Great video on how to fix a hole in your wall .
Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a Home Buyers Guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.
If your looking for some more home inspection or home building ideas.
Door Fill In With DamageRegistry repair for Windows is one of the single most important, yet most often overlooked, methods to keep your Windows operating system fine-tuned, streamlined, and optimized for speed, performance, stability, security, and response time.
Whenever you start a program, shut down a program, surf the Internet, add or remove a USBdevice, start up or shut down the computer, download or edit files, you are interacting with the Windows registry behind the scenes, whether you realize it or not. The registry is constantly being read from or written to over the course of a computer's use. The stability and reliability of Windows depends on the data in registry being easily accessible and error-free.
Unfortunately, it is inevitable that, over the course of time, the registry should become bloated and for referential integrity errors to creep up within the database. The net result is that searches against the registry slow down or result in errors. This, in turn, is what is responsible for your computer slowing down, your applications hanging, your Internet surfing at a snail's pace, or your applications spontaneously crashing for no apparent reason.
Thoseannoying spyware pop-up ads that sometimes take over your PC are also the direct result of your Windows registry having been compromised.
So do you see how vitally important the Windows registry is to your PC's overall health? It is one of the most critical components of the entire operating system.
That is why you are strongly urged to run some kind of utility that can perform a registry repair for Windows on a regular basis. In fact, it would be even better if you could just schedule registry repair for Windows to occur automatically in the background every time you boot up your computer or at least once every 24 hours.
Give your PC a free registry scan and you'll be reaping the benefits of a much more stable, more highly optimized, more robust, and much faster operating system!
Split Stair BalustersTwo factors really determine the extent of the project: available space and budget. A "full-blown" project -- instead of changing a few items at a time -- is really the most efficient way to remodel a bathroom. But it's also messy, inconvenient and challenging. It requires a do-it-yourselfer to do framing, plumbing, electrical, drywall; or, at least hire a plumber or electrician to do that work. A full remodel is also a problem when there's no spare bathroom. Arranging for temporary accommodations is a big consideration. Estimate the costs of fixtures, cabinets, pipe & fittings, lumber and finish materials. Budget the expensive materials carefully and try to use existing materials where possible. Consider using an architectural drafting service (not mechanical drafting) to help develop your plans and create detailed, working drawings.
Design Features
One of the hardest remodeling challenges is designing a functional, appealing bathroom in a small area. Every remodel job is different, so it's hard to discuss specifics here, but a common solution is to borrow space from an adjoining room. Draw a detailed floor plan to see where space can be gained. A plan may also be required by building officials, but it's a great way to formulate workable ideas, arrange fixtures, and diagram mechanical runs. Getting waste pipes from the soil stack to fixtures (with proper flow) can be a real chore and slightly altering a fixture's location on the plan may save you a lot of work.
Features to think about:
Access: usable for an "8 to 80 year old" person, door opens inward and away from fixtures, non-skid flooring, smooth & rounded countertop and tub deck edges, grab bars for tubs, low whirlpool deck & steps.
Convenience: double-bowled vanity, separate tub & shower units, adequate natural lighting, easy-to-clean floors & fixtures, good ventilation source, partition wall for sink/toilet/tub separation.
Storage: some counter space or shelving for toiletries, towel bar/hooks, temporary laundry space, a non-shared drawer for each family member.
Common Bathroom Codes
Here are some common code requirements found throughout the country:
Receptacles in a bathroom must be GFCI (Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter) protected.
At least one light fixture must be permanently installed and controlled by a switch at the room's entrance.
There must be an operating window or an approved exhaust fan.
Toilets must have 15" of clearance on either side of the closet flange.
Pressure-balancing mixing valves may be required for the shower.
http://www.friendlycontractor.com
Structural Garage Door HeaderMany homeowners across the nation are stuck in their homes do to the tightening of the Credit Industry and the dropping of house prices. However, I have always been taught to look at the bright side of everything and what better way to do this then remodeling. Remodeling is a great way to increase the value of your property and what better place to start the renovations than in the bathroom.
I have been searching high and low for great deals on Bath Vanities that offer quality product with very affordable pricing. There are many places on the internet to buy Bath Vanities, however BasinsAndBathMirrors.com has grabbed my attention for several reasons:
Most of the selection you will find on their site consists of a very sophisticated look. These vanities will give your bathroom a uniquestyle that you have always dreamed of. I just purchased the Mia bath vanity with mirror and not only does my wife love it, but all of our house guests are constantly complimenting us on it's gorgeous style.I have to agree,adding thiseloquent piece of furniture truly made our bathroom one of a kind. I can'twait to see the return we get onour house withthis wonderful upgrade. It'ssure to bea profitable renovation andeye appealing one as well.
I surely hope you are now giving thought to doing some renovations to your bathroom. I promise you will not be disappointed with this vanity selection. These are truly one of a kind fixtures that will add the charm you have always been looking for to your otherwise boring bathroom.
Eric Liddic
LB Trading Company
Bath Vanities
Early in the 19th Century public interest grew in matters of hygiene and personal comfort and as a result there was a sharp decline in disease. This interest was met with the development of many domestic household luxuries like central heating, fresh water, piped gas and a network of underground cast iron sewers. Demand for these new found luxuries increased and with the coming of the industrial revolution the standard of living throughout the UK improved greatly. Mass production made many of these luxuries more affordable and simple cast iron radiators made central heating available to many households.
Wealthy people with large country houses started having elaborate and specially designed radiators to match their elegant interiors. Some of these radiators were extremely decorative and included special warming chambers for plates and linen, and some had boxes build around them with ornamental grills providing a decorative radiator cover. These were the earliest examples of the modern day radiator covers and radiator cabinets which are now manufactured by specialist companies and are seen in households the world over.
A good radiator cabinet company will provide a "made to measure" service" - they will visit your home, measure up the radiators you wish to have covered, then make the cabinet just for you, in the style and colour of your choice. Alternatively, radiator covers can now be supplied in fixed sizes as flat packs or ready assembled. Some manufactures supply adjustable radiator covers that can be resized to fit your radiators. Most radiator covers are painted in a choice of colours which can be specified when you place your order - or you can have them supplied unpainted, than paint them yourself with colours that you know will match the decor of your room. It is also possible to have radiator cabinets finished with real wood veneer and some are now supplied with a frosted glass front panel.
The grills at the front and sides can be decorated in a variety of patterns, making the radiator cabinet an attractive feature on any room, whilst providing a valuable protective function - particularly if small children or elderly adults are around! The front pannel can normally be removed so that access is gained to the thermostat controls.
In addition to providing decorative and protective features, radiator cabinets also draw in cool air at the bottom then direct the heat flow into the room, rather than allowing the heat to disappear up the wall or behind curtains.
