Thursday, April 30, 2009

Fixing a Hole in Your Wall Home Repair Video

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.

Rusting Handrailing Nails

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Roof Repair Or Roof Replacement?

Here is the scenario that many homeowners have been in: The roof is leaking, it's been on for 12 years and this isn't the first time you've dealt with it leaking. The question going through your head is: Should I repair or replace my roof?

There are several points to consider when trying to make this decision and keep in mind that no two roofs are the same. So while there are general guidelines you can follow to help you decide, keep in mind that you know your roof the best and whether there are other considerations that you should make such as if you know that the roof was not installed properly.

Special Considerations:

If more then 30 percent of the entire roof is damaged, or if there is extensive moisture damage to either the existing roofing layer or the structural deck, you should consider replacing the entire roof.

If your roof damage occurred as a result of a storm such as a tornado or hurricane, then you should certainly consider replacing the entire roof. In these situations, there are is often damage that you cannot see and it's important to go ahead and replace the roof. Safety for you and your family is the most important factor.

Is there a pre- existing condition on your roof that would make it beneficial to go with a full roof replacement?

Consider replacement if:
You think your roof has a faulty design
Improper material was used while constructing the roof
There were past problems with mold or algae growth

Factors to consider:

Interior Walls- Two sure signs of major roof repair are if the walls and ceilings in your home have moisture marks and if the paint on your walls and ceilings are peeling.

Torn or Missing Shingles- Torn or missing shingles could be caused by many variables from heavy sun to tree branches being improperly removed from the roof. Sometimes torn or missing shingles are a sign of a simple roof repair but there are times that it is the clue that there are more serious roof issues. It's always important to consult with a skilled roofing contractor who can help you determine the severity of the problem.

Roof Layers- If you have more than 3 layers on your roof and are again experiencing problems then it's time to replace.

Roof Age- If you have an asphalt shingled roof of good quality material and installation than it should last between 15-20 years. If your roof is over 12 years and experiencing roof leaks associated with other roofing problems too then you should seriously consider replacement.

Marcy Tate is a content writer for Networx.com and has been in the home improvement industry for over 10 years.

At Networx.com, we connect you with local, professional, licensed roofers who are screened by us and reviewed by you. Find a local roofer to help you determine of you need a roof repair or roof replacement or to receive free quotes on your roofing job.

Mold From Dryer Vent On Joist

Home Improvement Grants Benefit All

Home improvement grants are one of the most popularly applied for and commonly awarded types government funding available today, and with very good reason. With everyone in the country experiencing at very least some sort of financial setbacks, urban development far below acceptable expectations, and the housing and homelessness issues, there is no better place to direct financial aid to than home improvement grant programs.

On the surface this may seem like a frivolous way to spend the American taxpayers money, but on the contrary, there is a great deal of benefit to be gained by all with these generous and amazing programs. Government funded home improvement grants are not just for those who are looking to beautify their homes for their own personal satisfaction, although they too may acquire them, they are more often than not, awarded to individuals and realtors who are in need of detrimental repairs to meet safety codes, or financing to construct additions or expansions.

This method of free government money distribution aids greatly in the enhancement of urban development, helps prevent homelessness by providing additional housing to many communities, insures tenant safety, and increases property values that generate more tax revenue that stimulates the economy. There is a great deal that can be accomplished by continuing to execute this amazingly strategic method of tax fund recycling, that will benefit America as a whole as well as families, individuals, and communities. There is no loss and no risk in this investment, just rewards.

Frivolous? Not at all. Government home improvement grants make perfect sense.

Apply for Personal Grants.

See how much money you qualify to receive today and never pay back. Get Grants for Individuals

Upside Down Room Vent

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Ten Tips To Find And Hire The Best Contractor For Your Remodeling Project

One of the most frequently-asked questions on my forum is "How do I find the right contractor for my remodeling project?" There are many important steps and considerations in choosing and hiring a contractor for a remodeling project. There should be a lot of research and checking information before making a contractor choice.

Here are the top ten tips I offer to homeowners about finding and hiring the best contractor for a remodeling project.

1. Look for a contractor with a strong track record of success in your community. This person will have survived and thrived in the community. The business will be well established in the community, and people will know the contractor and his or her work.

2. Look for a contractor with knowledge and experience in the kind of work you want done. Experience is important. You need a contractor who has experience and knowledge of the specific kind of work you want done. For example, you don't want to hire a roofer to do an electrical job. When interviewing contractors for your project - ask them what projects they are working on now. They likely are doing several - if one or more is a project similar to yours, that's a good sign.

3. Check vital information on the contractor. Check with the state or local licensing board if contractors are required to be licensed in your area to ensure that the contractor is properly licensed to do the kind of work you need and that the license is current. Also check on the contractor's insurance. Ask contractors you are considering for the project to show you their insurance certification. Then call the insurance company and check to ensure the policy is current.

4. Check the contractor's record. Check with the Better Business Bureau, local courts, and search on the internet to find out if there have been any complaints or court cases involving the contractor. Also consider performing a background check. Many companies on the internet offer this service.

5. Develop a clear description of the project, including your workmanship expectations, materials and quality of materials before you discuss the project with a contractor. Your ability to be clear and specific allows the contractor to offer informed opinions and accurate estimates. It is also wise to be open about your budget from the outset, and if the cost is a major concern for you, ask the contractors you interview for their advice on how to minimize the cost.

6. Ask for and then check professional references. Ask for the contractor's standard references, and then ask for several references from projects that contractor is working on currently, as well as several references for projects the contractor completed recently that are very similar to yours. When you talk to the reference ask all the standard questions. Also ask what went wrong and how the contractor made it right.

7. Organize your project and the interview process. Make or buy an organizer to manage the business cards, literature, quotes, estimates and notes that you will accumulate during your search. A good organizer is The Complete Remodeling Workbook and Organizer. Use an interview script for both the contractor and references and a standard list of questions that you answer after the interview so you can compare contractors objectively.

8. Ask a lot of questions during the interview about the contractor, the project and the estimate. Not only do you need answers to specific questions, you need to evaluate your ability to communicate with the contractor. This is also an opportunity to decide whether you do or do not trust the contractor to be in your home and around your family.

9. Carefully compare and evaluate all estimates. I usually recommend that homeowners get at least 5 estimates. You will then need to compare the estimates, including all the details, in order to decide who to hire. Ensure that all of the estimates reflect the same workmanship, finished work, quality of materials, and schedule. If you are having difficulty comparing estimates, ask the contractor to help you make the comparison. If a contractor isn't helping you with this, then he/she probably is not the right one for you to work with.

10. Get a good contract. Get a contract that is based on the total final cost of the project (not an estimate). Be certain that everything is included in the contract. Sample contracts are available at http://www.remodelestimates.com If any changes from the details in the contract are made during the work process, ensure that all changes and costs are put in writing with a change order.

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

Crawl Space Repairs

Kitchen Remodeling - Bring in Functionality and Comfort to Your Household

Kitchen, without a doubt has become the center of any home not only in New York but throughout the country. Its raw essence has evolved into something all-encompassing, making it a place for everyone from the family to guests from all walks of life. Today, the thought of kitchen remodeling can be more exciting than daunting. Projects of this kind have long-since proved their considerable impacts in the family's quality of life as well as the overall value of the home. And the best part about it? With kitchen remodeling, you can expect a recoup in your investments from a minimum of 85% to more than the total cost of the renovation.

Functionality and comfort are keys to make the kitchen remodeling project result lasting and most enjoyable. Whatever your budget is, whether you plan to go for a total renovation or just a surface-level one, it is possible to integrate these elements into the design. To help you out on this, here are several ideas:

Family time is Quality Time

As much of the family gatherings and entertainment of guests are staged in the kitchen, opening up and connecting to a family room is a great kitchen remodeling idea. This can be done if the family room is at close proximity by either taking the separating wall down completely to adjoin them or just put cabinetry on the bottom part of the walls and keep the top area open. Another way to create a gathering area as an extension of the kitchen is through adding a semi- or fully attached breakfast room.

