engineered been would be a paralam.

I hope you're starting to get the picture now when it comes to using new or old lumber. There are companies that are going into old logging rivers and retrieving old growth lumber. These were logs that sank to the bottom of the river's and were never retrieved because it was too costly.

The old growth lumber is quite expensive. Who's to say what problems we will happen in the future from the newer products created with modern day technology. When it comes to building houses it is not an exact science and as contractors we have been repairing the damage from poor engineering for years.

When I use the word poor engineering I am not pointing fingers at engineers. We now have more knowledge about home construction then we had years ago.

New versus old lumber, who wins the battle. Only time will tell.

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

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

Conversations With God

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Registry Repair Pro Review - Will it Help Fix Your Registry?

The registry can become corrupted or bloated over time simply because you're adding and removing programs from your system. You see, the Windows operating system does quite a bad job of getting rid of old registry entries that are associated with the software or hardware that is on your system. When you install or uninstall programs on your computer the Windows operating system many times won't remove the old entries from the registry. Over time this information builds up until you're registry can't handle it any more and it breaks down because it is trying to keep track of too much information.

In the past the best way to deal with this problem was to reinstall Windows or manually try and repair the damage to the registry yourself but this can be time consuming and could potentially cause more harm to the computer system.

Currently, the quickest and most painless way to fix a corrupted or bloated registry is to use a good registry repair tool such as Registry Repair Pro by 3B software.

Registry Repair Pro is specifically designed to scan your computers registry looking for invalid or outdated entries that may be the cause of your registry problems. If any problems are found the program will automatically fix them if you wish.

Registry Repair Pro has been designed with the less tech savvy user in mind. The program interface is simple to understand and easy to use. Simple click the 'Scan For Registry Errors' button and you will taken to another screen that lets you decide if you want the program to automatically scan for registry errors or if you want to you can decide to manually picks which registry entries are scanned for.

Scan times average around two minutes and once complete you will be given a detailed breakdown of any problem registry entries located by the program. These problems include invalid paths, shared files and known Dll's. You can choose to have Registry Repair Pro automatically remove the errors automatically or if you wish you can pick which problem entries you would like to get rid of yourself.

Other features of the Registry Repair Pro program include the ability to exclude certain area of your computer from the programs scans. The program also has a backup and restore feature that you see in almost all other registry repair programs. Using this feature you can make a backup of your registry before any problem entries are removed so if something important is deleted you can simply restore the backup.

You can pick if you want Registry Repair Pro to scan your computer automatically using the schedule feature. The options include letting the program scan daily, weekly or monthly.

Read a more comprehensive Registry Repair Pro review including comparisons to other registry repair programs available online at my registry cleaners reviews.

Large Crack In Floor

Energy Renovation For Your Home - What To Do When Feng Shui Fails

Does your home feel like a harmonious sanctuary? Do you feel relaxed at home? This is what your home has the potential of offering you. If your home does not feel relaxing, you may think that the obvious contributing factors are things like clutter, the dcor being contrary to your personal tastes, or the home being in various stages of disrepair. This is often not the case. If you have tried changing the overall appearance of your home, but still did not get the result you wanted, there may be more in the energy field that you do not know about.

Vibrational Residue

Emotions from the builder and/or past residents are recorded in the building materials. Much like music vibration that was recorded on vinyl LPs, the emotions of people as expressed in daily events are also recorded into the solid matter such as building materials, furniture, and books. Some people are more sensitive to these vibrations than others. If you are sensitive, these emotional residues can be a source of lingering distress for you.

Traumatic events that happened at any point in time can have a significant influence on the energy of the space as well. If there has been a death, robbery, violence or trauma of any kind, the energy of the space will most definitely include these vibrations until they are intentionally removed.

Ways to Remove Emotional Residue

Traditional shamanic practice uses burning sage to cleanse the energy of a space. You may find sage at Whole Foods or most metaphysical bookstores. Use a small bowl or shell to catch any embers. When you light the sage, let the flame burn for a few seconds, then gently blow it out. The leaves will continue to glow red and release smoke. As you walk around the area, wave the sage along the walls and corners. Intend to cleanse and release emotional residue and bring forth a loving and soothing energy. Coming from the heart, say any prayer of healing or protection that feels most appropriate. The most important part of the process is the intention. You can follow with opening a window to let fresh air circulate throughout.

