Monday, August 31, 2009

Bathroom Tiles - No More Colour Puzzles

Bathroom tiles of different textures like mosaic, porcelain, marble and travertine are available in the market to redecorate your bathroom for a better look. Purchasing them may not serve the purpose completely. Rather, you should pay a judicious attention to its colour and size to make your bathroom trendier. This article briefs you on basic information regarding the ideal colour combinations related to bathroom tiles and will help you to find one matching to your personality and taste.

Before purchasing bathroom tile first figure out the type of look you want to give your bathroom. Pink coloured marble floor tiles are suggested if a feminine look for your bathroom is desired. Newly weds while renovating their bathroom should go for pink, light green or light blue. These colours transform the look of bathroom to a romantic one. Maintaining a contrast of colours between flooring and walls create superb visual effects. If you are choosing deep bathroom tiles for flooring, buy the light coloured ones for border.

Space available at your bathroom also plays a vital role while taking the final decision on colour of bathroom tiles. If the bath room is a compact one, white or light coloured marble floor tiles are advised. For spacious bathrooms, you can choose deep colours. While going for mosaic tiles, white is a must among the colours. For better colour selection and decoration ideas, internet is a helping pal. With few clicks on computer you can access the views of bathroom decorating experts without any cost. Along with it, you can also buy bathroom tiles from online vendors at a competitive price.

Su.J. - is a retailer of bathroom fixtures describe about different types of the bathroom tiles like Marble floor tiles, Pebble tiles etc. Visit http://www.atlasbathrooms.co.uk before choosing tiles for your bathroom floor.

Rustic Feeling With Vinyl Log Siding

Love the look of a log cabin and then realize it is a major operation just to change things or blow out walls. I suggest trying vinyl log siding as an option. It looks very much like log, and gives your home that rustic feel. Vinyl log siding does not require the maintenance that real wood requires, giving you more time to enjoy your home.

No longer will you have to stain, seal or even make plan for insect prevention, because vinyl log siding is low maintenance, while still getting that wood look you desire. It is fade resistant even after years of exposure to the sun and the weather. It will never rot, splinter or corrode, in fact if you are a mother like me, not having to pick splinters out of little hands can be a real time saver. I do not want to put anything on my house or in my house that could hurt my kids.

Vinyl log siding installs as easily as any other vinyl siding and looks great up. It has absolutely no maintenance what so ever saving you lots of time and money. Some people even choose to fill it in with in with thermal insulation. I think that is a wise decision whether you live in a hot and humid climate like mine or in a colder climate. Good insulation can dramatically change your heating and cooling bills. It also stabilizes the temperature in the home, where it does not fluctuate too much.

It can range in price, but the actual product is worth the expense, which is similar or cheaper than the alternative siding, remember this type of siding is basically maintenance free. The place where you could wind up spending a lot of money is on the actual labor of putting it up. Every time I have a project around the house, I have a big barbecue and invite people over to help with the bribe of free food. What you will pay for food and drinks will not come near to what you would pay a stranger to do it and as a bonus you will be working with people you enjoy being around. It is also easy to put up if you have the right tools and a little patience. You can enjoy the look of real logs, with out the cost, hassle or maintenance, by choosing to go with vinyl log siding.

Learn more about Vinyl Log Siding

Bathroom Tiles and Flooring Basics

A somewhat costly upgrade of your bathroom includes updating or replacing the flooring in place. Most bathrooms have inexpensive tiles that were in place when the home or apartment was purchased. Chances are you don't need to redo the flooring unless you are planning major renovation.

How flooring can enhance the style of contemporary bathroom

As with other aspects of bathroom decor, the tile you choose can make a major difference in the appearance and feel of you bathroom. For example, if you are going for a more contemporary look, tiles with simple and minimalistic geometric shapes can go along way in enhancing the modern look of your vanity lights or mirrors. The key thing to remember is that to avoid tiles or flooring with that are too decorative or otherwise have too much going on as far as design. Nonetheless, you should consider using more lively colors so that the room doesn't appear too sterile of impersonal. Shades of neutral blue, green, and even earth-tones can greatly enhance the feel of contemporary bathroom.

Using Borders and patterns to accent design

You can create borders around tiles by using smaller tile pieces of a difference color. This generally works well with ceramic tiles. For example, you may want to use earth-tone color tiles as borders to give the room a warmer feel. Another idea that works well if you do not use borders is to use patterns and sizes to create some variance in the appearance. You may want to consider smaller tiles of the same color in the shower, or line the tiles in the bathroom to create linear shapes.

For more information on Contemporary bathroom products, bathroom lighting, vanity mirrors, and bath accessories visit us at BathroomLightingOutlet.com. There you will also find a growing body of content on bathroom design ideas and guides.

What Does a GFI Do

In your bathroom you should have a GFI electrical outlet. Most new homes or newly remodeled homes require you to have GFI electrical outlets in the kitchen. Most older kitchens do not have GFI electrical outlets. GFI stands for ground fault circuit interrupter.

Why not call it a GFCI instead of a GFI electrical outlet? Well it is called a GFCI in some instances. GFI is short and is the most common name used by most electricians and builders for this type of outlet.

GFI 's come in 15 amp and 20 amperage outlets. GFI outlets must be wired properly. Make sure you're using the proper wire size when hooking up the GFI outlet.

How do I know which size wire to use? This all depends on how far away you are running it from the electrical panel. There are charts you can use to figure this out. If you are not running the electrical wire more than 80 feet from the electrical panel you can use 12 gauge electrical wires for a 20 amp GFI. This is a general rule of thumb for most electrical house wiring.

If you're going to be using a 15 amp GFI and you are going to be less than 80 feet away from the electrical panel you can use 14 gauge electrical wires. Again this is just a general rule of thumb for most electrical house wiring.

A GFI is a light duty electrical plug used in bathrooms, kitchens and the exterior of your house. The sole purpose of the GFI is to shut the breaker off faster if there is any moisture or light load problems.

Let's say for instance you have your hair dryer plugged into the GFI outlet. The hair dryer somehow falls into the sink while it is on or plugged in. The GFI outlet will instantly shut off because of the sensitivity of the breaker inside of the plug it self.

The GFI plug has a test button and a reset button on it. If you are continually resetting the GFI you will wear it out eventually. I have had GFI plugs after resetting the button about 10 times break and no longer able to use them.

The GFI electrical plug is a great idea and if you don't have them in your bathroom or outside of your home it would be a great idea to have an electrician install them for you.

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

San Diego Termite Damage

Curb Appeal - Making a Good Impression

Take a good look at the front of your house. You probably have a hard time seeing what others see because you are too close to be objective. Walk across the street and take another look, pretending you are a visitor. What people see when they pass by your house is their impression of the rest of your house. A home that is clean and welcoming has curb appeal.

Here are some common mistakes that are easily corrected and will make your house more appealing:

Trash cans. Put the trash cans and recycle bins out of sight. Put them in the garage or shed or at least behind the house. Bikes, trikes and big wheels. Establish a storage area for children's toys and make a point of putting away outside toys at the end of play time.

Eliminate the weeds. Pull the weeds or hire someone to weed for you. Mulch around the flowers and shrubs to discourage weed growth. Weeds are clutter and detract from the appeal of your yard. Cover bare ground. A layer of mulch, nut hulls or whatever type of ground cover of your choosing dresses up the yard.

Squirrels, flags, ducks, geese and wagons. One or two figurines may enhance the yard. Excessive figurines detract from the natural beauty of the landscaping. Declutter the yard and parking area. Throw away or establish a storage area for paint cans, bits of lumber, garden tools, kayaks, muddy shoes, old washing machines, dead Christmas trees, mattresses, brooms and water hoses. (All these were noted during my walk this morning!)

Get rid of junk cars(Sorry to even mention this, but I saw two during my walk this morning).

Trim the landscaping. If the trees, shrubs and flowers have blocked the view of the house, consider taking some out. Too much or overgrown landscaping can be unappealing.

Beryl Westby is an organizing consultant and the name of her business is No More Chaos You can get a free Idea-Kit, filled with tips and ideas on organizing, a free newsletter and tips, articles and ideas to create order out of chaos by visiting her website at http://www.nomorechaos.biz

Home Bathroom Design

First thing before you start a new home bathroom design is to picture how you want it to look like. Picture yourself in a nice calming environment, what do you see? So you see the ocean? Perhaps a nice field of green grass? Whatever it may be, think about it as it is sure to make your home bathroom more personalized. Remodeling your bathroom's design shouldn't be a stressful process at all as long as you already have a concrete idea of how you want it to come out in the end.

A great tip is to cut out pictures from a magazine or download some from the internet. These pictures would serve as an inspiration and help you clearly see your vision. This would not only help you see what will work and what wont, the pictures would also help show the people you'll hire exactly how you want the home bathroom design to look like. Look at home design magazines and websites and make use of some of computer software's that are now available to aid you with the design. These programs help make it easier for you to come up with design and layout schemes without the hassle of drawing it up.