The Island

Adding an island into your kitchen remodeling design is a great way to maximize functionality in the area by adding to the available storage, making simultaneous cooking and food preparation much easier, as well as serving as a dining counter where people can just hang around or casually dine.

Innovative storage solutions

As clutter and disorganization is a major factor that keeps things in the kitchen not only unsightly but less functional as well, adding cabinetry serves ideal. The key to extend their functionality is integrating innovative designs that saves space and makes items more accessible like lazy Susan and pull-out shelves. Cabinets are considered to be the building blocks of the heart of your home and are among its most noticeable features. The selection of materials and quality of workmanship of your cabinetry will greatly affect the appeal of your kitchen.

Lighting and Ventilation

Lighting is among the elements that could greatly boost the quality of your kitchen remodeling result. Aside from obviously making the changes more pronounced and setting the ambiance, it also creates an illusion of more space making the area seem less crowded and more comfortable. To fully take advantage of natural light and warmth, a cost and energy efficient idea is to have a skylight installed.

Together with strategically placed lighting, proper ventilation also plays a great role in making each and every task in the kitchen done more comfortably. Depending on your style and budget, you can choose from among a variety of ventilation hoods ranging from basic models to extravagant ones.

Eugene Makeev helps New York home owners avoid the common pitfalls in Kitchen Remodeling Queens, NY by matching their needs with prescreened New York Contractors Feel free to use CraftmenNetwork's Kitchen Remodeling Calculator

Monday, April 27, 2009

What You Need To Know About Patio Lighting

Patio lighting is almost as important as the patio furniture that you place there. With a little creative planning, you can create a patio with lighting that really shows it off. You should plan the lighting just as you plan the design and look into all the options available for lights on a patio. Some people like to string Christmas lights around the patio to give it a festive appearance. This method of lighting does not cost a lot because you simply use the Christmas lights that you already have.

Down lighting is a way of lighting the patio from above. It helps to create a natural light, similar to moonlight shining down on those seated there. This lighting is also a good security measure for when you are not home because a lighted patio gives the appearance of people being outside when no one answers the doorbell. With creative lighting, you can sit on the patio after dark and enjoy your favorite novel or read the newspaper.

Spotlights or floodlights can serve as down lighting. If you want all of the patio lit up, then floodlights are best. Spotlights are great for highlighting certain areas of the patio such as stairs and the doorway. If you have a particular area on the patio that you want to draw attention to, such as the fountain, then spotlights work really well. One area that you do need to have lighting is the cooking and eating areas, so that you can see what you are doing.

Patio lights can be installed along the edge of the railing and add an ambiance to the patio. Some of these lights are connected to an electrical supply, while others run by batteries. They come on at dusk and go off at dawn, so you don't have to worry about forgetting to turn off the lights when you go in.

For lots of information on patio design and other decks and patios related topics, visit The DIY Home Guide at http://www.thediyhomeguide.com

Sunday, April 26, 2009

What Product is Right For Your Painting Project? - A Brief Look at Commercial Painting Products

The commercial painting product market has literally hundreds of applicators, paints, sprays, and types of coatings. If you are in charge of a facility, knowing a little bit about the types of products contractors use can help you make better maintenance decisions about your commercial building.

Commercial Painting Delivery Systems

Airless Spray

Airless spray systems offer versatile and modular functioning. Airless systems can be used to apply lacquers, elastomerics, stains, and other coatings, and may be outfitted for either indoor or outdoor use. These sprayers are available in gas or electric powered models. The gas powered models are powerful, but are more suited to outdoor projects. Inside jobs are best handled with the quieter electric airless sprayer.

High Volume Low Pressure (HVLP)

HVLP systems use a large volume of air reduced to a very low air pressure to turn a liquid paint into a spray. This commercial painting delivery system is often used to coat detailed woodwork and for ceilings. Spray painting works by either combining the paint with air, or convert the paint to tiny droplets and accelerate these out a nozzle. Commercial examples of this include the popular product the Wagner PowerPainter.

Standard Commercial Painting Paints
Standard commercial paints, such as the various paints, primers and stains produced by companies like Benjamin Moore and Cabot, are used for general purpose coverings. Commercial painting products have a wide range of properties, so you should discuss your needs and immediate requirements with a knowledgeable commercial painting contractor company.

Specialty Commercial Painting Paints
Specialty commercial paints offer radically different coating properties for a demanding commercial painting environment. Here are a few examples of products that are designed for heavy-duty commercial and industrial applications:

  • Covercrete, a specialized concrete coating
  • Griggs Paint, unique aerospace ready coatings
  • Polymerland, special engineered resins for use with polymers
  • Armorpoxy, a tough floor coating system

Final Words
If you have a commercial project coming up soon, please contact a professional painting company. A skilled and experienced commercial painting contractor will be able to suggest the various products and coating techniques that are right for your building project.

Steve A. Parker, Sr. Estimator, RaiderPainting.com - the preferred painting contractor for building owners and facility managers of commercial and industrial properties nationwide. Call 877-724.3371 for a free Estimate. And check out the Raider Painting Blog.

Wood Shake Shingles

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

Home Repair Books
Home Security Books

Options For Sun Room Installation

Having an enclosed patio constructed is not an over-night process. Sun room installation takes careful planning, construction skills and an ability to stick with the job and get it done right. Fortunately, homeowners will discover they have several options available to them to make this dream become reality.

There are three main choices for getting a sun room installed. They are:

From-scratch, do-it-yourself building - Homeowners who are capable of reading blueprints and happen to be handy with tools can build sunrooms from the ground up on their own. Very simple designs, for example, can often be tackled by beginners. The process does require careful planning and a fair amount of work, but it can be done.

Using a kit - When handling some of the work, but not all of it appeals, kit construction can be a smart choice. While the homeowner (or a contractor) will handle the actual installation, much of the technical construction will already be taken care of when a kit is ordered. Companies that specialize in creating kits for sunrooms basically put these together so homeowners only have to assemble pre-sized and pre-cut pieces as they follow along with detailed instructions.

Relying on a contractor - There are construction companies that specialize in the design and installation of sunrooms. This is an excellent choice for homeowners who don't have the skills or inclination to handle installation personally. The option is also wise for the creation of particularly complicated designs. Going with a contractor might cost more, but it can be a very sound investment.

Sun room installation does present itself with several options. The best route to take will depend on personal preference, budget considerations and the complexity of the desired design. Sometimes homeowners can handle installation, but in other cases it's just smart to rely on a pro.

For more information on sunroom additions and other sunrooms and related topics, visit DIYSunroomsInfo.com.

Stair Newel Post Inspection

Saturday, April 25, 2009

How Your Home Could Be Making You Sick!

You probably never thought that we spend 80% to 90% of our time indoors, and most of that time is in our home. Our own home is where we are most likely to be exposed to toxic chemicals. This is especially true for young children, who spend even more time indoors than adults and older children. You are probably asking yourself why are our homes so toxic?

In the last two decades the same period during which childhood illness has increased there has been an alarming increase of toxic chemicals in household products, and for the first time we have been insulating our homes for energy efficiency. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) regulates the air outside our homes, we regulate the air inside our homes. Studies have shown that the air quality inside our homes is 70 times more toxic than the outside air. This is due to a process called outgassing (sometimes called offgassing). Outgassing occurs when certain gases are trapped in an object and they begin to slowly release. To make it simpler, think of the last time you were in a new car or house. What did you smell?