You may also use a combination of Epsom salts and 90% rubbing alcohol. Pour the salt into a fireproof flat bottomed container at least 8"x 8" and about inch deep. Use just enough alcohol to dampen the salt. Caution! The container will get hot. Keep hair and clothing out of the way. Be sure to place the container on a heat resistant surface like a stove and away from all flammable materials. Set the salt/alcohol on fire. Allow the flame to continue burning until it goes out by itself. As the fire burns, visualize an intense purifying white/violet light going out in all directions. Repeat the process as needed.

It may be necessary to hire a professional intuitive that can pinpoint the event and the vibration to remove it. Other energy interferences may include the following:

  • Underground elements include boulders, mineral mines, rivers, lakes, and emotional residue of historical events such as plagues, natural disasters, or burial grounds.
  • Energy vortexes on ground level or in mid-air, whether it be outside or inside your home, very often create energy imbalances.
  • Neighboring structural beam lines or those in your own house can project a laser like energy that disturbs your peace. In the city or within suburban subdivisions where houses are located very close to one another, beam line influences can be a problem.
  • High tension power lines or transformers carry a very strong resonance. It has been documented to influence human health.
  • Traffic movement adjacent to the property can have a significant impact, particularly when the traffic is directed towards the property.
  • Energy portals are hotspots that are accessible from multiple dimensions. They are commonly used for inter-dimensional travel by beings of other realms or by humans who have capability for mind/astral travel.
  • Spirits (non-physical beings) in other dimensions can co-occupy the same space with us. Depending on the kinds of beings, some may appear hostile if treated harshly, while some are actually beneficial for our well-being.

These are influences that traditional Feng Shui practices will not be able to resolve. It is very important to consult an experienced, intuitive Energy Renovation Professional for effective solutions. Doing so can bring peace and tranquility to your life, while putting a smile on your face!

About the Author:

Sunny Wang, BA, MATT, RTSM is trained in kinesiology and is a life long energy sensitive and intuitive. She has talked to "dead people" since she was very young. She also makes personalized energy jewelry. Her specialty, similar to Feng Shui, is the energetic restructuring of homes, offices, and land. Her websites are http://www.EstateOfHarmony.com and http://www.InsightfulSpirit.com

Waterbed Repair And Maintenance - What You Need To Know

Owning a waterbed requires the occasional waterbed repair once in awhile. In order to keep your bed in good condition, proper maintenance and care should be taken. How do you properly maintain a waterbed?

One of the first things you need to consider is the water level in your mattress. Always remember that the water will be displaced when one person or more uses the bed. Thus, fill the water system of the mattress to just below the level of the surrounding frame and allow some roof for displacement.

When a waterbed has already been filled with water by others, its always wise to check for air bubbles in the mattress. Just make sure that the air in the mattress is vented out through the valve. A waterbed that is free of air is quiet. So, once in awhile, you need to manually vent out the air from your mattress.

Setting your waterbeds temperature is also important to guarantee a good nights sleep. However, each person has his preference when it comes to temperature. Generally, a temperature of 28 degrees Celsius or the normal body temperature is the most typical setting for most mattresses.

A waterbed may be free from bed bugs and dust mites but the water inside the mattress might not be free from bacteria. Thus, to prevent formation of algae in the water, waterbed owners are advised to add a conditioner in the water at least every six months. The waterbed conditioner will not only purify the water and prevent bacteria, but it will also protect the surface of the vinyl mattress.

Aside from conditioners, it is also necessary to clean the vinyl surface using a special waterbed vinyl cleaner. Most mattresses have removable covers which can be slid off for easier cleaning. Some vinyl cleaners can be wiped directly on the vinyl while other vinyl cleaners need to be added water or moist before application.

If youre a waterbed owner, never forget to ensure that the safety liner of your bed is correctly in place because the safety liner will protect your room in case the water bed leaks. The liner will ensure that if the mattress gets a leak the water displaced will be contained inside the liner. It is wise to examine your waterbed mattress and the safety liner at least twice a year.

When a waterbed leaks, some people would immediately try to drain all the water from the bed. But this is actually a bigger job than repairing the vinyl itself. In case of leaks, the first you need to do is try to find where leak is coming from. Use a towel to dry off the water between the liner and the bed. Remember that the water is trapped between the liner and the mattress but you can dry it off without draining the entire bed.

A waterbed leak will usually come from the sides, top, or corners of the vinyl. Once youve found the leak, place a pillow under the safety liner to lift the mattress so that you can begin with the repair. First, dry off the punctured area and use the waterbed patch kit that is usually included in your package when purchasing the bed. Simply cut a patch of vinyl that is at least 1cm larger than the hole and use the waterbed repair adhesive to put it in place. The glue dries off very quickly and once its dried, the mattress is ready for use. However, double check that you have completely dried off the leak between the safety line and the mattress as the spilled water will acquire algae and odor.