Mike Stephens is a business consultant to Hallmark Cabinets
Hallmark Cabinets Ltd, Mercury House, Nicolson Way, Burton on Trent, Staffordshire, DE14 2AW http://www.radiator-covers-and-cabinets.co.uk Telephone: 01730 894173 info@radiator-covers-and-cabinets.co.uk
The den, the rec room, the family room...no matter what you call it, there should be one place in the home where the entire family can relax after a long day. If you are especially sociable, the room should be inviting and spacious, perfect for receiving guests, and equipped to entertain. Most definitely, a wet bar is needed for all your planned activities.
If you're not familiar with the term, a wet bar is simply a counter area or bar, recessed within the room or situated like a kitchen island, that features a working sink with running water. Unlike the standard kitchen sink, a bar sink is usually a small single bowl, often stainless steel, used for rinsing glasses and flatware or adding water to mixed drinks. Wet bars may also features miniature refrigerators for storage of wine and beer, and cabinets for glassware and other items needed for entertaining. For families who host gatherings on a regular basis, be they club meetings or a weekly football game viewing, having a wet bar offers a great advantage.
A wet bar takes some pressure away from the kitchen by allowing drinks to be stored and served where the party is, plus the host can save time using this service area rather than having to run to different parts of the house. Using a stainless steel sink for the bar allows for an attractive, sanitary workspace for your parties as well.
Regardless of the layout of your home, wet bars are usually simple to install. Hiring the proper plumber and contractor for the job is one step in the right direction, and an attractive countertop and accessories will enhance the look of your entertaining area. So if you plan to receive friends, family, or co-workers into your home, why not consider making them more comfortable with the luxury of a wet bar? This is one investment guaranteed to enhance the value of your home.
Kate Lively is a freelance SEO writer specializing in tips for home improvement, from buying the right stainless steel sinks to new carpeting.
If you're doing some holiday shopping over in the Fourth Street area later this year, you're hardly going to recognize the place. Not only is Fourth Street itself currently under construction which will change the look of the area but the northern side of the Tulsa Central Library there is also undergoing a facelift. There will be some subtle changes to the library's new entry way that you might not even notice. After all, when the northern entrance moves twenty feet to the east, it might not be noticeable enough to catch your eye. However, the colorful arch that's going to mark the new entry way is sure to catch your attention.
The new arch is going to give a more streamlined look to the Tulsa Central Library since it is identical to the one that went up last year on the Denver Avenue side of the library. When the library was first built back in the 1960's, this plaza-side entry on Denver Avenue (the entry which faces the Tulsa County Courthouse) was intended to be the main entry point into the library. Things have changed a lot since then; Fourth Street has livened up and that side of the building has become the entry most heavy with foot traffic. This entry was originally not even intended for public use and is now the place which is used most often by those wishing to get into the library.
The inside of the building will be altered as well to add to the purpose of the facelift. Since so much of the library's traffic comes through these doors, they are altering things so that this front room really looks like the entrance of the library. Instead of seeing the backside of the library's materials, you'll walk right into the main front room. As soon as you walk in, you'll be able to see all of the media center materials that are offered by the library. You'll also be able to easily spot the new information and customer service desk which is being constructed there so you can find out where else to go to get what you want in the library.
All of the changes to the library will be visible and complete by the end of the year. The goal is to have them done by the time that the Peggy V. Helmerich Distinguished Author presentation takes place at the library in December. In the meantime, expect there to be enough construction that this entry way may be completely closed for a time. It is likely to close and re-open as construction continues. Use the Denver Avenue doors during this time to make the construction go more smoothly.
Eric Bramlett is the broker & co-owner of One Source Realty, a Tulsa real estate company. All of One Source's Tulsa web design is performed by Winston Web.
Wood Shingles"If you use Emotion and Love to drive your sales and your business, you will create Loyalty Beyond Reason. And I promise you, you will build relationships and enjoy a business that exceeds beyond your wildest expectations".
My name is Patti Page, owner of Page's Personal Cleaning. I started a successful house cleaning business in 1998. I would like to share what I have learned through the years in hopes of helping others who are thinking about starting their own cleaning service.
First of all, before you decide to start your cleaning business, make sure this kind of work is right for you. You will need to be in good physical condition. Cleaning is very hard strenuous work. You will need to have good customer relation skills. You will need to have basic office skills and some accounting skills.
If you are planning on leaving your full time position to start a cleaning business, make sure you have at least six months of savings. Or keep your full time job and start out part time.
Research all the aspects of the cleaning service business. From customer service to advertising, taxes, employees, insurance and bonding, what to charge and how to clean a home professionally. Cleaning your own home and cleaning professionally is totally different. Learning how to clean professionally takes a lot of time. When a client pays for your services they expect to come home and find their home spotless.
Getting those first clients takes time, persistence and patience. You will not get a hundred clients overnight.
Obtaining Those First Clients The hardest part of starting your own cleaning service is obtaining those first clients. Most clients want to know how long you have been in business and want references. The best thing to do is let clients know that, yes, you are new to the business but that you have thoroughly researched all aspects of the cleaning business and assure them that you know what you are doing and that you are quit capable of cleaning their home to their specifications. Be confident. I can't stress this enough. Clients love to see confidence. It relieves their worries and lets them know that their home is in good hands.
References: To get a few good references when starting out, ask some friends or family members if you can clean their home for free or at a discounted rate. The sound of working for free may not be appealing but it will be worth it to get some good testimonials.
When cleaning those first homes, go for quality, not how fast you can clean the home. Cleaning efficiently takes a long time, but you will get to the point where you can do a thorough cleaning in a short time. After cleaning make sure you go back and double check all rooms to make sure you didn't miss anything. Impress those first clients and word of mouth will spread soon.
Advertising Your company image is everything. Before you start advertising, decide what image you want to portray on your advertising material. Your image is very important. Be consistent with all your advertising. If you have a logo be sure to use it on all your advertising materials. I think it is best to have a website developed before you start advertising. When advertising, stick with the same logo and colors.
Advertise in Local Paper: Start by running a text ad in your local newspaper. Try to come up with an eye catching ad. Do not sell your services on low rates, sell your services on your quality of work and what you can do for the client that other companies don't. There is a lot of competition in the cleaning service. You have to stand out from the rest.
Magnetic Signs or Lettering for your Vehicle: Having your business name and contact information on your vehicle is a great way to advertise. We use the vinyl lettering. The lettering looks much more professional than the magnetic signs.
Flyers: You can print nice flyers on your home computer, but I would suggest investing in some professional flyers. Hang flyers at Hair Dressers, Laundromats, Restaurants, Bakeries, Grocery Stores, etc. Put flyers on car windows at local groceries stores and businesses. You can even go door to door in neighborhoods you would like to work in. You cannot put them in mailboxes. but you can put them in the front door.
Door Hangers: Door hangers are a great way to get new clients. Pick the neighborhood you would like to work in and hang the door hangers on the doors. When people get flyers or ads in their mailbox they usually throw them away with the junk mail. But if there is a door hanger on the door they will take the time to look at it.
Business Cards: Start passing out your business cards to friends and family members. You can also ask your local businesses if you can leave some cards on their counters.