Next is to come up with a nice color scheme. Bathrooms tend to be painted in very light and breezy colors such as whites or pale yellows. This is mainly due to the fact that a lot of people look to their bathrooms as a place to relax after a long day. But don't be afraid to mix and match colors. A great tip to bring life into a monotone home bathroom design is to add some flowers. Orchids always look best. You can also add color through the bathroom fixings as well as in the towels. By having a neutral toned bathroom would allow for more experimentation with the fixings as well as in the accessories.

You should also consider the space and how big your bathroom is. Balance is a key and you would want a free flowing space in your home bathroom design to prevent it from becoming too small and cluttered. Maximize your space, if you have a small one, by bringing in all the necessary items first and be creative with storage. Imagine putting a wicker chair in your bathroom when hardly anything else fits in. Prioritize function before aesthetic appeal. To create the illusion of space in a small bathroom, try installing some mirrored tiles.

It is also wise to make sure that the items and accessories you're bringing into the home bathroom design are all bathroom-friendly. Meaning, they are suited for an environment that is constantly moist. Don't bring in fabric covered seating unless you want to sit on damp sofas. The addition of plants would also help bring a sense of calm to your home bathroom design. A couple on each corner would do, if you have a small bathroom, a small one right by your sink or on the toilet would be a great addition. Remember, the design is all up to you. Just be creative and utilize the space well.

Aikaz Run - Bathroom Design Advisor

For more information on how to design your bathroom to be amazing look, visit our Bathroom Design resources at http://www.bathroom-share.com

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Home Improvement Tips - Types of Countertops

It used to be that laminate was pretty much your only choice for kitchen countertops. Those days are thankfully long gone but now a homeowner is faced with a variety of choices and wide range of prices available for your kitchen renovation.

Some of the popular choices include:

Ceramic Tile

This remains as a popular and economical alternative that is heat and scratch resistant. It is high maintenance though since it needs to have it's grout sealed regularly to avoid staining.

Concrete

This is a incredibly versatile surface that can be textured and detailed with patterns unlike any other surface. However it is extremely porous and needs to be regularly sealed to avoid stains.

Engineered Stone

This product is made of a quartz composite with colored pebbles or different materials giving its wide range of colors. Texture is usually even and the colors can be reproduced over larger areas. It as extremely durable product that can resist heat and stain.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone. It comes from different regions of the world and can vary widely in color and pattern. It needs to be seamed and requires period sealing to avoid stains. It cannot tolerate high heat from hot pans.

Laminate

Laminate comes in a variety of colors but is not designed to be long lasting. Although it is somewhat stain resistant it will scratch easily. It will also burn easily from hot pans.

Marble

This is another natural stone that is porous and stains easily. It must be sealed every two to five years. They are also easily scratched and cannot take high heat from hot pans.

Slate

This is a third natural stone that is less porous and doesn't require sealing but can be easily scratched

Stainless Steel

This is a very popular product because of the sleek modern look it conveys. It is very durable and resists staining. Often times the surface is brushed to hide any scratches.

Wood

Various types of hardwoods can be used for countertops. It does require regular sealing to avoid drying out and is susceptible to burns from hot pans.

These are some of the pros and cons of the more popular types of countertops. Choose your countertop carefully depending on your usage and needs.

Bob Current writes on a variety of subjects including home improvement tips. You can get a free copy of his report about Choosing The Best Contractor for your project at http://www.homeimprovementtips.info and at http://www.concretecountertops.bcurrent.info/concretecountertops

Ten Easy Ways to Remodel Small Bathroom

The countdown for Beijing 2008 has well and truly begun. And so, not surprisingly, every task assumes mammoth proportions. You almost fly off the handle the moment you hear the words, remodel small bathroom. This has to be the most intriguing task that calls for an Olympic-sized effort.

There are no binary perceptions about the fact that one has to consider oneself really providential to experience the sheer luxury of a large bathroom. Those forced to contend with small spaces seem to have just one constant gripe- the place is hardly the stuff that purple-hued dreams are made of.

But guess what, it's not that hard to give this seemingly claustrophobic space a new lease of life. Knocking down a wall may sound blatantly absurd to many, but there are other ways to get your space brimming with energy. The extravagant use of mirrors and free-floating cabinets or just allowing plenty of light and fresh air invade this dark, caustic space, can make a world of difference.

Ten Time Tested Tips

Creating a small but warm, welcoming and uncluttered space calls for a great deal of planning. Here are some terrific tips that will put things in the right perspective:

  • The first step in remodeling is to eschew that inscrutable affinity for your tub, and get used to the shower instead. Choose a taller but more compact toilet.
  • Cabinets and vanities are next to get axed. A behind-the-mirror cabinet makes a sparkling entry instead.
  • Small is the buzzword even during the selection of sinks. A sleek and stylish wall mounted or pedestal sink can really do wonders.
  • Towel rods make place for rings. Niches in the wall or under the sink for towels and other decorative items are sure to take the top spot in the functionality scale.
  • Let light and cool colors envelope the space in opulence. Vertical stripes give a feeling of spaciousness. A border on the top the walls will ensure that your style quotient does not remain on the periphery.
  • Large, unframed mirrors reflect more than just light. They are a manifestation of your innate style and elegance.
  • Dark fabrics for windows just have to be dumped. Deck up the windows with valence type curtains. In case you have invested in a glass block type of window, don't bother to cover its beauty with curtains.
  • Place tube lights and light fixtures in such a manner that they reflect maximum light.
  • Avoid cluttering up the bathroom with too many things. Keep accessories to the bare minimum.
  • Make sure the fixtures and fittings that grace your bathroom are the perfect amalgam of fashion and function.

Just follow these time-tested tips and your space is sure to walk away with the top honors.

Here's exactly how you can generate 100's or even 1000's of positively brilliant Bathroom Remodeling Ideas... FAST ! And you could easily increase your home's value by several $1000s fast with these 25 street-smart tips for Dirt Cheap Home Improvement

Remodeling Green Takes the Right Mindset

To a real estate investor remodeling green may mean the money they are going to make from renovating that ugly house they just bought for a SUCH A DEAL price. To others, it means they want to preserve the earth and not waste energy, building materials or resources when they remodel their home. Some homeowners and contractors look for and use only products that are advertised as being green, or being manufactured in a way that is as non-toxic as possible. They may put in new appliances and HVAC units that are energy efficient. And build new properties with an eye to energy efficiency in the construction methods applied. That's all good.

Another way to remodel green is to think about what may be thrown in landfills when it could be used again. Some demolitions are done too quickly and roughly to save much of anything. Taking some time there can keep hundreds of pounds of good building materials out of the waste stream. I once had someone tease me on a job site because I was taking some time to remove a few nails from lumber. I had found some 14 foot long hardwood 2x6s with no knotholes and two or three nails in each of them. Hey, I'll spend 15 minutes any day to save $100 worth of wood from being dumped. I doubt you could get lumber that good anymore in most places without paying a stiff premium price. Bring me a truckload, please. You woodworkers know what I'm talking about. Yes, there IS wood pretty enough to admire and remember. Think about each component that you are removing, or working on, during a renovation and decide on a way to remove it with the least damage. Someone may want it if you don't. Haste DOES make waste!

One of the tricks I've done is to keep the area of a countertop that has to be cutout for sinks, etc. I install legs using common items I may have recycled from somewhere else and add those little caster wheels that can be bought cheaply in most large home improvement stores. The ones with locking mechanisms are nice. All you have to worry about is smoothing the cut edges and installing edging or simply routing the edge into a nice shape. You can have a matching rolling portable countertop space without spending much time or money. Oh yeah, don't forget to see if someone can use the old countertop and sink for a garage parts washing basin, garden potting center or maybe a fish cleaning station for the outdoors folks.

If you cruise the tool aisles, I'm sure you know about the great numbers of handy dandy gadgety items for sale. Nail sets are nice, but if you don't have one, try using a nail with a slightly larger head than the one you are driving. A tap or two with the nails head to head and your nail is set. Ever seen one of those plastic nail holders that keeps you from banging your fingers and waking the neighborhood cats with your wailing? Try a small piece of cardboard instead. A little notch and your fingers can be protected. Or the plastic spreaders sold to apply many materials. You can use the plastic lids found on many food containers in the grocery store. You can cut a round lid in half and have a nifty spreader of a custom size. Or the plastic pans sold to hold a small amount of the liquid materials for outrageous prices. Try one of those plastic tops they use on bakery cakes, or the microwave convenience food plastic bowls instead . Instead of buying a sanding block, why not try using a small scrap piece of wood from your projects? Egg cartons can be used to organize small items. It's my mission not to let any plastic have only one use in my household. Only problem is, if it is a while before you need them, these saved treasures may change your nickname to pack rat, but multiple use recycling is remodeling green so who cares? You get the idea. Go for it!