Check out Richard Mersons site at http://everythingwaterbeds.com for more info on waterbeds, water bed frames, mattresses, sheets and accessories.

Concrete Stained Sheathing

Friday, June 5, 2009

Brick Repair Dallas

In this article I will explain the main reason there is so much cracked and broken brick and masonry siding on homes in the Dallas and Fort Worth area of Texas.

Unless a car or some other foreign object strikes your home the main reason for your brick or masonry siding to be cracked or broken is movement of your home's foundation. It is the foundation which supports the brick and any movement in the foundation will result in movement in the brick or masonry siding. Masonry being very brittle will immediately start to crack. The cracks start out as hairline cracks and become worse with time.

You may also find cracks in the drywall or sheetrock of inside walls and ceilings near the cracks on the exterior masonry walls.

So why does the foundation move? In almost all instances it is the soil which supports the foundation. The soil in the Dallas / Fort Worth area mostly clay based and is very expansive. What this means is that when it is dry it shrinks and when it is moist it expands.

Have you noticed how the cracks tend to get wider in the summer, when the soil is drier, and they tend to close up during the winter months when there is more precipitation.

There are other causes of brick damage such as exposure to the elements or other problems like sprinkler heads that are located too close to the home. Sprinklers can, by themselves erode the mortar joints and even the face of some brick.

But if you are seeing vertical cracks in your brick siding, more than likely you have some foundation movement.

Almost all foundations have some movement and the brick and masonry itself can move due to expansion and contraction caused by hot days and cool nights. In these instances the cracks will not be very wide.

If your problem is not very severe you can probably simply have the cracks repaired. At the time of repair it would also be a good idea to add some Expansion Control Joints to allow minimal movement to prevent re-cracking. Expansion Control Joints are a vertical gap in the wall, around 1/8 of an inch wide and filled with flexible caulk.

Most new homes in the Dallas and Fort Worth area are built with a liberal number of expansion joints.

If you have wide cracks, by wide I mean anything over 1/8 of an inch up to 1 inch and in some cases even more, you will need to talk to a foundation repair professional take whatever steps necessary to stop the foundation from moving.

James Nech is a Masonry Repair Contractor in the Dallas / Fort Worth area. His company has repaired thousands of homes restoring them to their original beauty. When he is not repairing Brickwork or other masonry he can be found talking or writing about it. For more articles on brick repair visit his website at http://www.alamomasonryrepair.com

Ice Damage From Broken Pipes

What is an Energy Efficient Mortgage?

An Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM) is a mortgage that credits a home's energy efficiency in the mortgage itself. EEMs give borrowers the opportunity to finance cost-effective, energy-saving measures as part of a single mortgage and stretch debt-to-income qualifying ratios on loans thereby allowing borrowers to qualify for a larger loan amount and a better, more energy-efficient home.

To get an EEM a borrower typically has to have a home energy rater conduct a home energy rating (HERS) before financing is approved. This rating verifies for the lender that the home is energy-efficient.

In the past most EEM's were used to purchase a new home that already had energy efficient improvements in place. However, we specialize in the opposite of that, we help show you how to renovate your current home and add energy efficient improvements or to purchase an existing home with a FHA 203K renovation loans and add the improvements during the renovation process. So how does it benefit you?

Besides the fact you are allowed higher debt-to-income ratios, FHA EEMs allow lenders to add 100 percent of the additional cost of cost-effective energy efficiency improvements to an already approved mortgage loan (as long as the additional costs do not exceed $4000 or 5 percent of the value of the home, up to a maximum of $8000, whichever is greater). You will also end up with a far more marketable home if and when you choose to sell. We encourage you to take advantage of these money saving improvements while, at the same time, using environmentally friendly building materials and techniques to a truly create a home that has a minimal impact on the environment. Feeling good about your contribution to saving the planet along with saving yourself some serious coin on your monthly energy bills is a solid combination.

Jonathan Blackwell
Green Renovation Specialist
Hometown Lenders
http://www.203KLoan.net
http://www.GoGreenWithFHA.com
404-551-3845

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Termite Damage - What Exactly To Look For

Many homeowners ask themselves what termite damage actually looks like. If you are a responsible homeowner, this is one question you should never fail to ask yourself. You should know the damage that is and can be caused by termite infestation in your building. Therefore, the best way to start is by asking yourself what termite damage looks like and educate yourself on the matter before termites actually infest your home or building.