Referral Program: A great way to obtain new clients is through a referral program. Offer existing clients a discount when they refer a friend. You can give your existing clients a discount when the friend uses your services three times.
Website: These days people live very busy lives so they use the convenience of the internet to shop for the services they need. A lot of working women will shop for services while at work. We obtain 90% of our new clients from our website. Everyone that has a business should have a website. It shows clients that you are serious about your business and allows them research your business in their own time.
Cleaning Products: Page's Personal Cleaning made the decision in 2006 to start using all natural cleaning products with the added benefit of aromatherapy to clean our clients homes. By using all natrual products, we can offer our clients a healthy cleaning experience and protect ourselves against harsh chemicals. Our clients love the natural cleaning products with essential oils. They come home to a healthy clean home filled with the wonderful scents of aromatherapy essential oils.
Tip: Always carry hand sanitizer and wash your hands often while cleaning homes. Wear gloves when cleaning bathrooms. You will be exposed to a lot of different germs in clients homes.
Remember most customers prefer that you bring your own cleaning supplies. That way they do not have to worry about going to the store for cleaning supplies before you clean. Some customers have special cleaners for certain appliances or floors in their houses. These customers usually will have these cleaners on hand for you to use. We almost always use the customers vacuum cleaner. That way you do not have to carry a heavy vacuum from house to house.
What to Charge I mentioned earlier that you should sell your services on your quality of work and not your low rates. If your rates are too low, clients will think that your work is sub-standard and that you are not experienced. Also you want to attract the clients that can afford your services. I made the mistake of pricing my work too low when I first started out. Cleaning is hard work, charge what you are worth. As the old saying goes "You get what you pay for."
Some companies charge by the hour, some charge by the room, some charge a flat rate per home and some charge by the square foot. I always give a flat rate charge per home. I think it is better to charge by the home, not by the hour. If a client knows they have to pay one set fee, they don't care if you take 2 hours or 5 hours. Also your clients will know what they are paying up front and won't have to worry about added expenses.
No two houses are the same. And there is no set charge for all homes. You have to clean for awhile yourself to get some experience and to work out a system to clean efficiently. Only you know what you want and need to make. Decide what you need to make hourly to cover all expenses and still make a good profit.
A Basic Price Guideline: 2 bedroom, 2 bath home, bi-weekly: starting at $80.00.
3 bedroom, 3 bath home, bi-weekly: starting at $100.00.
4 bedroom, 4 bath home, bi-weekly: starting at $ 115.00
These are just example rates. Rates will vary by State.
A word of advise: Make sure when you start your company that you charge what you would charge if you had employees. Some people make the mistake of under charging when they start out just to get customers and then later on when they grow and need to hire help they aren't making enough money on their houses to pay help. Don't under price your work. Cleaning homes is very hard physical work and you didn't get into this business to work for nothing.
New Construction Cleaning If you decide to do this type of work you will need more equipment. You will need ladders, window cleaning kits with long extensions, a shop vac, etc. These types of jobs are usually 2 to 3 person jobs. New construction cleaning requires a lot more cleaning. You may have to remove stickers and labels from windows and bathroom showers, sinks and toilets. Some require that you clean the vents to remove dust from construction work. There will be ceiling fans to clean, scrubbing floors, and cleaning woodwork to remove dust. New construction cleaning rates depend on the area you live in. Normally they run from .12 cents per sq .ft. to .25 cents per sq .ft. depending on where you are located. Insurance and Bonding
Insurance and Bonding. You need to be an honest person and somewhat personable. People will need to trust you to be in their homes. Most clients are concerned about having someone new in their house, with good reason. You should be bonded and fully insured. Liability insurance rates depend on your insurance carrier and where you are located. Each person you hire will increase your liability insurance. It's well worth the cost. You can pay quarterly or yearly. You can purchase your bond through your local insurance company. You will need to renew the bond every year. *Note: if you hire employees and cover them under your insurance, they must be an employee on payroll and not a sub-contractor. If you employ them as a sub-contractor your insurance will not cover them. If they are a sub-contractor they are required to carry their own insurance. You need to carry at least 1,000,000 in general liability insurance.
Taxes I have listed a few links that are very helpful with answering questions about taxes for your cleaning service business: starting a business and keeping records, deductions for your business, employee taxes and a very nice withholding calculator.
Small Business and Self Employed One Stop Resource. http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small
Franchises This is a link to some great information about Franchises and why you don't need them. http://www.build-a-business.com/cleaning_franchise.htm
Hiring Help If you start out cleaning the homes by yourself, you will eventually get to the point where you need to expand your business. Start out with one part time employee. Train her and let her take your place one day a week. Then have her take your place 2 days a week and so on. This will give you the free time that you need to market your business and obtain more clients. After you get more clients you will be able to hire more part time help. Eventually you will be able to stop doing the cleaning yourself and just run the business end, which is the only way you will be able to grow your business. When training new employees, always, either train them yourself or have a lead person train them. Make sure there is a lead person on each and every cleaning job. Employees have a tendency to slack off when they are on their own.
Growing Your Business You will eventually get to the point where you have enough employees and lead people and you will be able to stop working in your business and start running your business. You will find that after awhile it will get to be too much trying to clean everyday and at the same time giving estimates, answering calls, scheduling, doing book work, obtaining new clients, etc.
Remember one of the most important qualifications for a cleaning service is TRUST. A client has to know they can trust you alone in their home. After you acquire a few cleaning positions ask the clients if you can use them for a reference. Most of the time they are more than willing to let you use them for a reference. This is how you build your business and acquire new clients is through referrals. Be dependable. Most clients will want to be set up on an every week or every other week schedule on the same day of the week. Try to always keep this same schedule unless the client asks you to switch to another day. If you have to cancel a cleaning date, make sure you try to reschedule at the earliest possible date to make up the cleaning.
You are free to use this article in part or full provided you include the bio below. Patti Page is the owner of Page's Personal Cleaning in Cincinnati OH.
Website: http://www.pagespersonalcleaning.net/cleaningarticles.htm
There are different categories of home improvement loans, like cheap home improvement loans, low-interest home improvement loans, secured home improvement loans, fast home improvement loans, and bad-credit home improvement loans. A bad credit home improvement loan is for the borrower who has a bad credit history or has certain financial troubles, like amounts outstanding, County Court judgments, defaults and so forth. A bad credit home improvement loan is for a specific purpose, like improving the borrower's home. But it covers only essential improvements, and if any extension work is done, its essentiality has to be proved.
The poor credit history of the borrower may give the lender a chance to find him unreliable and put him in high risk category and reject the loan proposal. Even if the lender provides the loan he charges a very high rate of interest. The most important point to be noted in bad credit home improvement loans is that if the borrower fails to pay the installment on time, he may lose his house, because he has already given his house to the lender as collateral property.
When a bad credit home improvement loan is compared with a mortgage extension loan, which has a similar purpose, it is advisable to get a bad credit home improvement loan rather than a mortgage extension loan, because a mortgage extension loan has to be repaid over the period of the mortgage, which means the borrower ultimately pays more interest. No matter what, realize that no loan is guaranteed to be available in all circumstances.