For more interesting information and resources visit us at: http://www.mynetmagic.com

Become a Jack of All Trades - Vista Handyman

Leaky faucets, old shingles, fallen fence boards... For the manually minded individual it is possible to save literally thousands of dollars on repairs and maintenance every year. Jumping into a project can be intimidating for those who have thought about tackling those nagging home repair projects but aren't quite sure how to begin. With a little effort, gaining the tools and skills to fix things can not only save money but can bring a satisfaction that little else can.

The first thing that any handyman needs is a basic toolbox that includes things like screwdrivers, wrenches, hammers, level and measuring tape. For the amateur builder it may make sense to collect these tools individually as they are needed. Once acquired keep that toolkit in a good tool box to keep everything handy and in good shape. One never knows what will be needed again and gradually building a set of useful tools will make each subsequent job easier.

In their simplest form most repair jobs come down to two things: cutting and fastening. If you can't cut something on your own, the time that a job will take multiplies greatly. A saw is one of the most basic pieces of the handyman's toolkit but which type of saw for which job? A chop saw for short accurate cuts, a table saw for long accurate cuts or a skill saw for more general use? Each of these has distinct advantages but unless heavy duty work is anticipated a handheld skill saw or jigsaw can accomplish most small tasks. If you're willing and able to fork over a small chunk of change, many hardware stores carry bundles of power tools that can include skill saws, reciprocating saws, drills etc. While the combo can be a little pricey it is one of the most efficient ways to acquire not only a saw but a set of all the basic power tools necessary for most jobs.

Whether you buy a bundle of power tools or look for deals separately, a reliable cordless drill with an extra battery is another essential tool that will make chores quicker and easier. Because a good drill is so versatile, it is the center of the handyman's world. Fasten any type of hardware and swiftly drill through anything from drywall to concrete. With a cordless battery backup it's always ready to get the job done.

Once the toolkit is assembled don't be afraid to take on new projects; with a little skill and the right research, most basic repairs are not outside of the reach of any amateur fixer. Many large hardware stores even offer free weekend clinics on a wide variety of topics. Sure, they are trying to sell their supplies but learning to do a job without the cost of a contractor usually saves hundreds of dollars in labor. Another great source of information is the growing number of periodicals dedicated to the part-time jack-of-all trades. By Taking advantage of these informative sources and gathering the tools for the job any would-be handyman is off to a great start.

For more information on being a handyman, visit http://handymanmagazines.com

How to Buy Natural Flooring

Sisal

Sisal is usually suitable for most rooms, except kitchens because food could become caught in the fibres. Not all sisals are water-resistant enough for bathrooms, so check with the manufacturer before buying. Expect to pay between 20 and 70 per sq m.

Suitable for: living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms and stairs. Not suitable for: kitchens.

Seagrass

Seagrass is fairly water-resistant, but prolonged damp will cause it to rot, so don't use in a bathroom if it's likely to get soaked daily - for example, in a busy family bathroom. It's also too slippery for stairs. Expect to pay between 10 and 25 per sq m.

Suitable for: living rooms and bedrooms. Not suitable for: kitchens or stairs.

Jute

Jute is made from the stems of a tropical herb. It's soft underfoot but isn't water-resistant and is less hardwearing than sisal or seagrass, so isn't suitable for high-traffic areas. Expect to pay between 14 and 40 per sq m.

Suitable for: bedrooms. Not suitable for: kitchens, bathrooms or stairs.

Coir

Coir is made from coconut husks. It's cheap and very hardwearing, but not water-resistant. It can be used on stairs because its textured surface is non-slip. Expect to pay between 8 and 20 per sq m.

Suitable for: living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms and stairs. Not suitable for: kitchens or bathrooms.

Paper

Paper makes a durable floor covering. It's made from softwood pulp, and has added resin to allow the fibre to repel moisture, but it's not water-resistant enough for wet areas. Expect to pay between 50 and 78 per sq m.

Suitable for: living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms. Not suitable for: kitchens, bathrooms or stairs.

Who should fit your floor?

Natural floor coverings usually need to be installed by a professional. Ask your supplier to recommend a fitter, as natural floors are installed in a different way to traditional carpet. Leave your floor covering laid out or loosely rolled in the area where it is to be fitted for a minimum of 48 hours before fitting to allow it to settle. This will ensure there's no buckling or wrinkling of the flooring when it expands, and no shrinkage when it contracts.

You can find more information on interior design and interior design ideas at house to home, helping you create a look you'll love

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Prepare For New Trends in Bamboo Shades

As the growth of any product increases, there will be a deepening of the available options out there. Often, the newer choices will be the best. Imagine the time when the re were only a few choices of personal computers. Later, even now, there are so many options. Given this inevitable flow of new options for products, one should not be surprised that there are so many new choices of window treatments available. In addition to the wide range of product choices, there is a deep and wide range of style and design with each category. This article will focus on the options available for bamboo shades. The old style of sticks interlaced with threads, which may have had only a few color choices, but not many design options, is the past. Now, perhaps due in part to enhanced production methods, as well as a desire to match almost every design plan, has led to a time which may well be the renaissance of bamboo shades.

The new trends in bamboo shades have included a movement towards the unconventional. Traditional American consumers have gone for basic white in window treatments. While there have always been sales of white bamboo shades, woven woods consumers have usually trended more toward the unique patterns. This will include different types of slat materials as well as new weaving and interlacing of threads.

Basic stick design has been replaced by more bamboo looking materials. The bamboo shades which use tortoise shell patterns are now increasingly common. These bamboo shades sometimes are colored differently, including black or red, which makes for a different type of color splash compared to the traditional greenish brown colors. Other designs use different sections of the split bamboo as the base. Much of this material was considered not attractive enough for bamboo shades, but now, with new production techniques, as well as the other new trends discussed in this article, these former scrap discards are being used in a productive way.

While the basic brown, beige, or white threads are still available, the trends here are towards more durable threads, which will last longer under strong exposure to the sun light. Bamboo shades also use newer colors, including green, red, and chocolate, and this range can allow for a design that may have looked commonplace to now look rich and new. This slight change is usually not noticeable as to the cause, but upon close examination of the threads, one will notice that a simple difference in color is the cause of the style enhancement for the bamboo shades.

The third most common way in which bamboo shades patterns are evolving is a new style of weaving the threads. The traditional shades had a simple drop in the threads, with a weave that mimicked plain flat fabric. However, the newer designs include braids, macrame, and twists. The woven threads themselves are beautiful enough to make a window treatment. However, the blending with old and new bamboo sections makes for a new and crisp treatment, worthy of a design award when used in a fashionable living room.

As the trends for higher fashion design ebb and flow in bamboo shades, consumers will be offered a fine new array of exquisite styling. Consumers should try to learn more about these new designs, all of which are available in real bamboo for prices similar to the less expensive and less design focused plastic options. The online retailers are the fastest to the market with these choices, but the unfortunate loss in ability to touch the real material is worth the trade off when realizing such great high fashion bamboo shades for one's spaces.

Judith Persit works from home in a design studio and writes about bamboo shades Learn about shades at her website.

Don't Hurt Yourself When Seeking Bathroom Window Curtain Ideas

Think bathroom window curtain ideas, and your mind traipses past a series of resplendent images. Images, all decidedly delightful and dazzling that have the amazing alacrity to ignite a thousand dreams. So why would anybody turn a blind eye to their sizzle? When you are trying hard to infuse a dose of freshness and verve into that quiescent space, these sparkling ideas come to your rescue instantly.

Can you think of a more economical yet efficient way to give a refreshing new twist to that tired, old bathroom? These spectacular ideas are sure to just blow you away.

Sure To Be Hung Up On Them

The massive assortment of ideas for bathroom window curtains will surely make you completely delirious with joy. You can find fabulous fabrics that have passion interwoven with skill, captivating colors that send your senses galloping and intricate designs and patterns that would leave even a high-profile designer completely breathless.

However, it's more than just the selection of lightweight weaves or heavy-duty drapes. But don't let this ostensibly mind-boggling task dim your ardor. Here's what you need to bear in mind while making the perfect choice for your dream bathroom:

  • Since we love the way in which the sun bathes the space in a warm, surreal glow, we rather not have something that's a party popper. Ensure the drapes are lightweight.
  • If its silk, and not cotton that appeals to you, make sure you line it with cotton fabric to prevent its eye-candy appeal from fading.
  • Attention to detail is key when the fabric is being sewed. Let your sense of style guide you while creating awe-inspiring patterns. Consider the length of the drapes earnestly.
  • The color and designs must be completely in sync with the theme of your space. So while a sensational dark colored, heavily embellished curtain will burnish the aura of a contemporary space; a beige colored drape with an ornate diamond design and beautiful borders will be a sight to behold in a traditional bathroom.