So what does it look like when termites damage your home? Mud tubes are the most obvious signs of damage caused by termites in your home. These mud tubes serve as shelter for the termites and usually these can be found near the foundations of the building. The areas where wood contacts soil are the first places you should check while searching for signs of termite infestation. Wood, especially moist wood, is food for termites. Such wood is usually found near the foundations of the building.

Termites begin with a small hole that will get them inside the wood, and then they gradually eat through it. Then they make small tunnels and burrow through wood. These tunnels can become really long, if the damage has been present for a long time. What does this kind of damage look like? This looks like some small animal is making trails through your wood.

A few signs that betray termite damage are wood sounding hollow on being tapped with a screwdriver handle, softwood giving way easily to a tool and a gritty and thin material being found on the damaged material's surface. Also discarded wings, bubbling or cracked paint of termite droppings are signs of infestation. Once you are certain what you are searching for, it is easy to find out if your house has been damaged due to termites or not.

You can always use the internet to find out what termite damage actually looks like. Use your favorite search engine and use the appropriate keywords to find out. If you are using the Google search engine or a search engine with an image tab, it is best to use the option. You will be able to see hundred pictures of termite damage, and this will make it easier for you to locate termite damage in the building.

If you care about your building or property, make sure that you ask yourself what termite damage actually looks like. It is your property and it is your responsibility to maintain it, so looking for termite damage is a very good step towards protecting your structure. And if somebody else asks you any doubts regarding termite damage, you will have an answer ready.

Abhishek has got some great Termite Elimination Secrets up his sleeve! Download his FREE 79 Pages Ebook, "How To Win Your War Against Termites!" from his website http://www.Wonder-Homes.com/117/index.htm. Only limited Free Copies available.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Got a Broken XBOX 360? Here Are Your XBOX 360 Repair Options

It's game time, and you've revved up your Xbox 360 for your gaming session. The drive starts whirling, the mesmerizing ring of green light glows bright, and you remove a game from its case. Then suddenly, it happens.

Your gamer's dream turns into a nightmare.

That beautiful glowing ring of green light has turned red, and you know that your gaming days are finished until you can find a suitable method for Xbox 360 repair.

What do you do now? Where will you find a resource for Xbox 360 repair? How will you rid yourself of that red ring of despair?

You could always send it to Microsoft, if you want to pay the price. And it's no small price you'll pay.

How about $140 plus shipping? Well, that's what you'll be charged if you want Microsoft to do your Xbox 360 repair and your warranty has expired. What's even worse is that you'll have to endure a 6 to 8 week wait until your console is returned to you.

"No sweat," you say. "My Xbox is still under warranty, so I'm fine."

Well, not really.

You'll still be required to pay shipping costs, and that's at least $25. Then you have to figure out how you'll pack up your console. You'll have to make sure it's safely packaged for its lengthy and perilous journey to an industrial area in McAllen, Texas - smack dab on the U.S.-Mexico border. That's right, your prized Xbox will spend at least a month in an industrial border town.

You are in great need of Xbox 360 repair. So what will you do? What about the tips you'll find online?

A prime example of this is the "Towel Trick". This wacky myth says that you can fix your Xbox just by wrapping it in a towel.

If you know about the "Towel Trick," then you probably also know that it's utterly useless and probably dangerous. A popular blogger recently said that you're more likely to start a fire with your Xbox 360 than fix it with this method. As you've probably realized, these quick fix myths that you hear about on game forums and sites just don't do any good.

Your final option for Xbox 360 repair is to dismantle the machine and try to fix it on your own. Many gamers have tried this since the introduction of the 360, with mixed results. They've achieved success on some occasions, and it has resulted in calamity in others.

Up until now, this method had involved soldering bad connections inside the machine. But this isn't something the average gamer should try to do. We're not talking about a cheap toaster. This is a high tech piece of electronic equipment. If you tinker around without guidance, you'll probably damage your console even worse and possibly void your warranty.

So it seems you're stuck. You need an Xbox 360 repair, and Microsoft is too slow, too expensive, and too inconvenient. So what will you do?

The good news is that there are expert websites set up by technicians with lots of experience fixing Xbox systems. They know the inner and outer parts of the machine like the back of their hands, and they've put together repair manuals telling you exactly what you'll have to do to repair your Xbox.