Bad Credit Home Loans provides detailed information on Bad Credit Home Loans, Bad Credit Home Equity Loans, Bad Credit Home Improvement Loans, Bad Credit Home Mortgage Loans and more. Bad Credit Home Loans is affiliated with Bad Credit Home Equity Loan Refinancing.
Steel Casement WindowsIf home renovation plans are in your future, one goal you should have in mind is to maximize natural light in your home.In fact, incorporating natural light into your home's interior is one of the latest trends in interior design.One major reason that this trend is catching on is our desire as a nation to go green and reduce our carbon footprint.Taking advantage of the natural light that is available during the day means turning off lights indoors.The more light that gets inside, the less electricity you'll use.This helps to preserve our natural resources.Of course, the money that you'll save on your electric bill is an added bonus.
Another good reason to maximize natural light in your home is for the health benefits it provides.Natural light helps to regulate the body's circadian rhythm.This is the "body clock" each of us has which helps us to fall asleep at night and wake up in the morning feeling refreshed.Lack of sunlight can throw off that "body clock" and disrupt waking and sleeping patterns.This leads to daytime drowsiness, poor work/school performance, and even depression (especially in the winter time when sunlight is scarce anyway.)Keeping a steady supply of natural light flowing into the house staves off those blues in the winter and keeps you mentally alert when you need to be and drowsy when it's time to sleep.
If you're ready to let the sunshine in, here are some tips that will help you maximize natural light in your home:
* Install skylights.Nothing beats a few strategically-placed skylights to bathe your home in sunlight.When choosing a location for installation, try to pick the side of your house that receives the most daytime sunlight.Another good tip is to install skylights in areas or rooms that get used frequently.This will further cut down on the need to turn on lights during the daytime, meaning a reduction in electrical costs.Another great place to install skylights that is often overlooked is the bathroom.You'll create a spa-like atmosphere right in your own home.
* Install blinds.This is an easy and very economical way to maximize natural light in your home.Blinds allow you to control the amount of light that comes indoors.If it's a hot summer day and you need to cool off, simply close them.Adjust the slats to allow a little or a lot of sunlight in, depending on the type of weather you're having, or raise them entirely for full exposure.
* Replace heavy draperies with sheer curtains.Naturally, the heavier the fabric, the less light that is allowed to get through.Sheers on the other hand will allow light through even when closed.If you don't like the idea of not being able to block out the sunlight in a room from time to time another option is to install curtain tie backs.These are very inexpensive and will keep your curtains pulled back during the day when the sun is shining but still allow for privacy at night.
* Remove obstacles from the outsides of windows.Trim overgrown hedges or shrubs.Cut back tree branches that are blocking the glass.Move patio furniture that might be in the way.
* Keep windows clean.Sounds pretty basic, doesn't it?The great thing about this one is that it won't cost you more than a bottle of glass cleaner and a rag.Homeowners often don't realize how dirty their windows actually are until they take a few minutes to give them a good cleaning.Sometimes a simple cleaning can improve a window's transparency by ten to twenty percent.This can make significant difference in the amount of natural light that will be able to get through.
More often than not, homeowners recoup the cost of installing skylights, purchasing better curtains, etc. in the energy savings that are realized over a few years or less.It's just one great reason to make some changes that will maximize natural light in your home.
Steiner Doors: Manufacturer of Architectural and Custom Aluminum doors and Skylights.
3 Day Blinds: Shop for blinds right in your own home.
General Carpentry KnowledgeMost home inspections today run between $300 to over $1000 and sometimes you don't really get your moneys worth. There are home inspection companies that guarantee, any problems that they miss will be repaired at their expense over a desired period of time, usually a year. It seems like, most home inspection companies are just inspecting the property and have no guarantees or liability from their inspection.
It's not a good idea to buy or sell a home without getting a home inspection from a licensed home inspector. This is like having a second opinion from someone who is usually skilled in the process. I would like to point something out to unsuspecting, potential home buyers and sellers. Sometimes a home inspection company will get a little behind in their work and need to hire other home inspectors if these home inspectors don't have any experience in the construction business or have never inspected a home before. In other words there fresh out of home inspector school. You might not get a good home inspection.
You can always ask the question, how long have you been in business?... How long have you been a home inspector?... have you ever worked in the construction business or have any skills in home building and remodeling. If the answers to these questions are satisfactory, it doesn't mean, that they're telling the truth and being sincere and could lead to problems later if they are lying to you.
Let me rephrase the question now, "Do I Need a Home Inspection" from an unqualified home inspector? Absolutely not. But how can you really tell the difference and is the report going to be worth the money that you paid for it.
What would you say, if I had the solution to your problem. How about a pre-home inspection, using a home buyers checklist? What if I could give you a check list with questions, that you could ask your home inspector? Some of these questions are not going to be part a regular inspection but should always be asked and make sure you get the answers to them, before purchasing the property.
Would you be interested now? What if I told you, for under $20, you could purchase a home buyers checklist, now for the tough question, this checklist could save you thousands of dollars and prevent you from purchasing a home with major construction problems or defects, and can be used on every house you look at.
Don't buy a home without purchasing a professional home inspection checklist. These lists of questions can save you some serious headaches and stress in the future.
Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a home buyers guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.
If your looking for some more home inspection or home building ideas.
New construction, as in newly built, and remodeling as in changing the old for the new, has come a long way. The new construction is far better than the old one. This is because of the modern materials, tested procedures and codes adopted, made the industry safer, more predictable and with a better quality product. Now, remodeling has taken a similar path, but when it comes to 'exchange' the old for the new, the 'New' becomes 'Old', and the 'Old' becomes 'New'. Confused?
Well let me give it to you. 'New' marble becomes 'Old' tumbled marble. Freshly milled stones like quartz and granite, are also purposely 'Aged' to appear 'Old', when in reality are 'New' stones! I am sure that you and I can bring about a few more examples; pointing out to a true sign that we both have been exposed to the same revolution.
What I am driving at is the fact that when following the old styles like Country, Old farm, Grammas, Colonial, Victorian or some old trend, the task ahead has more to do with culture and tradition rather than practicality and purpose.
All that, is fine and acceptable, provided that the 'illusion' of old is done with no traces of fake. Modernizing, maintaining the 'Old Charm Feeling' while we are strolling and stepping through the creaking floors and cramped quarters of some imaginary Tudor with a bit of faded yellow and thousand hands worn out railings, but in the comfort, ampleness and modern advancements as we can afford; crudely put: More like a Hollywood prop which deceives the eye.
Today, everything has become "Out of the Box" The craftsman with his strapped overall and tools on hand fabricating on site, is a thing of the past. In part, it is because of the prohibiting cost of building in place and more importantly by the constraining of time, among others. Let's give way to the PVC's tongue a groove wainscoting, drivit stucco and fenestration with make believe grids. But then along with all these 'replacements', "Ultra Energy Efficient" and "Low E", "High Performance" "Reduce Heating & Cooling Costs" became an house hold common names.