Your bathroom is all set to take that gigantic, unimaginable leap to the frontline. Just hope you can catch up.

Learn exactly how to generate 100's or even 1000's of positively *BRILLIANT* Bathroom Remodeling Ideas ... FAST ! And here are 25 Dirt Cheap Home Improvement Ideas that could increase the value of your home by several $1000's ...

The Choices of Cellular Shade Blinds

Choosing a window covering can take a lot of thought, mainly because there are so many things to think about before a final decision is arrived at. One of the most popular choices of recent years is that of cellular shade blinds, which have the advantage of offering many of the advantages of other window coverings, but all rolled into one.

There are essentially two types of shade in this category, and that is the honeycomb variety and the room darkening shade variety. Which one should be chosen depends very much on the type of effect that is desired, and how much insulation one expects, such as that to be had from a decent set of curtains.

If you are looking for a shade that simply makes the place a more relaxing place to be, then honeycomb cellular shades could well be a good choice, since they provide excellent shading qualities and yet do not make the room totally dark, or at least so dark that the room looks gloomy. They also give total privacy, which is important for many people.

However, depending on the type of house you live in, keeping warm may also be a consideration. In this instance the choice of cellular room darkening blinds may be a more apt choice. These styles of shades will not only provide more room darkening ability but will also provide a great level of insulation, and that's something that many people would welcome.

These are the two basic choices in the cellular shade style, and to know them makes the job that much easier when it comes to choosing the type of window blinds that are right for you.

Carl Formby owns and operates http://www.bamboopatioblinds.com, a site dedicated to information about window blinds and especially Cordless Cellular Blinds.

Whole House Water Filters - Home Tips

Whole house water filters have gained much attention with the increase in problems with the purity of public water systems. If you want to be assured that the water coming into your house is safe for drinking, bathing and cooking, then a whole house water filter is a critical addition to your home. There is no other way to thoroughly and effectively remove water contaminants, no matter what size home you have.

There is no question why we need to filter our water. However why do we need a whole house system? The reason is found in the fact that any water that comes into our homes can affect our health. Most homes have between 8 and 15 sources of water and whether they are used for drinking water, showering, bathing or cooking, they allow any contaminants in the water supply to enter our body. Even though most filters used at an individual outlet will remove most types of contamination, only whole house water filters can ensure pure water at every faucet in your house.

It is critical that each source of water in your house is filtered. We all know that it is important that the water we cook with and drink is pure. However, are you aware that contaminants can enter our body through our skin while bathing and showering? Our skin is designed to breath so release toxins from our body. As such it is extremely efficient at absorption also, not to mention the water vapors that enter your body through your lung. Unless you place individual filters on every faucet and shower head, only a whole house water filter can provide protection anywhere in your home.

You can find a wide selection of water systems for your home. Whole house water filters are effective at removing 99.9% of virtually every contaminant imaginable, while also balancing the ph level of your water, assuring you of its purity and healthfulness. Removing the contaminants before they come into your home has been shown to reduce risk of disease including many forms of cancer.

Because the decision to purchase a water purifying system is so critical you will need to thoroughly research the different types of systems on the market. Read the specifications on each. Some systems are far more effective than others. For the most part, you will find that a multi-stage whole house water filter provides for maximum removal of contaminants.

You will want to avoid reverse osmosis and distillation systems. These are great for industrial uses, but you don't want to be drinking the water they produce over the long run. These systems remove all the minerals; minerals that are important to the human body in order to remain healthy.

A filtering system that uses charcoal at some point in the process will provide the best tasting water. These systems are usually referred to as carbon block systems and when used with other stages of filtering, are extremely efficient at removing organic and inorganic contamination from your water while retaining essential minerals.

You can find some very effective carbon block filters that connect to individual faucets and shower heads, but a whole house system provides the best coverage at the least cost per outlet. By installing whole house water filters at the point where water enters your home, you will be protecting all the water outlets in your entire home.

Pure water is critical to maintaining health for your entire family. With today's water filtering technology, that can easily be accomplished. My website describes some of the filtering systems available in detail. By taking some time sorting through everything that is out there you will find the best system for your needs.

Kevin Proctor has studied health related issues for over 8 years. His research led him to realizing the importance of pure water as it relates to overall health. Kevin discusses what he has learned on his website, Filtered-Water-Resources.com. For more information about water purification and to see the water filter systems he personally recommends visit his website now

Materials Preferences - Bathroom Tile

Ceramic tile is probably the best option when bathroom tile is considered. Aside from being waterproof, it can have a textured surface that resembles a stone. On top of that, ceramic tiles are quite cheap. Although stone has a better appearance because of its naturally rich and textured state, it costs a lot compared to ceramic tiles. However, people who do not have problems about blowing the budget can indulge by using stones. Both ceramic tiles and stones can be slippery and can get quite cold. Using smaller tiles may be helpful as it would use more grout. On the other hand rubber and other kinds of mats can help with the coldness that tiles feel on bare feet.

Vinyl flooring is also used for bathroom tile primarily because it is cheap. A lot of people like this because there are limitless options for designs and patterns. It can also be installed by anyone that it does not require the homeowner to pay for installation services. On the other hand, it is not the best choice for many people because it looks cheap. It looks plainly like vinyl flooring and nothing else.

Some people like the idea of using wood for their bathroom tile because it does not feel cold under their feet. However, solid hardwood is not so good with moisture. The only way to solve this problem is by perfectly installing them which would entail paying someone else to do it. Laminate flooring is a better option for the bathroom tile because of its resin components which makes it more water resistant.

For more information on bathroom renovations, small bathroom makeovers and bathroom tiles visit SmallBathroomMakeovers.com

Kitchen Redesign Mistakes to Avoid

A new kitchen is one of the most rewarding projects you can begin on your home. After all, your kitchen acts as the heart of your home. It is where family meeting occur; homework sessions are held; and holiday celebrations happen. More memories are made in your kitchen than any other room.

Unfortunately far too many people begin this project without seriously thinking of everything involved. First of all, redesigning your kitchen is an expensive venture. Any changes or mistakes can end up costing you a lot of money. It isn't a simple and cheap fix to switch from a run-of-the-mill stove to a soapstone stove. You better have a plan of action.

Here are some of the more common mistakes people make when remodeling their kitchen:

Mistake: Over-customizing and No Flexibility

Difficult and over specialized items can be a nightmare for both you and the contractor. Not only are some items expensive, but they are also difficult and time consuming to replace. Replacing a granite counterop to soapstone slabs or soapstone blocks costs money. Unless money isn't an issue, it is wise to remain flexible regarding materials and the design for your new kitchen.

Mistake: Changing Plans

Changing the kitchen design plans once the work has started is never a good thing. Most of the materials have already been ordered and the measurements calculated. If you are unsure of going with a soapstone stove, don't order it until you are certain you love the look of soapstone stoves. It will make things much easier for you and your contractor.

Mistake: Allowing A Designer to build Your Kitchen with No Input

It isn't uncommon for a designer's taste to vary from your own ideas on what you want your kitchen to look like. By not expressing what you want, you probably won't be very happy with the finished results. If you love the look of soapstone or want a soapstone counter, tell the designer so in the beginning. Work with your designer and stay involved throughout the entire process.

Mistake: Spending Too Much Money on a Project

The average kitchen makeover adds only 8% to the market value of your home. Never invest more than 20% of its current market value. While you may love the idea of adding soapstone slabs or soapstone blocks, if you don't have the extra money for it, I would try another idea or make cuts in the projects somewhere else.

Mistake: Spending It All In One Place

One of the most common mistakes is not planning the budget well enough to cover unforeseen expenses. Circumstances pop up during your project from time to time. While you love soapstone and have your heart set on a soapstone counter, the manufacturer may be out. You now need to come up with a Plan B. The general rule for a remodeling project is to plan for 80% of budget should go to the remodeling itself and rest for unforeseen circumstances.

Anne has worked on many home improvement projects with a soapstone counter. Her specialties are redesigning ordinary kitchens into the extraordinary using soapstone slabs and soapstone blocks.

Friday, August 28, 2009

The Crack Of Dawn Short Stories Should End With A Twist

She came for him at the crack of dawn. He heard her cross the room and the small boy hoping to hide, slid deep beneath the bedding. But there was no escape that way. She ripped back the covers and dragged him sobbing from the bed. He begged and pleaded all the while looking up hopefully, but the look of grim determination on her pale face told him there was to be no mercy. He struggled to escape, but the hands that encircled his upper arms tightened, her bright red nails digging into the flesh of his skinny arms. He cried out, went limp, and when she changed her grip broke free and made a break for the door.

But he was there, and he filled the opening from top to bottom and side to side. It wasn't fair he couldn't fight them both. The figure in the doorway bent, large calloused hands lifted the boy, carried him from the room, dumped him on the bathroom floor and growled, 'Wash! And don't even think of trying the window. I'll be here, right behind you.'