By utilizing this information, you can fix your Xbox at home assured of the fact that you aren't risking yourself, or your Xbox. Another great feature of these sites is that they offer detailed video tutorials to guide you through every step.

What's nice about this option is that you can try it out and see how it works for you. If you don't make any progress, you can still send it to Microsoft. None of the techniques described will cancel your warranty.

If you're wondering how to repair xbox 360 take comfort in knowing that's it not complicated as long as you know the steps to follow.

Click Here to check out the top xbox 360 repair guides and get your xbox back up and running right away!

Monday, June 1, 2009

Building a Deck Steps Home Building 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

Interior Decorating Books
Fireplace Books

Great Accessories For Remodeling Your Bathroom

Sometimes, when planning a remodel, such as in your bathroom, it's hard to know where to start. You'll find that with a bathroom, replacing the old accessories with something bright and new can be both the fastest and least expensive ways to make a major improvement in the look of your home.

Since your bathroom is one of the most important parts of your home, you'll want it to look nice for both family and guests. You probably don't pay much attention to the major accessories, such as the toilet, bathtub, and sink, but they are very important to the overall look of the room. There are a lot of smaller accessories in the room, too, and even by just replacing threadbare towels and rugs with new plush ones, you're going to make a real difference.

Of course, there are a lot of other accessories in a bathroom, too, and you'll find that there are many lovely collections of accessories for you to choose from. I say "collections", because you'll want to make sure that all of your accessories coordinate with your bathroom and with each other. Some of the new items you'll want to consider are toothbrush holders, soap dishes or dispensers, towel racks, towels, rugs, wall cabinets, and scales.

It doesn't matter what kind of look you're going for, either, be it modern, classy, Victorian, or Oriental, you'll be able to find the right accessories to enhance the look you're trying to achieve. Choosing the right accessories will do an amazing amount to make your bathroom look up-dated and new.

Yes, the right accessories can make your bathroom look totally wonderful, but the wrong ones can do just the opposite. Therefore, you need to go slow and look at a lot of accessories, both in stores and online, before you make any decisions. That means, don't just go out and grab the first set you see off a shelf at Target. When all is said and done, you'll be glad you made the extra effort.

It won't be long before you have that cozy, gorgeous bathroom you've been dreaming of.

Two of the most exciting and unique bathroom accessories are Japanese bath tubs and Premier bathtub. Visit http://www.bathroomaccessoryguide.com for more information.

Wood Window Blinds - Are They Right For You?

If you want to add elegance and charm to your home, consider installing wood window blinds. These blinds can be stained to match any dcor. They can be made from a variety of different woods to please even the pickiest home owner. Read on to discover some of the greatest advantages of choosing wood window blinds for your home.

Wood window blinds can be custom made to fit any window in your home. If you have a preference, you may choose the type of wood that you would like your blinds to be made from. Having wood window blinds will give you maximum privacy and add a sense of warmth to the room.

Wooden window blinds will also increase the energy efficiency of your home. They are very effective in keeping out the sun and heat on those hot summer days and they can keep the heat in your home and the cold out on those cold winter days.

Wood window blinds are usually more expensive than fabric blinds or aluminum blinds, but they are more durable. The initial investment will be worth it in the long run. Wood blinds have been known to increase the value of your home if you ever decide to sell.

However, if you don't have the money to invest in genuine wood window blinds, there are other options. You may choose faux wood blinds for your window covering. These blinds are less expensive and in most cases, it is hard to tell the difference between real wood and faux wood. They are durable and easy to clean.

Another advantage to the faux wood blinds is that they can be used in areas of high humidity. Real wood may be a problem in these areas due to warping or cracking of the wood. This is not a problem with the faux wood blind because they are made of a durable moisture resistant vinyl.

Keeping these blinds clean is very easy no matter if you choose real wood or faux wood. If you have real wood blinds, all you have to do is dilute some wood cleaner or polish in water and dip a towel or other soft cloth into the solution. Just wipe down the individual slats with this solution to remove dust and give the wood a nice shine.

Cleaning faux wood blinds is even easier. They can be vacuumed using the brush attachment. If they are soiled they can be wiped clean with warm water and a mild soap.

Comparison shop before you make the decision on what type of wood blinds to purchase. Consider your budget and lifestyle. If you plan on installing them yourself, make sure that you know how to do it correctly to prevent damage to the wood blind or your window. Once installed, sit back and enjoy your new wood window blinds.

By the way, you can learn more about Wood Window Blinds as well as more information on everything to do with wood blinds by visiting http://www.WoodBlindsA-z.com

House Lighting Books