Of course, modern styles don't suffer of any of these retro-infused feelings. In this field, everything becomes, ascetic and essential, linear, logical and truly new, but also definitely, requiring as much creative capacity as in turning the 'Old' into the 'New' demands. Both environments styles are matched to the indwellers amalgamating own auras and projections. I myself am able to walk, but not actually with a freely flow through what I call Waterford taste into Picasso Cubism (Very traditional & very modern) without hearing whispered epithets like:"He or she's eclectic..." sounding more like a disdainful complement rather than defining someone's favorable quirks. Then again if there is such a thing.
Eclectic, to me means that you're either hiding behind been called 'eclectic' for lack of creativity, or you are so original that very few of us understand the real meaning of your creation (That latter word can be filled in by you, remember you are who will finally have the last deciding one)
The corollary of my rather undefined discourse is just to bring about, in a downright tongue and cheek way, a virtual sense of our acquired tastes, traditions and predilections which surrounds our humanity, and bring to light the invisible walls which separates the many styles, and dole out a bit of comfort to those who are in the mist of renovating their homes, by raising their awareness, to some degree, pointing out to things that they don't know that they know.
Finally my last saying into this subject is: Learn as much as you can, and then put it into practice by been bold, opened to changes, fluid, inspired, creative, happy and never overwhelmed or rushed, never tied up to preconceptions and in a gentle way been able to speak up your mind. Go for it and enjoy.
Hi, my name is Victor Castleton. Thank you for reading my article. I am some times a kitchens & bathroom remodeler. Right now I am a writer. I enjoy finding the far-fetched side of things out of mere curiosity. I am prepared to encounter the unexpected, which sometimes is just about you, but you are not aware of it. It is like looking at a person's face, and then suddenly the caricature of his more defining features just jumps at you. It is the same inherent sense within me, which helps me spot a different edge or corner, height or depth when I am working with a design of any kind. It is perhaps the unique route that the good Lord gave me as a conduit, to express myself not for the sake of self, but rather to touch someone's life. Greetings
http://www.castletonconstruction.com
info@castletonconstruction.com
Green Home Building BooksDue to the high costs associated with non-renewable energy and the apparent crisis, it has caused new research and newer technologies into our renewable energy sources. It has gone from rave to trendy to necessity. With the high interest in solar energy and control, one could get absorbed to the point of complete failure. Results will be a waste of valuable time or money or both.
Here are some mistakes others have made and you can avoid.
Rushing out and buying solar panels.
Don't go out purchasing solar panels without 1st finding out whether or not you can even legally install them on your home. Not all municipalities are up to date. Even if you can return the system and get a refund, time has been wasted. What if you've built yours? Again, wasted time and money maybe.
Living in the wrong area or too much shade.
Look and consider if solar panels on your roof will be in the shade of trees or buildings most of the time. It then may not be that practical. Solar panels must have adequate sun to be effective. Your local power company will be able to help you.
Having the wrong information
Nothing will set one back like having the wrong information. If you are building a homemade solar panel system or buying a kit and installing it yourself, unless you can understand the information, you will have trouble. Make sure you have easy to follow, step by step instructions with diagrams. Make sure you have a support and contact number. My advice is, it will be in your best interest as a do it yourself-er, to buy information from an expert. Someone with experience in making and operating their own systems.
Not having the patience and time
This one point is a major hindrance to avoid. If you are going to build and install your own solar panels, make sure you are going to complete the job. If you run out of time and patience, this failure will eat at you like a cancer. Un-completed projects waste valuable time and money. Be prepared.
Not putting safety 1st
Solar energy not only has benefits, but it also has inherited dangers. Caution must be exercised concerning the eyes since irreparable damage can happen from solar reflection and glare. If you are using your system to generate electricity, then use extreme caution as electricity can be deadly as well.
If you avoid these common mistakes and succeed in building and installing your own solar panel system, then you will be able to reap the long term benefits that solar panels offer in reducing your power bill and saving you money. Plus, your reduction in non-renewable energy use helps the environment. Solar energy is clean, abundant and free.
For more information on homemade solar panel systems, visit us by clicking here.
Rough Sawn Post Design TopEvery homeowner appreciates quality construction and seldom thinks about it on a daily basis, unless the homeowner experiences sub standard quality every day in their own residence. What about the landscaping and decking outside the home? Just like the home interior, every deck should be able to be enjoyed all year round and can be provided that it has been well designed and expertly crafted. How does a homeowner determine quality when deciding to add a new deck or sun room to the home?
Unless the homeowner is in the residential construction business themselves, they are very likely unaware of the differing qualities of construction techniques, materials, and designs used in deck construction today. It is not as simple as assembling a platform and laying planks across the top over a weekend or two. Building codes need to be adhered to and inspections need to take place just like the home needed before it was able to be enjoyed by the owner. One must take into consideration the type of drainage the ground beneath has, type of weather the new construction will need to endure, and how much weight the new deck will need to support.
The best way to receive this quality craftsmanship and design is to examine past projects of the decking companies which are being considered for the job. If meticulous work has been taken in the actual design of the deck, then the homeowner can expect and should receive outstanding construction results. Looking through past projects in the companies portfolio is a good sound start, but questions need to be asked.
Some basic questions that should be asked are "What type of woods or synthetic boards are available for the construction of my new deck?" and "What types of fasteners are used or recommended in the assembly of my new deck?" From here the questions should be "Why?" Even though the prospective company will be designing and building the new deck, they should "want" to educate the customer regarding every aspect of their project and include them in every aspect of the decking adventure. If that desire to include and teach the customer about their new deck is not present, then a different company may want to be sought out. The final question a customer should ask is "What do I need to do in order to maintain my new deck?" There are just a few materials that require almost no maintenance at all unlike traditional woods. By maintaining the deck a customer can be assured of years of future outdoor enjoyment and entertaining barbecues.
The only word of caution to be aware of is if the price sounds too good to be true, it will be. Even the simplest design has detailed elements under the surface that require a great deal of time and planning not openly apparent to the customer. These elements are taken into account by the decking company when they provide the price estimate. When a deck design starts to incorporate detailed moldings, angles, and levels the price can climb to surprising heights. What the homeowner dreams and envisions may not be a realistic achievement. This is why it is important to discuss budgetary constraints early on so as not to waste your time as well as the decking company's time. This will ensure a minimum of stress and allow both parties to enjoy the whole project.
For more information and guidance about decks, sun rooms, room additions, and more, visit http://www.paradisedecking.com . Paradise Decking specializes in high quality, upscale decks, porches, sun rooms, and room additions, and the pictures in their gallery can provide you with fantastic ideas for your own home.