There has been a 26% increase in breast cancer since 1982. Breast cancer is the #1 killer of women between the ages of 35-54. The National Cancer Association & EPA released results of a 15 year study contained that women who work in the home have a 54% higher death rate from cancer than women who work outside the home. The study concluded that the increased rate was due to daily exposure to the hazardous chemicals found in ordinary household products. Be aware that breast cancer is no longer just a women's diease. In the U.S 1 out of every nine women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. The EPA reports toxic chemicals in our home cleaning and personal care products are 3 times more likely to cause cancer than outside pollutants. The Toxic Substance Strategy Committee warns 90% of all cancers are triggered by toxic chemicals in our home environment. The Consumer Product Safety Commission connect 150 toxic chemicals in our homes to allergies, birth defects, cancer, and psychological abnormalities mostly because of outgassing. The primary suspects are laundry detergent and bleach, household cleaners and pesticides. There are 3 ways a chemical can enter the body:

- Ingestion-Each year nearly 1.5 million accidental ingestions of poisons are reported to U.S Poison Control Centers. The majority of the victims are under the age of twelve and have swallowed a cleaning or personal care product.

- Inhalation-Anytime you inhale a foreign chemical into your lungs (that's not medically prescribed) could cause injury or even death. Air is drawn through the mouth and nose then into the lungs. An average person will breath in and out about 12 times a minute. Each of the 12 inhalations brings in about 500 ml of air, corresponding to 6 litres of air per minute, together with any contaminants that the air contains.

- Absorption-The skin is the largest organ of the body and the fastest way to get something into the bloodstream. Any chemical that touches the skin can be absorbed and spread throughout the body. This can happen when you come in contact with a surface that was treated with a chemical days, even weeks earlier. This is especially a problem for children, as they may be touching or crawling around on recently cleaned surfaces with toxic residues. Did you ever stop to think about the nicotine patch or the birth control patch? The skin is so absorbent that these two patches have been design to administer medications into the bloodstream through the skin to prevent smoking and to prevent pregnancy.

What can you do to cut down on out gassing in your everyday life? There are several things that I've been learning and have implemented in my home. For instance when I pick up my clothes from the dry cleaners I leave them hanging in the garage to air off. Think about the last time you hung clothes up in your closet from the dry cleaners. Do you remember what your closet smelled like? I purchase household cleaners and my personal care products that do not contain toxic harsh chemicals. Opening doors and windows, even in winter, goes a long way to circulating the air. Actually I keep a window cracked open all the time now. Whenever discussing things like out gassing, the most important thing we can do as individuals is to not be misinformed. There is always something we can do to reduce such risks to ourselves and our families, and all it takes is knowledge. Always remember knowledge is power!

I have been committed to spreading the word about the daily use of toxic household cleaners and personal care products since 2002. I have joined with a wellness company in order to bring safer products into my home. To find out more about this wellness company and what it has to offer please visit http://www.melaleuca.com or contact k_russell@mypowermail.net

For a FREE guide to Indoor Air Quality please visit http://www.epa.gov/iaq.

Choose A Window

Hammer It Home!

Did you know that the hammer is the oldest human tool? Gosh, imagine the Neanderthal man with a hammer in hand trying to make some music by banging that beautiful hammer on those mineral-rich rocks!! Anyway, Wikipedia defines the hammer as a tool meant to deliver blows to a target, causing it to move or deform.

Though the hammer may seem ordinary, every homeowner needs it at some time or the other. It is mainly used for driving in nails, breaking up things, and some more fun activities remember, it is not to be used for threatening your neighbor. There are different types of hammers for different uses, and the following is their list.

Types of hammers

Claw hammer: Bangs in nails from one side, while the other side is shaped like a curved claw and is used for extracting nails.

Ripping hammer: This is like the claw hammer, except that the side that is used to extract nails, is straight. This hammer helps in ripping boards.

Finishing hammer: Used in smallish workshop jobs and also for general use, the finishing hammer features a smooth face on one side and a pick on the other.

Tack hammer: This is a lightweight hammer used to drive light stuff such as tacks and brads.

Ball Peen hammer: One of the sides of this is round or ball-shaped and this hammer is used for working on metals.

Mallet: This looks like a brute, but is made with wood and plastic chisels and normally used to strike chisels.

Sledgehammer: These are the hammers that the blokes on the World Wrestling Entertainment carry around. A sledgehammer is used for heavy work, such as breaking concrete.

Thors hammer: There is no such hammer in the tools industry.

Working with hammers

Here are some handy tips on how to use hammers:

  1. If you want to extract a longish nail, first place a piece of wood under the hammers head. This ensures that the wood that is worked on, is not damaged.
  2. While hammering, wear safety goggles because you dont want wood and metal particles flying off into your eyes.
  3. Take the thinner piece of the wood and measure its thickness. Now, the nail that you must use should be double (in length) of that thickness.
  4. Drill a small hole before hammering the nail into that spot.
  5. Blunt the point of the nail before hammering it in. You can do this by tapping the nail with the hammerhead.
Hammers are designed for a specific purpose and there are loads of models available on the market. At some point or other, you will feel the need of a hammer, so it will be prudent to equip yourself with a hammer kit.

For great Tool Deals check out the author's website at http://toolsseen.com

Finishing Baseboard Trim

Friday, April 24, 2009

Home Improvement Construction Dispute Resolution

In this report, we will be discussing ways on how to resolve a home improvement construction contract work disputes between an owner, contractor, supplier or an architect.

Most home improvement projects end completing the project with the owner and the contractors when the final payment is made.

Sadly, sometimes a small percentage of home improvement projects ends in a dispute regarding the performance of the contractors, the quality of work, contractor delays, some kind of breach in the contract agreement, owner not paying for the work as per the contract proposal agreement or the combination of the actions by one or both parties.

Disputes of this nature sometimes may end in litigation by the parties. The parties involved should attempt to resolve the problem before contemplating litigation. Litigation is expensive, time consuming and delays the completion of the project.

Many times a dispute can be resolved if the parties are cooperative, reasonable and willing to work together.

For starters, let's broadly discuss the above situation.

1. Cooperative:
Cooperative is understanding the situation and that the problem can be resolved by being fair, patient and professional to each parties concerns.

2. Reasonable:
Reasonable concerns are that many times the problem will require additional costs. The question is how much and who will pay for the additional costs.

3. Solution:
First, the parties must be respectful of each others concerns.
Second, an agreement as to what the problems are and a determination as how to best remedy the problem.
Third, a cost analysis estimate of the work required to rectify the problems.

Should all of the above fail, the next step prior to litigation would be to call for a third party impartial construction expert (agreed to by all parties) to attempt to arbitrate a solution. The costs of utilizing the expert would be shared by all parties as per an agreement.

This method is highly recommended and is the least expensive other then the parties agreeing to a settlement. The parties respectfully should try to use all means available prior to litigation if possible. Litigation should only be the last resort not the first.

In conclusion, consider that the construction industry is quite complex at times and that each project is different. Home owners when contemplating home improvement projects need to do their homework. The importance of selecting an experienced contractor, construction manager, supplier or architect can and will impact the failure or success of the project.

In closing article 1093a report, note some words of wisdom.
"A word to the wise will be sufficient","buyer beware", "you pay for what you get"

Wishing you all good luck, success and a happy ending.
Your author Jon Ewall

About the author
Jon Ewall is an independent construction consultant manager with 40 years experience in all phases of the construction industry. He has been active in the construction and development of commercial, industrial, medical, multi-family, office, municipal, hospital, institutional, and restaurant projects. Jon's expertise provides clients positive solutions to construction related activities.
Comments and inquiries on articles are welcomed.
Contact CONSULTJEAL4U@COX.NET

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Backsplash For Bathroom Tile

Backsplash For Bathroom Tile remodeling is a great option for home-makers to easily redecorate any surface at home. When it comes to contemporary and easy DIY tiles, using this unique tiling technique is an alternative you should consider. Want to learn how it can help you redecorate your home? Read the following article.