He glanced in the mirror, the man stood behind him arms folded, his blue eyes as hard as ice. The boy's shoulders slumped, it was no good; he'd just have to get on with it. He washed and dried.

It hadn't been like this in the beginning. In the beginning they had been kind. The man would bend, ruffle his hair and ask him what he had been doing that day and he would look up at the red face with the warm blue eyes and the friendly smile and tell him all he knew.

She had been different too; she'd smiled a lot, had a habit of brushing her blond hair from her face that was nice, and best of all, she would tuck him in and read him a story at bedtime.

But it had all been a sham, a trick, to lull him into a false sense of security and he had been taken in by it. But last night when he sneaked down for a glass of water, he had overheard them discussing their plan to get rid of him. He'd tried to escape then, but the man had caught him and forced him back to his room.

The man led him from the bathroom to the kitchen, where they forced him to eat. She left the room and returned with a uniform and made him to put it on. Black shoes then socks, trousers, shirt and jacket, all drab grey except for the symbol on the jacket that was bright yellow. Next came the cap, also grey, with same yellow symbol on the front.

A satisfied look on their faces they led him out to the car. He was bundled in the back; she came with him and held his hands scotching any chance of escape. Ten minutes later they parked the car and walked towards the building. It was now or never, he made a break for it, he could hear the shouts and thump of boots behind him. He didn't get far; the man caught him before he reached the corner. He gave in then, but he wouldn't let them see him cry.

They dragged him past high walls with black railings, to the gate that had an archway above it bearing the same yellow symbol. When they pushed him through the gate he knew this was the end. He joined the line of other children dressed in grey, and shuffled through the door, it closed behind him. His first day at school had begun.

Worldwide Copyright Fred Watson 2006

Fred Watson published his first book, a fantasy adventure novel aimed at the 8-12 age group in November 2006. A grandfather of four, he loves to write for all age groups, has an abiding interest in history and continues on a regular basis to add new stories etc to his website. Footprint Publishing

Repairing a Leaking Toilet - Home Repairs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Toilet Repairing.

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

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

Clawfoot Shower Curtain

Many people that are building or remodeling their bathrooms have made the decision to use the clawfoot bathtub. While many people enjoy the sit down bath, a lot of people would rather use the stand up shower. It is now possible for you to have the best of both worlds. The clawfoot shower tub allows for the transformation of any design of clawfoot bathtub to become a shower as well. The clawfoot bathtub of any design, from the antique clawfoot bathtub to the newer acrylic clawfoot bathtub can use the shower enclosure set. This is great for the times when you are in a hurry and do not have the extra time for the the relaxing, soaking bath that the clawfoot tub allows.

To turn one of the clawfoot bathtubs into a clawfoot shower tub, the shower tub enclosure set will have to be installed. The enclosure set usually will include the shower, the enclosure ring and the enclosure ring fittings that allow you to hang the enclosure ring. Many of the shower curtain enclosure manufactures offer a few simple instructions for hanging the enclosure ring so it will be the right height.. First, hold the curtain with a few of the curtain rings attached on the shower curtain to help determine where to install the clawfoot shower bathtub. This will help you to determine where to hang the shower curtain enclosure.

Most of the enclosure sets do not include the shower curtain or the shower curtain rings. But the industry has realized the need for a shower curtain to fit the enclosure ring. It was necessary before to use three or four different curtains to close up the tub. This lead to several different problems. First the unsightly seams was a bother and also unpleasant to look at. The seams would open and allow water to escape to the floor, causing the person to have to clean up the mess or have damage to the floor over a period of time. Also the gaps of the seams would allow for the drafty cold air also.

The enclosure curtains can be purchased along with a wide variety of shower curtain rings. There are many different styles and finishes to help you to match your own personal decor. Also do not forget to look for the different accessories to help finish to complete look of the bathroom. Items like a soap dish or even new clawfeet are available. Even items like the feet coasters are available.

The use of the clawfoot shower tub will allow for the complete use of the clawfoot bathtub experience. Along with the clawfoot shower curtain, now you can enjoy the best of the sit down baths when you have time but also the stand up shower when you are in a hurry.

Using the Wrong Bathtub - Home Tips

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kitchen Cabinet Basics - What to Know Before You Remodel

If you are considering a "Full Kitchen Remodel" then the first place you will want to start (with regard to material choices) is with your cabinets. Cabinets set the tone for the style and color scheme of your entire kitchen. Answering the questions below will get you on the right track.

Design Styles: The most common design styles these days include Shaker, Modern Contemporary, Traditional, Casual Country and Eclectic. Determining the style will direct you to the wood species that work best.

Door Styles: There are basically three door styles to choose from: Raised Panel, Recessed Panel and Slab. With regard to the raised and recessed doors, you will then need to choose from square, arch or cathedral style.

Types of Wood: Cabinets are made from a multitude of wood species; however the most common these days are (in order of hardness and durability):

Oak, Hickory, Mahogany, Laminates
Maple, Cherry, Birch, Pine
Alder, Poplar

Cabinet Quality: The qualities of cabinets available range from all solid wood construction, partial wood construction with plywood veneer, particle board and veneer and (at the lower end of the spectrum) particle board and photo finish and laminates: Of course the prices range (with all wood construction) from very expensive to very inexpensive (photo finish) or laminate construction. While the old adage "You Get What You Pay For" holds true in most cases, there are a number of ways to reduce your overall cost and still have the quality and look you want. For instance, you can have solid wood fronts and on the exposed ends (doors, drawers and face) and use plywood or particle board on the sides and backs (which are not seen). This can save you thousands of dollars.

Other Cabinet Options: The final choices that are worthy of note are the additional options for your cabinets. These include Lazy Susans, waste basket cabinets, spice racks, wine racks, pull-out trays (instead of fixed shelving) "soft close" drawer hardware, dove-tail drawer or butt-joint drawer construction and (for upper cabinets) crown molding, under mount light molding etc. Glass doors (typically on upper cabinets) also lend a certain 'jene se qua' to the final look.

Cabinet Finishes: Yet another consideration is the finishes available: They are laminates, painted and stained. Regarding stain finishes: You can choose from the standard finishes and (if so inclined) add a "glaze finish" to further accent the wood grain and design of the cabinetry. *** Note: When you choose to add a glaze finish, there will be additional costs and (equally important) additional production time. Glazes can increase your cabinet expense from 6% to 20% and add one to two weeks on to the normal production schedule.

Hardware: The sky is the limit with regard to choices of colors, styles and designs of knob and handles. You can literally spend hours online looking at designs and styles. *** Note: Remember to add this into your cabinet budget from the outset as prices range from $3 or $4 dollars for simple knobs & handles to as much as $20 or more for the more ornate ones! Do you homework and research to find the type you want and the lowest cost producer of same.

In conclusion, remodeling your kitchen can be an exciting and rewarding endeavor and add value to your home. With proper planning, you will get the result you want within the budget you wish to keep. Perform your "due diligence" and you will have a final result for you and your family to enjoy for years to come! Good Luck.

If this article has been helpful and you would like more information on our kitchen remodeling services, please visit our website at http://www.pdremodelingsandiego.com

For a no obligation consultation, simply send us an e-mail at sfrick@pdr-sd.com or call us at (858) 560-0444. We service all of San Diego county and have been in business over 22 years.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Should I Update My Bathroom With a Medicine Cabinet, Or Do the Full Enchilada?

It's the last major room in our house that needs an update. The main upstairs bathroom, the primary for the entire house. It's not really a master bath since it's down the hall from the main bedroom, but it does have the only bathtub and is definitely the biggest bathroom we have. When we bought the house it was reasonably well decorated except for the striped wallpaper that played with your eyes. I think I made it worse when I added mirrored closet doors to a wall opposite a mirror already in place so now the stripes are truly everywhere and seem to disappear into infinity through the mirrors.

Regardless, it may be time to redo that room completely. We won't sell the house for another 10-15 years, but as it is perhaps it isn't meeting our needs anymore. I'd love to have a large whirlpool tub with a separate shower, something opulent like you'd see in a posh hotel. I'd want to keep my three way medicine cabinet and vanity mirror, and I'd want to enlarge the sink area so I have more room for my beauty supplies. As the children get older they'll be taking over more space than now and I don't think this bathroom accounts for that.

I could just replace the medicine cabinet and gain mirror space as well as storage space for hair products. It seems that I never have enough room for those. It would be nice to have room to put real medicine in there so we don't have it scattered all over the house in places impossible to uncover when you really need it.

I could just upgrade the bathroom vanity and the medicine cabinet together, but then I think to myself, "why stop there? If you're going to do that then replace the floor, the falling ceiling, the older tub and shower and put that toilet somewhere other than the middle of the room." As you can see I have big dreams and lots of options, but I just don't know how to start small without turning it into a major project.