Daniel Elliott is an independent contractor who authors articles and media on a variety of topics for diverse audiences. WebDrafter.com, Inc. (http://www.webdrafter.com) produces Website design, hosting, and search engine marketing services for many of the clients, industries and markets related to the articles and media authored by Dan Elliott. If you would like Dan Elliott to ghost write or pen an article for you or your company, please contact him with your specifications.
Medium density fiberboard, also known as MDF, is type of wood that is similar to particleboard. It is made out of wood waste fibers glued together with resin, heat, and pressure. Medium density fiberboard can be used for a variety of projects because of its characteristic it is smooth and uniform consistency. It also will not warp which makes it an ideal choice for cabinetry and molding projects. The MDF is often used in place of plank wood, particleboard or high density fiberboard because when sawed it produces a fine even edge. Because of how smooth the surface is, it takes well to painting and only needs a primer and two coats of paint to have an attractive finish unlike some other wood products that may require more sanding and additional coats of paint. Because it does not warp, it is also used quite a bit in bathrooms for cabinets or in other high humidity applications.
Home builders, cabinet makers and carpenters use medium density fiberboard for furniture, shelving, flooring, molding and doors. The wood is very versatile and can be used for a number of applications. It is used often for doors because it insulates sound and heat very well. Taken in conjunction with its smooth surface and ability to take paint well, it is an ideal material for doors. The wood is also very flexible in the type of treatments that it can take such as nailing, gluing, screwing or stapling. The only drawback to medium density fiberboard is the resin that is used to strengthen the wood. This resin contains formaldehyde so care should be taken when cutting it to reduce the amount of dust that is airborne. Try to reduce exposure to MDF whenever possible.
When medium density fiberboard is used for cabinets and other wood working projects, it is very often covered in a veneer or laminate of real wood to disguise the MDF, especially along edges that may be visible. MDF is also a great wood to use for those who are environmentally conscious. Because it is made from scraps and other waste products it is friendlier to the environment. Instead of these items going to a land fill they are recycled.
Find out all of the numerous MDF or medium density fiberboard uses. Our article and link resources can help you now.
On each flip project a decision must be made as to whether or not the bathroom(s) need to be remodeled. The decision to remodel the bathroom of an investment property is one of the biggest you'll make as it will also result in one of the largest costs in terms of time and money. The net financial result is what should concern you. Will the remodeling yield a profit on it's own, or at least contribute proportionately to the overall profit.
The Pros of Remodeling the Bathroom of an Investment House:
Give it the WOW factor! The Wow factor is probably the major reason you would renovate the bathroom. There are three rooms that you want to be impressive; and the bathroom is arguably number one. Mr. and Ms. Buyer will often make their decision based on the condition of the bathroom.
Whether you choose to remodel the whole thing or just replace certain components should be based partly on the criticality of the bathroom in the buy-decision. Done properly a bathroom renovation could well be the deciding factor between getting your price and not selling your house.
An ugly, poorly maintained bathroom will have the potential buyers lowering their pricing expectations disproportionate to the amount it would cost to renovate it. A buyer purchasing a renovated house has expectations that certain things are in good shape thats why theyre buying a house thats already been renovated.
Whether its a facelift or a total gut, that one room can make or break the deal.
If youre working with a very limited budget you can decide which particular parts of your bathroom that you would like remodeled, such as the tub or the toilet or the sink.
If money is not an issue, you may make the decision to remodel your whole bathroom. In addition to deciding what parts of your bathroom you would like remodeled, you will also have complete control over the products and materials used.
For instance, if you wish to replace the toilet, you can choose the quality which suits the budget. What matters is that its new. Knowing that the toilet is new and has never been used is a big deal to some people. They may think I will replace that toilet someday, but its good enough to help facilitate a good overall impression.
Bathroom remodelling can be relatively easy to do depending on the depth you want to go. It is something an average handyman can do by themselves in order to save expenses.
Although you can save yourself money by doing your own remodeling, you may not want to or you may be unable to do so. If that is the case, you still have a choice. That choice is seeking assistance from a professional contractor.
Despite costing more money, your bathroom will be remodeled professionally and often in less time.
It is also important to mention that bathroom remodeling projects can help to increase a homes value. That is one of the biggest pros to having your bathroom remodeled. The increase in value, if there is one, will depend on a number of different factors. Those factors include what type of remodeling is done, as well as how well it is done. Whether you choose to hire the services of a professional bathroom remodeling expert or if you have prior home improvement experience, the decision to remodel your bathroom could significantly increase the value of your home.
Although there are a number of pros to bathroom remodeling, there are also a number of cons. Those cons mainly include the cost of doing so. When it comes to deciding whether or not you want to remodel your bathroom, you will have to make up your own mind; however, when doing so you may want to keep the above mentioned points in mind.
The Cons of Remodeling the Bathroom of an Investment House:
There are two major cons to remodelling for a flip; cost and the impact of a poor job.
If you are contemplating a bathroom remodeling project, these cons may make you want to rethink your decision.
The biggest con to remodeling is the cost, particularly if you go high end on your fixtures. Remodeling for resale is not the same as remodeling for yourself. You must keep this in mind for a flip. The character of the end result should match the character of the house not your idea of what the perfect bathroom should be. Remember, you are in this for profit.
The extent to which you remodel will affect the price as well. If you gut the bathroom down to the joists you will be looking at a lot more than if you simply replaced the toilet and added a tub surround. In addition to the cost of supplies and materials, you also need to determine whether or not there will be any additional costs. For instance, if you make the decision to have your bathroom professionally remodeled, you will need to pay a professional contractor. Although a professional contractor often produces better results, you will find the cost of hiring one fairly high.
In addition to the cost of bathroom remodeling, it is also important to note the time that it will take. How long a bathroom remodeling project lasts will all depend on what is being remodeling. If you are simply looking to replace your toilet, you will find that your remodeling project takes less time than it would if you were planning on remodeling your entire bathroom. The amount of time it takes for remodeling will also depend on how much time can be devoted to it. If you make the decision to hire a professional contractor to remodel your bathroom, the remodeling will likely be done quicker. In addition to knowing exactly what they are doing, professionals can usually devote more time to work than someone who is only doing the work on the side.
Another one of the many cons to remodeling your bathroom is what it can do to your home. As you may already know, it is possible for a bathroom remodeling project to increase the value of your home. While an increase is likely to occur, it is not guaranteed. If your homes value does increase because of a bathroom remodeling project, it will all depend on how much remodeling was done and the result of that remodeling. A professional or quality remodeling job is likely to produce the best increase in value.
What you need to be aware of is what a poor remodeling project can do for your home. There is a chance that a poor bathroom remodeling project could also decrease the value of your home. The chances of that happening are slim, but there is always a chance.
As previously mentioned, when having your bathroom remodeled, you have a choice as to whether you want to do your own remodeling or a have a professional do it for you.
When it comes to bathroom remodeling, you will find that are more cons to do it yourself bathroom remodeling.
As you can see, there are a number of bathroom remodeling cons. Although it may seem as if it isnt worth it to remodel your bathroom, there are also a number of bathroom remodeling pros. These pros include a new bathroom and the possibility of increasing your homes value. If you are interested in remodeling your bathroom, only you can decide whether or not it would be worth it and given your skill set and time, what the best approach would be.