Quick introduction

Backsplash For Bathroom Tile redecoration is made of a set of identical beach-stones fixed onto a sq/ft mesh backing. We may find that these panels are made of stones originated from various beaches and rivers from all over the world - mostly from S. East Asia. This tiling technique enables you to easily redecorate anywhere in the inside & the outside: Bathroom flooring and wall coating (including showers), kitchen surfaces such as countertops & backsplashes, patios, pools and even fireplaces.

Important benefits

Let's quickly summarize the main advantages and benefits of this unique technique:

* Can be used for virtually unlimited applications at home, in the office, in restaurants, hotels, etc.
* Can be used for dry surfaces as well as wet surfaces such as shower flooring or as a sink backsplash.
* Their surfaces are flush and in fact, are safer to walk on than most conventional hard flooring as they offer more traction to prevent slipping.

Valuable tips to go!

* Use a tile saw in order to cut stones to fit edges or corners.
* Most recommended grout is sanded grout - it is suitable for both internal and external use.
* Don't rush! - make a plan; make sure you know how to install these panels, even make a small trial first just to see that you can handle it with no problem.

We could easily find many other great benefits provided by this simple redesigning method simply because it provides virtually unlimited remodeling options to any space and surface at any size and location whether for interior or exterior uses.

Quick summary

It is considered as one of the best tiling choices for the average home-maker due to the fact that Backsplash For Bathroom Tile can be quickly installed with minimal required technical skills, and at low cost. If you wish to succeed with your first installation it is recommended to keep the above tips before you begin with installation.

Get creative! - Learn more about how you can easily decorate any surface at home or in the office with Backsplash For Bathroom Tiles.

Visit: http://www.homepebbletiles.com

Fireplace Books

How Can Going Back to School Be Green?

Pupils and teachers alike are probably trying not to think about going back to school as the long summer holidays have only just begun, but as it is actually only a matter of weeks away, we have been thinking about how you can stay green as the new academic year approaches.

Firstly there is the equipment and kit that is invariably required whether you are teaching or learning. Many of these requirements are similar from primary school up until university so keep reading whichever type of educational establishment you work or study in. Stationery is a good start, much of which can be bought made from recycled materials. And when it comes to paper, remember to use both sides whether writing or printing. Also plan ahead with regards to lunches and invest in a lunch box rather than using plastic bags every day. If you need new school uniform check whether your school offers second hand clothes and donate your old good quality ones.

With regards to getting to your school or college, try to walk or cycle whenever possible, or use public transport if it is too far. Alternatively, set up a car sharing pool to reduce car use and save money.

Once you are there, you could think about how to make your school or college greener. Why not set up some eco-iniatives with colleagues or peers? You could become a Fairtrade school, set up a recycling scheme or move towards using renewable energy.

Ultimately, going back to school is just one more part of our lives where we can easily make a difference to our carbon footprint by making small changes to the purchases we make and actions we take. So as you start making plans for the next school year, think about how these could be a little greener.

Hayley Jones is the Web Marketing Director of UK Energy Saving, http://www.uk-energy-saving.com

Cherry Framed Mirror Over Vanity

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

How to Choose a Rope Hammock - Cotton Or Polyester is Better?

There are a lot of choices out there when it comes to hammocks. Many people do not realize how many different fibers, styles, etc.. there are. One option is polyester or cotton. There are a few other blended options, but cotton and polyester are the two most popular, and the most commonly found. It is a hard choice, because each have their advantages and disadvantages. However, a few considerations may help sway a buyer one way or another.

Where is the hammock going to be located?

Cotton hammocks can not be exposed to prolonged direct sunlight. It will cause them to discolor. Whereas, a polyester hammock is resistant to the sun. Over time, even polyester may fade if placed in direct, or very hot sun locations. However, polyester can take much more sun, and for a longer period of time than cotton. So, for outdoor use, polyester wins the durability question.

Which is more comfortable?

Cotton gives under the weight of the body, and will eventually conform to the body. Cotton is a breathable material; meaning less sweat for the person using it. It is also softer to the touch. Polyester is not as comfortable, soft, or breathable. So, cotton wins the comfort test.

Which is more resistant to rain?

Again, if the hammock is inside, this is a moot question. If outside, cotton is prone to mildew, mold, and rotting from moisture or rain. There are some commercial treatments claiming to "waterproof" cotton. However, they have not been proven to actually waterproof cotton. Polyester is resistant to moisture and rain damage. So, polyester wins on resistance to water.

Cost of each?

Polyester is generally cheaper than cotton. Of course, this depends on the brand of hammock. A high end brand of polyester hammock will be more expensive than low quality cotton hammock. So, the better buy depends where you buy the hammock.

Overall, the cotton hammock is great for indoor usage, but the polyester hammock wins for outdoor usage. Polyester is durable and generally cheap. Cotton is less durable, but much more comfortable. The real question is: do you want something that you will not need to replace for years to come, or something comfortable, that will often need replacing?

Learn more tips and advices on how to choose the perfect rope hammock for your backyard or patio.

Find more about polyester and cotton hammocks at http://www.hammocksbuy.com

How to Remove Pet Stains

You can find all kinds of products that will help you to remove nearly all types of stains. The perfect solution in completely removing stains is by cleaning the spills and dirt the second they appear.

There are a number of ways to clean up stains by using products in your home which you use frequently, such as detergents, rubbing alcohol, vinegar, lemon juice, etc. You just need to know how to use these regular household products.

Your first option is to use 1 teaspoon of clear, household type ammonia and a half cup of cold water. You can apply this solution to the carpet directly or use it in a spray bottle. It is crucial not to wet the carpets backing when you use the solution. Once you have applied the solution, you can use paper towels to blot; allow it to dry from top to bottom.

Your second option is to use detergent solution made of dish soap or hand soap. The ideal combination is one quart of water and one quarter of a teaspoon detergent. You need to make sure the soap does not contain lanolin or bleach.

Your third option is to use water. It will re-hydrate the stain to help with removal. The majority of pet stains can be cleaned up by using a steam cleaner. Once you are done, be sure to dry the area as completely as possible.

Ink stains

1. Buy isopropyl rubbing alcohol.

2. Apply it by pouring some onto a clean white towel or cloth. You can use paper towels if they are white.

3. Blot the stain as much as possible until it is cleaned.

4. Be careful, because if the stain is small, you should blot in one direction only so you do not spread the stain.

Beer and wine stains

1. Mix a solution with 1 part water and 1 part white vinegar.

2. Apply the mixture to the stain. You can use a spray bottle to saturate.

3. Allow the stain to sit around 10 to 15 minutes.

4. Use a sponge and clean in a rubbing motion.

5. Rinse the area with warm water.

6. Brush the carpet pile back into the natural direction it has.

7. Use layers of white paper towels; place them on top of the area; put something heavy on the paper towels. Wait until the area has dried.

Protect your carpet against paint drips, snow, mud, dirt, stains, and heavy traffic conditions. Read about plastic carpet protections as well as temporary carpet protections.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Planning to Remodel? - Read This First

A viable alternative to the new house that everyone craves is construction remodeling. This can be a major step to take, especially for those planning a complete layout remodel. You'll need to consider many different things, and we have outlined some of them for you in this article that will help get you started.

The initial consideration before starting on such a project is what can be done to make your house more desirable and increase its worth. Some people decide to add on a bedroom, while others enlarge their kitchens or bathrooms. Adding or renovating a bathroom is frequently done, since it significantly raises the market price of the property. After you have made the all-important determination as to what you wish to accomplish, you can do your homework as to what is necessary to achieve it.