Perhaps I'll just stick with the medicine cabinet.

For more information on various bathroom remodeling projects you can do please visit our sites on bathroom medicine cabinets and bathroom vanities.

It's Time to Remodel Your Bathroom! Do You Know What to Do?

How can you tell when the time is right to do a makeover on your bathroom? It's probably a job you've been putting off while, telling yourself that it really doesn't look all that bad. After all, the toilet works most of the time, and only a little of the grout is gone from between the tiles, and there's just a little rust that you can't get out of the bathtub, and... Wait a minute! I'd say it's time for a makeover. What do you think? Take a good look around and see what other little things you can find that are signaling you that now's the time:

Start by looking at all the little details you might have been ignoring. Are your porcelain fixtures looking a bit yellow? Maybe there's a ceiling tile missing from the renovation of 1974. If you have wallpaper, is it starting to curl up a bit on the edges? None of these problems in itself is a world-stopper, but they are still the clues you need to motivate you to get busy remodeling.

If your bathroom still looks like something out of the '70s, that's another clue. Look for the 1" wall tiles, stained vinyl flooring, and the colors that will date your room on their own: harvest gold, avocado green, and bright oranges. If this is what you're seeing, it's definitely time you did something about it.

A good time to remodel is when you've decided to sell your house. A nice bathroom is a real selling point for most people and can even raise the value of your home. You know for yourself, from being in some yucky public restrooms that no one likes a crummy bathroom, so spruce yours up a bit, and you'll have a hit on your hands.

It may be that you don't want to completely remodel everything in the bathroom. Maybe you're only interested in making it look better without the effort and expense of an extensive makeover. One way to do this is by changing the accessories in the room. If your bathroom is too far gone, this won't work, but if the room is just looking tired and dreary, new accessories can make a world of difference. You might get new fixtures, some fluffy towels, soft cozy rugs, or bright shower and window curtains. By adding these new things, you'll probably be amazed at how much nicer your old bathroom looks.

For the major overhauls, you might want to hire a bathroom contractor. I know they cost money, but unless you're a better plumber than I am, you will find it money well spent. You don't have to hire a contractor to do the whole room, but it would be good for any plumbing and fixture installation you want to do. Have you ever lifted a porcelain bathtub? Believe me, a contractor comes in mighty handy for that kind of work. Find someone who comes with a lot of experience. He'll have been in hundreds of bathrooms and will be able to give you design tips that he's seen elsewhere. He'll also be able to help you maximize your available space.

Hopefully you've now realized some of the benefits that will be yours if you do decide on a bathroom remodel. It doesn't matter what type of makeover you decide to do, you'll love the improvements you can make. You can completely change the look of your bathroom with a little effort and a few new accessories. How about getting started right away?

Find answers to questions like how to install a bathtub, where can I find bathroom accessory ideas? Visit us today!

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Hotel Discount Coupons

Whether you are traveling for business or for pleasure, your choice of hotel is as important as your destination. If you are a traveler on a budget, then you must know how to take advantage of hotel discount coupons in order to cut down accommodation costs and use the money to enjoy the vacation instead.

Where to get hotel discount coupons

There are three major sources of hotel discount coupons.

Travel books. Some are free while others can be purchased. These travel guides can be found in almost all shops at airports, convenience stores, restaurants, supermarkets and attractions. Check out the pages and look for hotel discount coupons to major hotels.

Online. The web is filled with online travel booking sites that compete to offer quality low cost lodging. Book through anyone of these sites and save on rates. You can also visit the website of chain hotels to look for discount coupons. This is actually a better move than reserving through third-party websites. By going directly to the source, you eliminate possible booking problems.

Travel groups. Travel clubs often offer hotel discount coupons to their members. Ask your local chapter when and how you can get these discounts.

Some considerations when using hotel discount coupons

Remember that hotel discount coupons have restrictions. It is important to know any limitations before you book a room or check in. For example, you typically pay less than the standard rate on regular days, but most hotels do not acknowledge discount coupons during holidays or special seasons when they are near full occupancy. You see, hotels set their rates based on supply and demand they charge higher during peak periods, but are also very willing to offer discounts during off-peaks when the fall of demand leave plenty of rooms unoccupied.

Also remember that some coupons are for walk-ins only. Make sure that your hotel discount coupon allows you to call ahead to make a reservation at discount rates. In some cases, the hotel management may agree to honor the advertised rate for advance bookings.

Discount Hotels provides detailed information on Discount Hotels, Discount Hotel Rooms, Discount Hotel Rates, Hotel Discount Coupons and more. Discount Hotels is affiliated with Discount Travel Agents.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Complete Bathroom Remodel Guide

Your bathroom is one place where you are very truthfully yourself and thus you want it to be the most comfortable zone that speaks of your individual style. Bathroom remodel plans are the best way to ensure that your bathroom is what you want it to be. If you want a house that is in-sync with the latest home dcor trend but do not have the budget to go for complete home remodeling, you can get the bathroom remodeling done. Bathroom remodeling incorporates the elements of a modern and latest dcor trends in your house without weighing too much on your pocket.

There are several bathroom trends that are in vogue these days. Hire a bathroom remodel contractor to remodel your bathroom. The contractors are more experienced and better aware of the latest inclinations of the market and the styles. Some popular inclinations for bathroom these days include two sinks, tub-cum-shower and more. In the two-sink bathroom remodel plan there are two sinks in the bathroom so that the toilet area is completely separated from the bath area. Then in the tub-cum-shower bathroom remodel style the shower area is fast being replaced by bathtub that doubles up as the shower area.

Your bathroom remodel plan should take care of the safety and comfort as much as it does of the style. There are several electric gadgets that are used in the bathroom so the bathroom remodel should include appropriate safety measures installation such as:

Non-slip flooring

Ground-fault circuit interrupter electrical controls

No electrical switches around the tub or shower

Water control valves in the shower are pressure balanced and temperature regulating

Make sure that your bathroom remodel contractor has considered the ventilation and lighting fixtures thoughtfully. An efficient and comfortable bathroom is the one that is well lit and well ventilated.

There is no limit to how much you can spend on your bathroom remodel project. However, hiring a contractor will ensure good work that moves within your specified budget, as per your requirements. Moreover, the contractors work within predefined time frame.

Natasha
For more tips and details visit: http://www.allremodel.com

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Bathroom Remodeling - Bathroom Renovation Benefits

The main benefit of bathroom is that it adds value any property. Another home renovation advantage is its long term energy and water savings. Hotels, homeowners, apartments and realtors who are deciding whether to spend their money on bathroom remodeling or not, are re-assured that a bathtub remodeling job that is done correctly and with the right plan can help them recoup their investment. Irrespective of the sluggish housing market, kitchen and bathroom remodeling have consistently offered the highest percentage return on investment (80-100%).

Home improvement that includes bathroom renovation as part of the overall project increases the resale value of homes and gives a delightful ambiance for a private affair. According to Remodeling magazine, the average bathroom remodeling project costs $15,800 and results in an increase in home value of about $12,400. Source: November 2007, Remodeling Magazine, Cost versus Value Report.

Bathroom remodeling is expensive

The price for renovating a bathroom can go from $12, 000 to $16,000 just for a basic and functional bathroom . Even though the bathroom in many homes, is the smallest room, when it comes to renovation, it can be pretty expensive. Home improvement involves a lot of sub-contractions and bathroom remodel is no exception. Here are your sub-contractors:
Plumbers
Electricians
Tile contractors
Sheet rock contractor etc.

Remodeling ideas

Home improvement ideas vary from person to person. Some people may already have an idea of their remodel, while others are inspired from other sources.

Like from seeing how the neighbor's bathroom looks and looking forward to your looking just like that or even better. Others get their ideas from friends and magazines. Depending on the scope of work, some would need the services of an architect.

After the design idea is settled on, it is time to see the areas that need the renovation. In a bathroom remodel, like in any other renovation work, the structures have to be considered highly. Anything that would undermine the integrity of the structures should be pointed out to an an architect.

Flooring or vanities may need to be refinished and not replaced to achieve a bathroom remodeling dream.
Bathtub refinishing and bathroom renovation

Bathtub refinishing saves the expense of replacing a bathtub. It may costs about $300 to buy a new bathtub, but it may cost between $2500 to $3000 to replace an old bathtub. The reasons are obvious.

Home improvement tear outs account for about 47% of the junk that ends up in the landfills. Tearing makes a lot of mess and involves, walls, tiles, plumbers and their respective sub-contractors. All the tear out adds up to quite some money when compared to refinishing, re-using and recycling.

Bathtub refinishing costs between $450 -$650 compared to about $2500 to replace a bathtub. The savings is over 80% the cost of replacement. That is why many hotels, homeowners, apartments, retirement homes, and government agencies are choosing bathtub refinishing as a big part of their green bathroom remodeling.