Steve Leighton
Real Estate Investment Consultant
http://www.HouseFlipOnline.com
steve@housefliponline.com
Author of "Guide to Buying and Selling Fixer Upper Homes"
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Sometimes as contractors we get in a hurry and we just want to finish the job. We told the homeowner we would be done in three months, at the same time the homeowner keeps adding new work to the list.
I ran into a problem like this on one job where the contractor was in a hurry to finish the flooring and chose to go right over the existing floor that was out of level. He told the homeowner he didn't have time to repair that section of the floor. He was installing half-inch plywood over 1 x 6 diagonal floor sheeting to strengthen up the floor.
This floor was going to require quite a bit of attention from the contractor and his crew. The homeowner should have hired another contractor to repair the floor while the original contractor finished the house remodel. When your contractor gives you that much grief about any work, you need to start thinking about hiring another contractor or at least finding one to complete the task your original contractor has no interest in.
I felt sorry for the homeowner because this was not what he wanted and he was upset with the contractor but the job was done. This is my warning to any contractor, handyman or home repair specialists. When installing a new plywood floor over an existing floor to strengthen it up, use some common sense and repair the floor correctly or don't do the job at all.
I wrote this article for contractors to have a little more sympathy for the homeowners you are working for because sometimes they can't see the whole picture like you can. I also wrote this article for homeowners to listen to your contractor carefully when he is explaining a potential problem that you can't visualize further down the road. Any contractor with over 15 years experience remodeling homes has a pretty good idea what's going to happen next.
Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He is currently working on more building stairs books and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry.
Wood Stoves BooksIf you are planning a basement remodeling project then the first thing you have to take care of is to see if your basement seems damp. No one wants to stay in a damp basement. Whatever you plan for your basement whether it's a game room, a home theater or a bath or an extra bed room you have to first solve the moisture problem before you can think of anything else. In fact even if your basement seems dry it would be better to conduct a small test to be sure. A basement finishing can't be complete till you have taken care of this problem.
In order to test if your basement has a moisture problem or not take a piece of plastic or a piece of tin foil and tape it to the floor. Seal it on all sides and leave it like that for some days. You might find some moisture on the exposed side but that is ok. It is only the condensation. Insulation and ventilation will take care of that. But if you find moisture in the covered area then there is some moisture infiltration and you need to take care of that.
More often than not, basement-moisture problem is due to improper drainage system. The problem could be lack of gutters like allowing rain water to run directly off the roof. Or it may be due to bad grading i.e. the soil should always slope away from the house but it might be otherwise. There might be a wrongly placed drain pipe that leaves the water near the foundation. Water should always be directed at least 5 feet away from the foundation. Taking care of these areas can solve the dampness problem in your basement.
You can also directly apply concrete water proof sealer to the floor and the walls. There are many different brands that you can find in your home store. Most of them come as a powder that you need to mix with water and apply with a long bristles brush. This keeps the sealer moist for days and allows it to reach into the pores and form a crystalline structure that is able to block moisture.
You'll also need to repair any cracks that are present in the walls. Chisel out hairline cracks at least 3/4" deep and wide. Now fill this gap with some concrete patching material. Treat the cracks in the floor the same way. Chisel them out and fill the gap with some concrete and bonding material. If the matter is not very serious then your basement finishing won't cost much.
Fireplace Drywall Ceiling DamageLeaking cracks in concrete foundations are a common problem for many homeowners. While the cracks are caused by the natural process of concrete curing and shrinking, the cracks can be an annoyance for the homeowner. That is because many homeowners want their basements to act as an added living space with carpeting, finished walls and furniture.
Concrete Foundation Shrinkage Crack Causes
First, all residential foundations crack. Concrete has water as an ingredient in the mix. As the concrete cures, it goes through a chemical process that causes it to harden into a solid. As it hardens, the concrete actually loses volume; that is it shrinks. In fact a concrete wall 100' long can shrink by as much as ".
The shrinkage process causes stress forces to develop in the concrete and to relieve the pressure, it cracks. This is okay because a concrete foundation has steel reinforcing bars inside that maintain the strength of the foundation wall. It is common to see cracks develop in the middle of a long wall, under a window or where the foundation steps down.
You will notice that the cracks are usually wider at the top of the foundation and get narrower as you go down the wall. Again, this is normal. You should rarely see the reverse and if so, it may be signs of structural problems with the foundation.
Water Penetration into a Foundation Crack
Water can enter a foundation crack from two directions, from the top of the crack or horizontally from the sides. If a foundation crack occurs at the corner of a basement window, it is possible for rainwater to enter the crack from the top where the window sits back from the edge of the foundation. The water will run down the inside the foundation wall and be forced out to the interior surface somewhere below where the crack gets narrower.
Also, improper grading can cause water to enter from the top. Low spots in the yard or sloping towards the house will cause water to enter at the top. A home with improper grading can cause rainwater to pool against the foundation and enter the crack.
Another way for water to enter a crack is horizontally below the ground (called below grade.) As it rains, the rainwater saturates the soil around a foundation and water enters the foundation crack. Again, the water enters the crack and begins running down inside of it until the crack narrows and is forced out to the interior of the basement. The homeowner will then see water seeping down the wall and onto the basement floor.
Repairing the Foundation Crack Leak
There are several ways to stop the water from entering a foundation crack and leaking into the basement. The first and most expensive way is to excavate along the foundation wall and exposing it. A contractor can then apply one of several different waterproofing membranes to the foundation wall.
This is the most expensive repair process since a large machine must be employed to excavate the foundation wall. It is not a feasible solution for most homeowners because of the time and expense of the repair. A typical repair process may take 2-3 days, depending on how much must be excavated. The excavation requires a large area around the home to place the removed soil. And any landscaping around the home must be removed.
Interior repairs are much more common and feasible for a homeowner. They can be done quickly and for little expense. A traditional interior repair entails a contractor chiseling out a vee-notch approximately 6" wide on the interior surface of the foundation wall and 4" deep. This notch narrows as it is made to about 1" in width at the back of the notch. The vee-notch is made the entire height of the foundation wall.
Once the notch is made, the contractor will then fill the crack with hydraulic cement. This cement actually expands a tiny amount and bonds to the existing foundation walls. The disadvantage to a vee-notch repair is that water can still penetrate halfway into the crack; that is the other 4" of foundation wall width.
As the water evaporates out and into the basement, it leaves behind salts that were dissolved in the water. These salts build up along the bond between the hydraulic cement and the foundation wall. Eventually these salts will cause the bond between the cement and wall to fail and allow water to enter again.
Also groundwater exerts a horizontal force called hydrostatic pressure. This pressure can be transferred directly to the cement in the crack and cause it be forced out of the vee-notch.