The first step is to investigate local construction remodeling contractors. This will make the most of your time spent researching. Also consider seeking photos of similar projects to give you an idea of where to begin your project.

Before considering the pricing of a project, you must first understand the project's scope and vision. In many cases, a great starting point for project pricing is looking for contractors previous project photos. This will make it easier for a new project manager to give a precise price quote for the type of work you are planning to do.

You will need to schedule a meeting for the company to come out to your home in order to view the area where they will be working. Make sure that you schedule and set aside an alternat space for use while the project is being completed. The contractor will be able to give you an estimate of how long the project will take and can help in the alternate space planning.

If you take this step-by-step advice, your construction remodeling will turn out to be a snap. Put in the necessary time to educate yourself and you will be prepared to make your plans wisely and set your renovation goals knowledgeably. While the cost is key, you want experience and a high level of quality if you are to attain a desirable result. Try balancing the various aspects to achieve a truly fruitful project.

A viable alternative to buying a new home is construction remodeling. The first step in any project is to decide which upgrade will add the most usability and value to your home. Kitchen and bathroom models are very common remodeling projects. Once you have decided upon the remodeling project you want to do with your home, you can start researching what it will take to get the project done. Look online and compare local remodeling companies. Schedule a contractor to view the area where they will be working, then pricing will come into play. Follow these rules and your remodeling project will be a breeze.

Creating Your Own Home Electricity

Creating your own electricity and generating your own power has always been one of my dreams. Having a self sufficient home, not only a house that takes care of itself by generating its own electricity through windmills or solar panels but the satisfaction knowing that no matter what happens to the electrical companies you will always have electricity at your home.

What a wonderful feeling it would be to get a check back from the utility company instead of paying them every single month. I don't know about you but my utility bills are ridiculous and seemed to be going up in price constantly. I can't believe all the fees they have been charging for years to all of their customers. If you add all the fees for every person in the city or county this comes to a large, a very large number and it's getting worse not better.

Generating your own electricity with solar or wind power is definitely green thinking. This is going to be the wave of the future as fuel used to create electricity continues to rise in price. I really can't imagine what the price of electricity is going to be like in 10 years as the mass consumption continues to rise in developing countries.

We have got to start taking care of our own needs through solar or wind power. We have got to start creating our own electricity to become self reliant. The more self reliant we become as a nation the less dependent we will be on major corporations, especially large power conglomerates.

Creating our own electricity can also be used for electrical cars that can be purchased in the future. Think of the money you will say in fuel costs as the price of gasoline continues to increase as well as less pollution into our environment.

This is definitely the wave of the future and common sense tells us this. I suggest you read this article again if you haven't figured out some of the problems coming our way in the future.

Think green and together we can start saving the planet.

While searching for new alternatives and trying to get some advice on creating your own electricity I came across a book you can purchase in digital format. This book seems to have quite a bit of information on creating your own electricity for a totally self sufficient home.

This book has been created in digital format to reduce the consumption of trees and the waste involved in creating a regular book. What a wonderful idea for helping our environment in quite a few ways.

While searching for new alternatives and trying to get some advice on creating your own electricity I came across a book you can purchase in digital format. This book seems to have quite a bit of information on creating your own electricity for a totally self sufficient home.

This book has been created in digital format to reduce the consumption of trees and the waste involved in creating a regular book. What a wonderful idea for helping our environment in quite a few ways.

For more information visit http://www.gregvan.com and look for Get Earth4Energy Here Create your own electricity! Save 1000's with Earth4Energy

Tile Setting Books

Monday, April 20, 2009

Major Remodel and Home Additions

Whether you are planning to do a major remodel or you want to do a major home addition, there are going to be so many different things to keep in mind. After all, many people don't realize what they are getting into when they start a room addition or a remodeling addition to their home. You'll find that there is much to think about before you get started and as the addition or remodel occurs. There are quite a few concerns, you have the remodel or home addition cost to think about, and there are various issues that can crop up. So, it's important that you know about these things before you get started. Here's a closer look at the costs associated with a remodel or home addition, some of the top concerns when you are remodeling in your home, and a few remodeling and addition issues that you'll need to keep in mind.

The Costs of a Major Remodel or Home Addition
First of all, when it comes to a home addition or even a major remodel on your home, you'll find that there are a variety of different costs. It's best to find out about them up front rather than to be shocked about them in the future. If you are going to have someone design the addition or remodel, then you'll have to pay for the designing. Permits to do the house addition are also going to cost you once the project has been appraised. Site preparation, foundation work, plumbing, electrical work, and cooling and cooling are all going to cost as well. Don't forget you'll have to pay for sheet rock, shingles for the roof, siding, flooring, and more. Of course the windows, doors, appliances, fixtures, and the finish work is going to cost you too. So, as you can see, there are definitely some major costs that you'll need to be aware of.

Top Concerns When Remodeling
When it comes to a remodel addition, there are many concerns that you should be keeping in mind as well. Here are some of the top concerns that you'll need to have when you are going to add a new addition or a remodel to your home.

- The Cost - Of course as mentioned, the cost of the home addition is definitely going to be a concern. In fact, many people find out that the addition they wanted ends up costing them so much more than they ever planned on. This is why it's important to take care of this concern by coming up with a budget that you can stick to when you are doing this type of home project.

- Finding the Right Contractor - Another important concern to keep in mind is finding the right contractor for your needs. You need to insure that you get a quality remodeling or addition contractor that can help you complete your project. Of course there are many things to consider when it comes to picking out a great contractor. Insurance, license, experience, and price are all important things that you should be considering.

- Environmental Concerns - Environmental concerns should also be kept in mind when you are getting ready to do an addition to home. Whether it is a small addition or a large room addition, you want to consider how you are going to affect the environment of your home with the addition that you want for your home.

- Integrity of the Structure - The integrity of the structure should also be kept in mind when it comes to home additions as well. You want to ensure that nothing is done to the home that is going to cause a problem with the structure of the existing home.

Remodeling and Addition Issues
Whether you are doing a remodel or an addition in the Twin Cities, there are several different issues to keep in mind that you will definitely need to consider. Make sure that you consider these issues carefully no matter whether you are doing a small addition or a remodel on your home.

- Plenty of Storage Space - Make sure that you have plenty of storage space. This can be a major issue whether doing a remodel or an addition. If you don't have enough storage space, you are going to regret this in the future. So you should take careful measures to ensure that you have enough space to provide excellent storage for you.

- Adequate Floor Space - Adequate floor space is another issue that you should keep in mind when it comes to your home design. No doubt you want to make the best out of the floor space that you have if you are doing a remodeling project. However, if you are doing a home addition, you'll want to make sure that you design in enough space for your needs.

- Having the Needed Permits - Last of all, the needed permits for building home addition is going to be imperative. Without the right permits, you could end up getting fined. So, do your research. Find out what kind of permits you are going to need to complete the project.

If you are looking to obtain mortgage financing for a remodel of a home or second home in Minnesota, please vist our Minnesota mortgage brokerage at http://www.VentureLoanApp.com John Mazzara is involved with financial services in the Twin Cities, MN. Officing out of Edina, Minnesota-John is centrally located within the 7 county MN metropolitan area. John owns three separate businesses-a licensed real estate broker associate selling Minnesota real estate since 1986-affiliated with RE/MAX Associates Plus http://www.MinneapolisStPaulHomes.com , an independent CFP-certified financial planner since 1989 with an independent Minnesota financial planning firm-Financial Planning Associates and the owner of a Minnesota mortgage broker firm-Venture Development Inc-specializing in residential, commercial and investment mortgages for purchases of single family homes, investment properties and commercial property. Venture brokers FHA, VA, Conventional loans and lines of credit. If you are looking for someone to help you in the areas of real estate sales/purchase, mortgages, or and/or financial planning and insurance you should call John for a free 1 hour consultation to see if he can meet your needs. 952-929-2577. RE/MAX Associates Plus and Venture Development are located at 7300 France Ave S, Suite 410, Edina, MN 55435

Ceiling Repairs

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Buying a Vinyl Fence? Home Improvement Chain Store Prices Are Not What They Seem

You see them advertise on the TV every day, orange aprons fluttering down the aisles at Home Depot, "You can do it! We can help!?", the warm voice of Gene Hackman telling you "Lowes, let's build something together". These big names spend big bucks to convince you that if you want to improve your home you need to do it up big time at their big name, big box, home improvement chain stores.