When bathtub refinishing is incorporated as a big part of the bathroom remodeling process, less waste goes to the landfills. This is an environmental benefit to the environment. Additionally, when old but sturdy wood cabinets in your bathroom are refinished, instead of being replaced, trees are saved, that benefit us in so many ways. Bathtub refinishing, combined with green bathroom remodeling benefits are savings in money, time and environment.

Do your bathroom remodeling yourself or hire a contractor?

With the popularity of HGTV and other remodeling shows, a lot of people think that they can be the weekend warrior. Take a hard and careful look at your bathroom remodeling project. If all you are doing is cosmetics, you may be able to do the renovation yourself. Remember that all tasks are not created equal. It may be easy to install a new toilet, but installing new bathtub or tiled shower is for the professionals.

Wilson Ukah, owns Refinishing Stars, a bathtub refinishing company serving homeowners in Atlanta, Chattanooga, Nashville and Knoxville. Refinishing Stars, refinishes bathtubs, sinks, and countertops for hotels and motels nationwide. Wilson can be reached at http://www.refinishingstars.com or sales@refinishingstars.com.

Damaged Plastic Vapor Barrier
Crawl Space Repairs

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Fire Damaged Indoor Air Quality

During a fire damage heat, smoke, and the depletion of oxygen interact, exerting themselves as serious hazards. Smoke alone consist of particles (such as soot), gases (such as carbon monoxide), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) of a variety of complexities, aerosols, and free radicals that can have an effect on the building and occupants' health long after the fire is extinguished.

Something else to consider is water and its contributing affect on poor indoor environmental quality during fire damage. Water is a product of combustion. During a fire water droplets can serve as a vehicle of transport for absorbed acids, such as hydrochloric acid, making it a contributor toward smoke-inhalation injuries. Additionally, residual moisture, left behind during the fire-extinguishing processes, can contribute toward the development of microbes, such as mold and bacteria, when not processed quickly and adequately enough.

So, as you can see the pollutants found in fire and smoke damage can be numerous, and can come in any chemical state (solid, liquid, gas, or vapor), including but not necessarily limited to:
• "Particulate Matter (PM)"
• gases
• humidity
• "Bioaerosols"

"Particulate Matter (PM)" is a term used for a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. Some of these PM are large or dark enough to be seen, like the soot and smoke concentrations you see settled onto your furniture and building components, while other PM are so small they can be detected only with an electron microscope. PM can be organic (carbon based matter like baseboards and door and window components) or inorganic (such as fiberglass and asbestos).

Some of the gases associated with fire and smoke damage are carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfuric oxides, and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). Many of these gases can be colorless and odorless; thereby, unnoticed during the fire and smoke damage, its cleaning, or reoccupation.

"Bioaerosols" is a term used to describe airborne PM that are living or originate from living organisms including microbes, fragments, toxins, and particulate waste products. Bioaerosols are very small and range from one micrometer (0.00004") to one hundred micrometers (0.004"). Bioaerosols are easily manipulated, transported by air currents, insects and moisture.

Health consequences vary with the size, mass, concentration and other contaminants which interact with one another. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has found that respirable particles at concentrations of 250 to 350 micrograms per meter increase respiratory symptoms in compromised individuals. What this means for you is that when faced with a fire damage it is important to make sure qualified people are contacted to identify and remedy any potential pollution hazards in your home or office.

"Where can you find a qualified fire-damage restoration technician to clean and repair your home?" I'm only familiar with one organization that trains, evaluates, and certifies cleaning and restoration technicians in this area. While there may be more, the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification is the one I am familiar with. For inspection most especially concerning the indoor air quality look for a Council-certified Indoor Environmental Consultant or Council-certified Indoor Environmentalist either at the Indoor Air Quality Association's website or the American Indoor Air Quality Council's website.

As with any damaged environment understanding the condition of that environment is key to providing for the health and safety of occupants as well as restoring the structure to its safe and sound structural integrity and normal ecology. Sometimes the damage goes beyond what you can see. Sometimes cleaning isn't enough. In those cases or in cases where you and/or your doctor suspect a pollutant that may be triggering symptoms in you or another occupant, contacting a Council-certified Indoor Environmental Consultant (CIEC) can help you and your doctor make decisions on treatment based on our inspection, testing, and analytical report. Most can also help write a scope of work that will reduce and/or eliminate the pollutant(s). The Indoor Air Quality Association and the American Indoor Air Quality Council have a list of Council-certified Professionals on their websites for your reference.

For additional resource material on understanding hazards associated with fire and smoke damage we would like to recommend this book, "Fire and Smoke: Understanding the Hazards". There you will find more specific information on some of the pollutants discussed on this page.

The American Red Cross has a good resource as well: "PICKING UP THE PIECES AFTER A FIRE".

The founder of SOLUTIONS Indoor Environmental Consulting, Jason Yost, has been in the cleaning, restoration, remediation, and indoor air quality industries for over sixteen years, doing everything from carpet cleaning, installation and repairs; water and fire damage inspection, consultation, and restoration; microbial inspection, consultation, and remediation; crime scene remediation and restoration; as well as been an educator to private and public groups through various business network groups, classrooms, seminars, and news programs.

Jason currently holds four of the most prestigious board-awards in the industry, awarded by the American Indoor Air Quality Council:

Council-certified Indoor Environmental Consultant

Council-certified Indoor Environmentalist

Council-certified Microbial Remediation Supervisor

Council-certified Microbial Remediator

Additionally, Jason holds a certification as a Water-damage Restoration Technician from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).

Jason volunteers his time as a member of the American Indoor Air Quality Council's certification board, and is an Individual Member of the Indoor Air Quality Association. For more information you can review Jason's IAQA PRO.FILE at http://www.iaqa.org/profile.asp?id=223 or visit his website at http://www.SolutionsIEC.com

Insulation Damage
Small Crack In Floor Slab

Friday, August 14, 2009

Installing Molding For Interior Doors

When installing door trim, some carpenters begin with the legs(vertical pieces); Others prefer to hang the top trim first. Installing the top first has the advantage of offering precise control over the most finicky part of the installation, the miters. Once the top trim is up, install the legs one at a time, positioning each so that the miter is perfect. If you install the legs first, you'll have to fit the top trim on both miters simultaneously. Unless both miters are perfect and the legs perfectly parallel, you are bound to get gaps you can't close in your work.

Lay out out the reveal., The door trim is never flush with the edge of the jamb; typically it sits back from the edge by about 1/8th inch. The space, or reveal, leaves enough room for the hinge barrel and provides a margin of error if the jamb dips.

The frame on the prehung door is likely to have a layout line on it that marks the edge of the reveal. If you work on an unmarked door frame, set a combination square to 1/8 inch, and guide it and a pencil along the frame. Mark the reveal on both sides and above the door.

Measure and miter the top trim. First cut a 45-degree miter on one end of the top trim piece; hold it in place to mark the inside point of the second miter cut. Lay out the cut with a combination square, and cut it with a miter box.

Nail the top trim in place. To help position the trim, miter two scrap pieces of molding, and clamp them in place along the sides of the door frame. Cut and place the top trim and adjust as necessary to get a tight miter. Nail the top trim into the jamb. Leave at least 1/8 inch of the nails exposed in case you need to adjust the piece later. Use #6 finishing nails for the jabs and #8 finishing nails through the trim and into the studs.

Miter the legs. Mitering a piece to fit can be tricky. Make it easy on yourself by mitering the legs before you square them off. Then place the legs against the frame so they are upside down. This leaves the miter on the floor and the fulll length of the trim extending toward the ceiling. Mark where the tiop trim touches the leg and cut the leg quare at the mark.

Nail the legs to the door frame. Start at the top, holding the leg so the miter closes tightly, and drive a #6 finishing nail through it and into the jamb. Work down the leg, flexing it if necessary so that it aligns with the line that marks the framing behind the wall. Repeat on the opposite leg, and then set all the nails. To keep the corners tight, predrill and drive a #6 finishing nail at an angle up through the edge of the leg, through the miter, and into the header molding.

For professional mortgage help with lowering mortgages, extending your loan maturity date(s), getting Home Savers Loans, home improvement instructions and tips, please visit http://hstrial-oswingrant.homestead.com

Cb44 Bolted To 4 X 4 Wood Post

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Tuscan Architecture

Tuscan architecture combines modern and classic elements that make up pure Old World Europe. The beauty of architecture Tuscan style comes from the typical custom crafted natural stone. This includes limestone, travertine and marble. Terracotta floor and roof tiles are often used to give the antique feel. In Tuscan architecture, wooden beams are often refurbished from Tuscan farmhouses.

Tuscany architecture involves fine Italian building materials that create beautiful marble fireplaces, wrought iron gates and amazing fountains.

Integrating Tuscan elements brings a sense of Old-World charm and mystique to indoor and outdoor aspects of your home.