Whew, that's a mouthful and in a lot of ways very true too. Except for vinyl fencing. Oh, they sell vinyl fencing and their prices seem to meet the big box standards but everything is not always as it seems.

One of the first questions clients always ask me is, "How do you compare to them?" or "Why was our fence more expensive then theirs?" (If it was more). I found the best way to respond was by simply telling the truth. Sometimes our prices were more and sometimes they were less but one thing was certain. We always delivered a higher quality product.

I have nothing against them and have even advised certain people that the H. I. C.S. might better suit their unique needs. For example, I had a guy who was flipping a property and needed the cheapest fence he could buy. He wasn't concerned with how long the fence would last, he just wanted to sell the property. I suggested, Home Depot.

The key to big box store shopping is to know, what you are getting for the price you are paying. I highly urge you to go and look at their fencing first hand. Feel it, touch it, push it and you will see that it gives quite a bit. The panels are thinner and are generally hollow with no internal ribbing and reinforcement.

They also utilize a bracket system which is an inferior way to assemble vinyl fencing and requires external hardware which distract from the clean lines of vinyl. Their fencing usually comes pre-assembled.

Oh, I hear you out there, "Isn't that more convenient?"

Yes, assembled sections do provide more convenience but always remember that lower quality residential grade vinyl fencing normally comes assembled, as fence panels, while prime quality commercial grade vinyl fencing always comes unassembled.

Why? To be able to ship your order more securely so you receive it, complete and undamaged. It also allows you the opportunity to personally attend to each stage of construction, insuring the lifetime strength and durability of your fencing investment.

Keep in mind that the slide and pop assembly of commercial vinyl sections are very similar to "legos", making them relatively easy to assemble. I, personally, am not a very handy man and I can tell you, from experience, they are not hard to put together.

One last thing to realize when evaluating prices between the H.I.C.S. and a vinyl fence dealer. The H.I.C.S. 's panel pricing, generally, does not include the costs of posts and caps. This is very misleading.

They get you in on the appearance of a lower price, which is usually for the fence panel only. Then they add in these costly but essential items at the time of sale. Right when you have reached that point when you are ready to buy.

Odds are, you usually carry on with the sale and find out the hard way that the posts and caps are where these stores make their money. Which is why they sell their fencing in six foot panels (rather then eight) as this means more posts and caps. You will of course, need posts and caps to assemble a vinyl fence. So when you're pricing various options, you'll need to add these costs into the total.

Wow! That great chain store price wasn't so fabulous after all, was it?

Think about it. If you are going to make a lifetime investment in vinyl fencing for your beloved home. The rule of thumb is that, quality always trumps economy. In the long run you'll end up paying less for a whole lot more.

Copyright 2008 David Spangenburg & Michael Goldman

After buying a home, or a car, the purchase of a vinyl fence ranks as one of the larger purchases you'll ever make. You must read the Vinyl Fence Buyers Guide. You can find it at http://www.vinylfencebuyersguide.com/. It's not a trade manual, filled with industry jargon and dry terminology. It was written for you, the buyer, as a quick, easy read. Filled with ALL the critical facts and information you need, laid out in a straight forward and sometimes humorous manner. It's an easy to read step by step approach that walks you through each and every phase in the purchase and general installation of your new Vinyl Fence. For more details, go to: http://www.vinylfencebuyersguide.com/.

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Affordable and Applicable Home Improvement Tips

Everyone wants to upgrade and renovate his/her house in affordable way. Budget is the major factor of consideration. If your budget does not allow you to start major renovation projects such as adding new room or changing floor or alteration in room dimensions you can also go for less expensive affordable home improvements. Minor changes may results in remarkable difference in your home. With less expensive improvement projects you can improve your home and also save money for major renovation project. There are various styles available you can chose such as Victorian, country and modern. Now day's modern style is most popular home dcor. Due to popularity modern home dcor has become expensive. But there are still some ways to upgrade your home in affordable way. You can take advantage of certain affordable home improvement tips for affordable home improvement.

Affordable Home Improvement Tips
Affordable home improvement tips allow you to upgrade your home in less expensive way. Following are some affordable home improvement tips.

Use of Inexpensive Home Decorating Items
Use of inexpensive objects to decorate your home is the most easy affordable home improvement tip. You can use inexpensive home decorating accessories to make your house look impressive. Such accessories include curtains, fancy cushions and table covers that look compatible with the pattern and main wall color. This will make your room warmer and modern. Even a good family photograph at suitable place can add character to your room.

Paint
Paint is also less expensive and easy way to give brand new look to your home. You can select any color of your choice. You can use paint on old furniture, walls and floors to give new look. You can also create different designs with paint.

Mirrors
Addition of mirror to any place can make your room look larger than its actual size. It is best for small rooms. In larger rooms you can also use mirrors. Mirrors look great above fireplaces, beds, dressers and in bathrooms. It gives instant fresh look without making complete changes in every thing. It is also a useful and affordable home improvement tip.

Fabrics
Fabric is easy to use in different ways. You can use it in lot of creative ways. It is not necessary that you must buy new fabric to use. You can even use old fabrics in your house. Normally everyone has old table cloths and scarves in their homes. You can change the look of old furniture by simply covering it with cloth. You can also make pictures by covering canvas boards with beautiful scarves or cloth. This is very cheap way to add look as compared to buying expensive show pieces from stores.

Old Furniture
Another affordable home improvement tips is simply change the setting of your old furniture and give a fresh look to your house. This can be done by simply putting same furniture in other room with different theme. You can make your furniture look different by painting it with different color or by covering it with fabrics.

Stenciling
It is also a simple home improvement tip to make your room alive. Stencils are easily available. It can easily paste on the walls. You need to paint them and remove them. It will leave a nice and clearly defined design to add character to your room. It can also used on fabrics and furniture.

Photographs
Beautifully framed photographs are also good option for adding value to your room. It is very affordable home improvement tip for those who have limited budget to renovate your room. The only cost is framing of photograph. Photographs can give pleasant effect to your room.

Working with what you already have
Utilizing all the things you already have is also an affordable home improvement tip. Most people purchased decorating items that does not match with furniture you have. To solve this issue you must try to purchase things that are compatible with other things you already have.

You can visit this site http://www.theyarelocal.com/articles/home_improvement_tips/index.php to know more home improvement tips.

Rough Framing Of Shower Floor

Indoor Hot Tubs - Home Tips

Today, hot tubs are more popular than ever and the number of hot tub owners is steadily rising. If you are ready to join this already large group of home owners, you must decide if you would prefer an indoor hot tub or an outdoor. Hot tubs are traditionally found outside, but more and more people are choosing modern indoor versions.

Indoor hot tubs offer many conveniences that cant be found with outdoor tubs. Extra privacy is one popular convenience. Indoor hot tubs eliminate the awkwardness of using the tub in front of neighbors or passersby. This type of hot tub is located in the privacy of your home so it is only viewable to people you are already comfortable with.

Another primary reason many homeowners are now opting for indoor hot tubs rather than outside is the weather. An indoor hot tub can be used year round, regardless of the weather conditions, making an indoor tub perfect for everyday use. The usage of an outdoor hot tub is influenced by the conditions, as well as the season, resulting in a typical loss of three to four months of possible use.

If you plan to purchase an indoor hot tub, you should consider where you will install it and the people who will use it most often. To get the most relaxation from your indoor hot tub, you should place it in an area that is typically calm with little distraction. You should also consider a location that will minimize the mess of water, because an indoor hot tub makes it easier to get out of the tub and walk through the rest of the house before drying off.

Another thing to remember if you are thinking of buying an indoor hot tub is that, although they are more convenient, indoor hot tubs require more complex installations than traditional outdoor ones. Hot tubs produce extreme heat as well as high humidity so your hot tub needs to be placed in a well ventilated area of your home. Too small of a space can cause structural damage to your home, including weakened plaster and condensation that leads to mold and window damage.

A typical hot tub can weigh more than two tons when it is filled, depending on its size, so it is imperative to check the foundation of your home for sturdiness before installing your tub, especially in the room where you plan to install the hot tub. Wherever you decide to install your indoor hot tub, you should reinforce the floor in that room. A standard floor is only designed to support a quarter of the weight of a full hot tub. To allow simple maintenance of your hot tub, you should also ensure that the room you choose can be easily connected to adequate drainage.

Thomas Oak writes articles for http://www.a1hottub.com if you are intrested in some addition information on a Hot Tub or are just looking for Spa Filters follow the links.

Friday, April 17, 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.

Is Your Home Fully Protected Against Winter

In winter you should naturally take more precautions than in summer. Some years winter hits harder than others. Quite often people will go away on holiday and it is warm. They dont leave their heating on (or if they do not very high) and think they will not have problems. A few days after the holiday has started the weather turns very bad at home, freezing conditions for example and upon their return from skiing or a winter break in the Caribbean they arrive home and the ceiling is on the floor and water is gushing out. This is bad enough on a house, but could even worse if you are in apartment below.

What you should do: This applies just as much to a person renting as an owner occupier.
First of all you can turn off the water supply whilst you are away and drain the system down, but this means it all has to be set up when you return and can take time. Instead people can keep the heat on at a low temperature and also put in a frost stat. These are not very expensive and if the temperature drops below four degrees centigrade, the frost stat will activate the heating system.

It is no good just turning the water off at the mains as there is still normally water in the property pipes radiators and internal tanks.

Before winter sets in check the condition of the roof. Make sure there is proper guttering and all tiles are secure and remember if you have a conservatory or area with a glass roof below to ensure the builder has installed good quality wire mesh to stop tiles slipping if they are loose and if they have snow on them, they would be much heavier.

Check the roof space inside you should insulate the attic and if there are pipes and water tanks there they should be fully covered in a suitable insulation material. You could have a situation of a family in Ireland who went off on their winter holiday to the sun. They didnt take any precautions for the house and when they returned found the water storage tank had burst and half the ceiling was on the floor. If you have not got a light in the loft, have one installed helps so that you or your contractor can see properly for a close examination.

If you dont make sure you have taken adequate precautions, you could possibly find that when you go to make an insurance claim, the claim is declined by the insurance company. It doesnt cost a lot to prepare a property and even a relatively new property should be checked from time to time as insulation can wear out etc. The cost of keeping a property warm whilst it is unoccupied should not be too expensive. You dont need the hot water to be on much and if for example it is rental or for sale property that is empty between tenancies it is much more welcoming to walk into a warm place than one that is cold, damp and probably smells.

Philip Suter is a Director of JML Property Services, http://www.jml-property-insurance.co.uk a UK based company offering Insurance products on line (and there is more information about insurance cover for whatever weather at http://www.jml-property-insurance.co.uk/adequate_building_insurance.htm ) a holiday home advertising service - http://www.jmlvillas.com and management training with in the uk. He is a very experienced property consultant with over 30 years work in the Residential letting business and served in the national council of ARLA. He is a Fellow of the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) and a Member of The association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA)

Thursday, April 16, 2009

De-Cluttering Your Life - Get Rid of the Distractions and Find More Time

For people who struggle with time management, clutter reduction is often the first step to having more time in your life. When you simplify your environment and organize your life, it makes tasks go more smoothly, and helps you make the most of your limited time.

For me a lack of clutter is like a breath of fresh air. It helps me THINK more clearly. I'm not distracted by "stuff" cluttering up my desk, the floor or my life. It frees up my creative energy, allowing me to approach tasks more directly and move through them more efficiently.

At least once a year, sort through the mounds of paper you've saved. Be ruthless about what needs to be thrown away versus saved.

Evaluate those piles of magazines you have intended to read, or articles you have wanted to save. Determine if you REALLY want them. If not, recycle them. Look at files and records and determine whether or not you really need to save them ALL. If so, box them up and get them out of your way.

Recycle books you've already read. Send them to friends throughout the country and ask them to pass them along when they are finished. If you don't want to do that, donate them to your local library. Determine if you really need to hang on to all those professional books or if they can be passed along to a colleague or college library.

Commit yourself to getting rid of the things that no longer serve you. You don't need the clutter anymore. Don't you want "your space" to be clear for the opportunities to come?

It makes a profound difference to get rid of clutter. Somehow, getting rid of the "stuff" that clutters up our lives frees us up to use our energy differently. The Chinese art of Feng Shui is all about this--the arrangement of our environments to allow for the free flow of energy. I'm not sure exactly how that works, but I DO know that when we get rid of things that clutter up our lives, we simplify our lives.

Sometimes it's as simple as getting rid of the piles of papers on your dining room table, or the jumble of unmatched socks in your sock drawer. Other times it is clearing out the garage to make room for the car and lawn equipment. It might mean cleaning out your freezer so that you know what's there.

Whatever form clearing out takes, it makes life easier. You can find things. You don't have to plow through the things you DON'T need to find the things you DO.
When you take the time to clear the clutter out of your everyday life, you can discover all the things you can gain--space, creativity, and best of all, time.

(c) 2008 Linda S. Pucci, Ph.D.

Linda Pucci, Ph.D. is a psychologist, life coach, trainer and owner of Inner Resource Center, LLC. She has 30 years of experience helping people overcome obstacles, change their lives, and reach goals they had not thought possible using her solution focused approach. She specializes in helping people get unstuck from negative emotions and limiting beliefs that sabotage their success. Get additional free tips and challenges for getting unstuck from her Inner Resources report at http://www.InnerResourceCenter.com or contact her for a free 20 minute consultation.

Building Your Own House - New Homes

Most of us only dream of building your own home and living in it for the rest of our lives, well maybe not for the rest of our lives. My grandfather built his home when my father was nine years old and lived in it until he died. As a Carpenter and general contractor, I have always wanted to build my own home but never got the chance.

For anyone interested in building the home of your dreams, I found a few books on home building that seemed to be pretty helpful. I have been remodeling, building room additions, worked on track house framing for years and have done more home repairs than you could possibly imagine. I have found some of these books to be very resourceful and helpful, when it comes to solving some of the problems I run into.

When it comes to building the foundation, it's not just about pouring a concrete slab or footings. You need to run electrical conduit, plumbing supply and waste pipes, make sure the building foundation is square and level, and if you forget one thing, just one thing, you could find yourself in a world of hurt. I have worked on homes where the builder forgot to install electrical conduit and plumbing for a kitchen island. The contractor needed to saw cut the foundation and repair at it, during the home construction. This cost the building contractor around $4600.

Sometimes a checklist makes sense but where you get a checklist for building homes. Well maybe one day, I will try to make one. These home building books have been valuable resources to me for many years and have saved me grief and agony over simple things that often get overlooked.