Exterior architecture typically include:

Tile roof Wrought iron front door entrance Walls covered with vines Crumbling stone walls that outline patios and walkways Beautiful travertine cobblestone driveways Brick or stone set garden paving Tuscan Landscape : Lavender, rosemary and sage can be found surrounding a Tuscan style home. Old lemon pots and antique jars give the feel of a Tuscany garden .

Interior architecture typically include:

Walls: Plaster walls with hand painted wall treatments. Usage of warm colors that represent the rolling hills of Tuscany bring the feel of basking under the Tuscan sun! Mediterranean decor involves subtle earth tones. These are standard in French Country decorating.

Ceilings: Textured richly. Stenciled borders can be found along the ceilings. Paneled or vaulted ceilings are a typical choice in decor as it creates pure Tuscany architectural framework. Wooden or chestnut beams provide a rustic feel to the Old World style home.

Floor: Glass, stone and tile are often used to create amazing mosaic art for flooring, which works well with table tops. Terracotta tiles, marble and ceramic flooring marks true Tuscany home decor . Selection of marbles that blend nicely with your Tuscan color palette.

Tuscany architecture uses pale travertine in home flooring. Marble Chips, stucco and crushed stone are polished nicely creating terrazo floors.

Your home can be so beautiful when choosing architecture Tuscan style!

Patrice D. Walker is an Architect student who specializes in Tuscan Decorating. Visit: http://www.Tuscan-Home-101.com/tuscan_decor.html for more Tuscan interior design tips and information.

Cast Iron Pipe In Top Plates

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Why Doesn't the Housing Industry Use Solar Panels When Building Homes?

A prominent Southern California Realtor has asked that her congress person tell her why the Housing Industry during the last run-up did not put in more solar? So, the Online Think Tank decided to answer her direct question:


Why doesn't the housing industry use solar panels when building a home?


This was a huge topic in "Building Industry News" magazine for a good nine months at the top of the bubble. The reason as stated is because putting solar panels on the home raised the price of the home some $30,000 minimum. It also increased liability for major builders, with all the lawsuits housing developers set up shell corporations that they close as soon if not right before the final home is built, this prevents class action lawsuits.

Even adding $1500 worth of insulation or a better fitting door or $3,000 for double pained windows was not done, this saves $1,000s per year on energy bills. The reason for that as stated is because raising the price of the homes an extra $3,000 means some folks would not qualify for the low or no-down financing. In hindsight, well obviously many of these folks had no business buying a home at all. They could not even buy a $1,400 chicken coup for cash, and yet they were sold homes for $250,000 to $450,000 with no money down, marginal credit and questionable statements on their loan application forms. But, I need not tell you this, more of an education for others reading this.

Solar Panels make sense, make what you can, when you are not using it, "grid bank" it selling it back to the grid allowing your electric meter to run backwards, everyone wins, no need to worry about capacity in power lines for demand and on hot days it helps prevent brown and rolling blackouts due to high usage from air-conditioners.

Now then, certainly the developers and builders of new housing tracts could have done this and their economies of scale would have fostered new innovation, research and free-enterprise would have filled in all the blanks and lowered the cost, it was a great time for that opportunity, which is gone now. Our Online Think Tank discussed this at length during the run up to the bubble pop. The real estate lady of course is preaching to the choir of course, but those are the arguments and debate points on that topic.

"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance is a guest writer for Our Spokane Magazine in Spokane, Washington

Four Great Home Improvement Projects - Decks, Patios, and More

Expanding your living space by adding exterior structures is not only a smart way to add value to your home, but value to the quality of your outdoor life. There are many types of structures to choose from and virtually something for every type of yard and design aesthetic. Deciding whether to build a deck, patio, sunroom, pergola, covered patio, or screenroom is the first decision the homeowner needs to consider. The benefits of each of these structures are numerous, and any one of these structures will add value to your property.

1. Decks - These relatively uncomplicated structures are one of the most popular exterior additions. Decks can be made of treated lumber or composite decking material, which comes in a wide variety of colors and textures. The addition of a deck, like any other exterior living space structure, alters the exterior of the home and should be carefully planned to incorporate the style of the home. Consideration for the site of the deck should be given to take advantage of all outdoor conditions in order for the homeowner to spend time outdoors in the conditions they prefer.

2. Sunrooms - Another great way to extend living space with year round comfort, sunrooms can include heating and cooling, lighting, ceiling fans, tile flooring, and energy efficient windows. The addition of a customized sunroom adds light, gives the home a more spacious look and adds tremendous value to the home. Sunrooms blend with any style of home while bringing added visual esthetics to both the interior and exterior of the home. Customizing a sunroom to match exterior siding such as Hardie siding is easy and affordable. If an existing sunroom needs replacement windows for more energy efficiency, consider that cost as added overall value to the home.

3. Pergolas - Also referred to as arbors or shade covers, pergolas are a beautiful addition to any home. A pergola can either stand-alone or be attached to an existing structure and can be made of wood or termite resistant metal. Pergolas provide dappled shade and can serve as a trellis for climbing vines. Pergolas can transform a yard and landscape by adding elegant style to the backyard. Freestanding arbors can also play an important part in great garden design and can lead from one garden area to another.

4. Screenrooms - Screenrooms are making a comeback from the first half of the century, when virtually every home had an attached screenroom. They are a great way to add living space to the back or side of your home. Screenrooms allow for enjoyment of the outdoors in shaded comfort while staying free of insects and pests. Screenrooms are simple, economical, and can even be built using an existing patio or deck! Patio covers are another great option for expanding outdoor living space and staying out of direct exposure to the sun.

Home improvements, whether adding a carport, replacement windows for energy efficiency, Hardie plank or siding for a long lasting exterior, or upgrading exterior paint will all add great value to your home. Whether you are adding a carport to protect an extra car or boat or adding outdoor living space by building a deck, sunroom, pergola, arbor, screen room or covered patio, these structures are sure to add to the enjoyment of your home.

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Learn more about Decks, Patios, and More

Checking The Level Floor Framing

Monday, August 10, 2009

Decorate Your Home with Rugs in Solid Colors or Unique Shapes

Now, more than ever, rugs come in a surprisingly wide range of designs and color combinations, as well as shapes. This can make finding the right rug an exciting quest. So, let's have some fun by looking at rugs in solid colors or distinctive shapes that often get overlooked by decorators and rug shoppers.

Rugs with a solid color or a unique shape are ideal for many situations. If you have a room with busy patterns in either the furniture or the wallpaper, you'll be better off to go with a solid color rug in a complementary shade. Depending on the elements of the room, a rug with a subtle color gradient (shifting from one color tone to another) might also work well.

You might be tempted to use a rug with a country look, such as a rooster or a strawberry vine, in the kitchen. Sure, it has a familiar feel and it's functional, but is that really the best type of rug to use if you have brushed steel appliances? Color is your best friend when it comes to decorating with rugs!

There are thousands of color choices available. Consider using single-color (no pattern) rugs for a shocking expression or bold statement. Use a contrasting solid color rug to draw attention to a focal point in the room, or to offset a dominant room color. For example, an all-white dining room might have a huge impact if a solid black area rug were used underneath the dining table.

Solid color rugs allow you to be versatile. Matching the colors in a room provides a continuous-flow effect. Complementing the dominant hues can produce a satisfying artistic look. Whatever your decorating style, a solid color rug can enhance it! And, since so many people use patterned rugs, imagine how striking your simple, straightforward solid rug will be!

It's easy to sit back and think of rugs in a rectangular shape. After all, isn't that the most common shape you see at the home improvement stores or in your friend's homes? To paraphrase a popular expression, let's all "Decorate outside the rectangle!" Decorating with shape adds a whole new dimension (literally).

Consider a round or hexagonal rug in the foyer or entryway if you have a large home. A rectangular rug would probably do the job just fine, but a rug chosen for its shape lets you make more of a statement. A half-round rug looks great in front of your kitchen sink, plus, it provides you with a comfortable place to stand.

Whether you're adding a finishing touch to your home or trying to get the right look for a certain room, a rug with a unique shape might be just what you need. Rounds, hexagons, true squares, and irregular shapes can make for dramatic results. Your guests will be impressed. A unique rug can even perk up the allure of a room.

Almost every type of rug is available in non-standard shapes. So, if you just gotta have that luscious crimson and black modern rug in a round shape, go for it! With the extensive choices you have, you'll probably be able to find exactly what you want.

We hope this article has enhanced your overall awareness of rugs that often get overlooked. As you finish reading this article, ask yourself if you have the type of dcor that deserves to break away from traditional designs or the familiar rectangular shape. It's good to know that the wonderful world of rugs offers so many possibilities. And, many of them are just right for your home!

AnnaRae Mills is wild about rugs! She has a goldmine of tips and information to share with you. Decorating ideas, shopping tips, and much more. Find out how to pick the right rugs for your home. See pics of all rug types at http://www.Area-Rug-Tips.com