It's a little overwhelming to even think about building your own home, if you don't have some construction skills. Construction knowledge can be gained through on-the-job training and by reading construction manuals. The best of both worlds would be to have both of these skills.

Construction knowledge can be gained or improved, over time with experience, combined with a couple of great books.

Home Building Books

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 House Remodeling Pictures or home building ideas.

Toilet Wood Floor Water Damage

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Preventive Measures Against Floods

The occurrence of floods is something that may come with and without warning, and there is nothing you can do to stop it. However you are not that helpless. There are preventive measures you can do to lessen or control the damage and to protect your homes from the fury of the flood. This should always be your pushing factor to purchase a flood insurance cover for your house building and for the contents of your home.

In case of floods, here are the most basic steps that you can do to minimize damage to your properties. You should pay attention to three of the most critical aspects of your house, and these are electricity, gas and water. First of all remember to turn off all the main switches and controls of these three in your house. For sure you know where these controls are ahead of time. Do not wait for the flood to come before you look for the controls.

Make sure you unplug all the electrical items in your house and if possible haul them on higher places, like the second storey of your house or the attic. If you live in a flood zone, you should already be aware of ideal things to cover your doors and windows like sandbags, metal sheeting and others. Make your safety your priority but if you still have time, you can move as much furniture and things to higher places.

You can also roll up carpets and rugs to avoid them getting sodden and destroying their texture. As much as possible keep everything dry above water. If your house is in a flood zone, you must have a sealed emergency bag containing personal items and valuables like important documents, personal records and other items with sentimental value to you which no amount of insurance claim could replace.

Before anything like a flood happens, you could install your own flood defences as an advanced preparation. Check your local stores for products that can be installed in advance, like a 'flood board', air brick cover, or even plastic skirts to surround your whole property.

When a flood occurs, think of your own safety above all. In the event that you have to vacate your property, cooperate with emergency services and try to do as much as you can while it is still daylight. Remember floods have claimed so many lives. Do not allow yourself to be included in the long list of flood victims.

It may help you to prepare in advance too. Check the flood warnings in your region so you will know what actions to take. As a final precaution, make a personal flood plan for you and your family.

Your flood plan should include a flood escape route, what you need to carry in emergency cases, where you can go and other concerns with focus on your safety. From time to time tune in to your radio and television for flood warnings. You can also phone Floodline on 0845 988 1188 for more information.

If you are looking for information or advice on flood insurance or flood plain insurance or preventive measures against floods, visit us now. FloodInsuranceAdvice.com is a goldmine for information on all aspects of flood insurance.

First Steps in Planning a Finished Basement

Like many homeowners, you might be thinking about adding living space by finishing your basement.

Before you go too far in planning how you will use all of that extra space, there are some steps you will need to take to be certain that space will be healthy for your family. In fact, many of the first steps in planning a finished basement are good to protect the health of your family whether you finish your basement or not.

The first steps in planning a finished basement are these:

1. Inspect for signs of dampness. Look for standing water anywhere in your basement, especially in corners and below windows. Also look for signs of mold or mildew. Mold and mildew can grow on walls, floor, windows, and on the wood beams and framing for the floor above the basement. Mold and mildew inside your home can cause respiratory problems for your family, even if they don't have allergies or asthma. Basement dampness can also damage hardwood floors above, cause warping and buckling of framing boards, cause odors and even increase your heating and cooling costs.

2. Determine the cause of any dampness and correct the problem. Water or dampness in a basement can be the result of cracks in walls or floor, leaking windows, inadequate drainage below the basement and inadequate removal of water around the foundation. Drainage of rainwater is relatively easy to fix, and making sure downspouts are correctly placed and extend far enough away from the house is important both to have a dry basement and to protect the footers beneath your basement. Be sure to check the areas where floor and walls meet.

3. Correct any foundation problems. When you inspect, keep a sharp eye out for large and uneven cracks in walls or floor. These could indicate a foundation problem. You will need to have this fixed before you finish your basement.

4. Have your basement inspected by a professional before you start construction. Particularly if there are cracks in your basement floor or walls, it is a good idea to have a professional check your basement for potentially harmful leaks. You should also have the basement checked for Radon and other gases that could be collecting under your basement. While many homes today are built with drainage systems under the basements, this might not be the case in your locality. A professional can advise you about what you need to do to protect your family when you plan to use your basement for living space.

5. Check local building codes for specific things you must do before you start remodeling. For example, some localities require a set number of windows and doors for emergency escape. There might also be specifications about stairs and ceiling height. Remember that the most important part of finishing your basement is protecting the health and safety of your family.

6. Make plans to install appropriate vapor barriers and adequate insulation. You will probably want to install a vapor barrier of some sort when insulating exterior walls and before installing floor covering. This prevents moisture from penetrating porous concrete. There are floor mat products and insulation with attached vapor barrier that can be used for this purpose.

7. If you have any appliances in the basement that use water, check pipes and hoses for leaks. It will be worth the time and trouble to check bathroom pipes, washing machine hoses and the like to be certain there are no leaks before you start construction. Also check for leaks around your water heater and where pipes penetrate walls.

By taking these first steps in finishing a basement you can be assured that your new living space will be safe for your family and will protect your investment in your home.

Copyright 2008 by ABCD Publishing

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

Water Damage In The Attic

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

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

Plants Growing In Sidewalk

Cost Effective Roofing - Poway Home Remodeling

Modern roofs are much more than coverings to keep out the elements; they are an investment and can be a costly expense if not well cared for. Roofs of the past let hot summer air and the winter cold into the uppermost regions of a facility or private home. As facility managers looks for ways to reduce overhead and maintenance costs, roofing is becoming a focal point for those who need to manage the health of their buildings as well as their energy costs.

Choose the Material for your Climate

There has been a marked increase in roofing manufacturers since 1970 till now there are about 500. New energy efficient roofs have taken the place of the old chemically based sheets of shingles. Not only do they save energy but they last anywhere from ten to forty years longer than their predecessors. With proper maintenance a new, energy efficient roof can protect a business for up to fifty years!

Not only do you have a wide variety of materials to choose from, there are many different roofing materials to serve different needs. Those in climates with long, hot summers might want to choose a new tile roof that draws hot air in at the eave level and expels it at the ridge, using hot air's natural cycle of rising to keep the building cool. Chemical roofs were once the norm but now roofs are more complex-cool roofs, metal roofs, even green roofs are becoming more common. Cool metal roofing would be more efficient for tropical climates and save up to forty percent on energy costs. Old asphalt roofs trapped heat whereas metal reflects it. These cool metal roofs can also reduce the temperature of a neighborhood by about twelve degrees!

How Modern Roofing Works

A roof that keeps hot air away from the building can save thousands on indoor climate control. The temperatures on a roof can reach 150-190 degrees and new energy saving materials can keep that heat away from the interior of the building. During the replacement cycle that all roofs have, replacing old school roofing with new energy saving materials and extras can save a significant amount of money. By keeping the hot air moving away from the roof, the air conditioning unit doesn't have to work as hard, extending its life and saving on maintenance costs.

Extras Will Save More than they Cost

Extras that can be added onto an existing roof, such as sky lights and vents, can also extend the life of a building. Tinted skylights will reflect harmful UV rays while making use of natural lighting while un-tinted skylights can allow in the warmth of the winter sun. Many facility managers are staggering both types of skylights and adding interior shields in order to take advantage of natural light in all seasons and solar warmth during the cold season.

Regular inspections, especially before or after severe weather incidents will extend the life of your roof while the cost of such inspections are actually investments in your roof's longevity and efficiency. Inspections can catch a few loose shingles or tiles before they turn into costly repairs.

Rialto Management Corp. manages properties in New York city. For more information about NYC building management or New York City building management please visit their website.

Shower Shelf Wood Damage