Crack Injection Foundation Repair
A better solution is to perform a urethane foam injection. For over 15 years urethanes have been used to stop water from leaking into a basement. The repair is performed by a technician inside the basement. The urethane enters the crack as a two part liquid that is mixed by a static mixer as it enters the crack.
The liquid urethane fills the crack completely, from front to back and bottom to top. When the urethane encounters water that is already in the crack or placed there by the technician, it begins to foam. This foaming process greatly increases the volume of the urethane and it fills the crack.
Since the crack is completely filled, no water can enter the foundation crack. So there is no problem of the dissolved salts breaking the bond of the urethane to the concrete foundation. Also the hydrostatic pressure can't force the urethane out because its bonding strength is much higher than hydraulic cement.
A typical repair can be done in one hour per crack.
A Dry Basement
With the foundation crack filled, the basement area will be dry and free of water. The outside landscaping is not disturbed and for little expense the basement becomes a usable area. Now the homeowner can safely install drywall, carpeting and furniture.
This article is written by Aaron Kuertz with Applied Technologies. Aaron has been in the waterproofing industry since 1998. Applied Technologies is a manufacturer and supplier to professional waterproofing contractors and homeowners in the United States. To learn more about concrete foundation crack repair visit Applied Technologies on the web.
Natural stone fireplaces are extremely popular among many home owners. If you are looking to add beauty to your home, without the use of heavy types of stones and materials, natural stone is a wonderful choice. This particular type of rock is also referred to as "thinstone". This is a type of veneer that is cut to ensure quality, yet is extremely lightweight. Many fireplaces have been created using this particular type of material. This is mainly due to the fact that the stone is highly versatile when it comes to color and texture and that it can hold up to a large amount of various conditions as it is so durable. Here, you will be introduced to this building material, as well as some advantages and disadvantages associated with using it.
Advantages of Natural Stone
Many advantages have been associated with stone that is natural. One of the first advantages is that is it suitable to any budget. Being that it is cut relatively thin, this makes an affordable choice for those that have a specific budget outlined for their home improvement and home repair endeavors. The next advantage is that it is lightweight, so it is quite easy to install the pieces with little to no effort. As mentioned previously, there are many different colors and textures available when it comes to selecting thinstone for the home. This product gives the overall appearance of real stone, yet the flexibility of manufactured stone. This is why many homeowners elect to use this for their home improvement projects.
Disadvantages of Natural Stone
When researching any type of building material for the home, it is always a good idea to ensure that you not only research the advantages of using the product, but the disadvantages as well. There are a few points that may be identified as a disadvantage to using natural stone in and around the home. These are as follows:
1. This is a natural manufactured stone. Many individuals prefer to stay away from stone types that are created. If you are looking for a product that is created from rocks obtained naturally, this may not be an ideal choice for you.
2. There is a possibility that the product may experience chipping and scratching. While this is basically a disadvantage, there is a positive side. If chipping or scratching occurs, the stone is created in such a manner that the under surface is the same as the outer surface. This means that it will blend in appropriately.
3. Individuals who use this type of stone may feel that it is not as durable as stones obtained naturally. However, it does have a high tolerance for extreme conditions.
Where to Find Other Natural Stone Fireplace Ideas
If you want to find more natural stone fireplace ideas, there are many different places where you can do so. The internet is loaded with unique designs and ideas for the home. Furthermore, home improvement stores such as Lowe's and Home Depot often carry a large assortment of books on the subject. If you want to get started on integrating a fireplace into your home, a natural stone fireplace may be the best choice for you!
Looking for a supplier of natural stones for stone fireplaces? View the many different styles of Natural Thin Stone for stone fireplaces that Halquist Stone has to offer. For more information, call (262) 246-9000 or visit halquiststone.com to request a free brochure.
Bathtub Filler WallAcoustic ceiling removal is known by another term which is popcorn ceiling removal. It is necessary for your home to undergo acoustic ceiling removal at times, because you may want to update the style of your home and increase equity if you are able to get rid of the old popcorn ceilings and retexture your ceilings. It also becomes necessary for your home to undergo acoustic ceiling removal because the surface of your popcorn ceiling can attract dust particles. These dust particles will then accumulate so that the health of people breathing your indoor air will be imperiled (particularly if the room occupants are asthmatic or allergic to dust.)
So out with the old , in with the new. But do it right when trying to remodel your home, start with the roof, and proceed to the ceiling before trying to upgrade other parts that are lower down or nearer eye-level. The process of acoustic ceiling removal is called ceiling scraping.
Before the contractor proceeds to tell you how we scrape your ceilings, it is necessary to have him explain first how we protect your personal belongings and furniture. This is because there is a right process and a wrong process in trying to undertake ceiling scraping. And the right process means all the personal belongings and furniture of the homeowner has to be removed from the affected room first before ceiling scraping can proceed.
There are also two products that the contractor has to have to conduct ceiling scraping properly a ceiling texture scraper, and a popcorn ceiling texture removal solution. In addition, you should inform the contractor if your acoustic ceiling was installed before 1979 because popcorn ceilings dating back to those years may have asbestos in them.
When that concern has been gotten out of the way, the ceiling scraping team can proceed to seal off the affected room with plastic sheeting stretching from the crown molding and extending to the floors. It is necessary to provide ventilation to the team with a window fan at the window.
A drop cloth featuring waterproof backing must be laid out over the floor. The team will then start spraying the acoustic ceiling surface with a standard garden sprayer to allow the surface texture to soften and allow ceiling scraping to proceed at a much easier pace. Be careful that the ceiling does not get sprayed with too much water though. The top layer of water allows dust to be contained as well so that it doesnt get in the eyes, nostrils and other body parts of the ceiling scraping team.
The ceiling texture scraper will then be used to remove the wet surface of the acoustic ceiling. You may employ a putty knife instead for the ceiling corners, as well as the crown molding areas. As you can see, it is a relatively easy process though special care must be taken not to damage the underlying wallboards as the team proceeds in this home makeover project.
Extreme Makeover Pros is your affordable contractor serving Orange County, Ca. for nearly 25 years. Specializing in Home Improvement and Renovation. For more details visit http://www.extrememakeoverpros.com
The concept is pretty cool. Provide your guests with an outdoor heat source that extends the comfort range of your patio or deck during cooler evening hours and give you the use of your outdoor living spaces well into the fall and even winter if you live in a mild climate area.
These outdoor patio heaters are large, usually over 6 feet tall, and need a heat source such as propane. The best ones provide even heating a full 360 degrees around it so guests can be gathered in many groups around the unit and still be warm.
I wouldn't say they're incredibly stylish, although if you have metal decor like a hanging star or garland or perhaps metal wall sconces then the patio heater will at least look like it belongs. But how can you argue with a 6 foot cylinder pumping out 40,000 BTU's?
They cost about $250 or so, depending on which store you buy it in and which sales you capture. They are obviously more popular during the winter months and are nearly impossible to find in a retail store during the summer unless you catch an inventory clearance event. Our best advice is to buy one in late winter or early spring when they'll probably be on sale and then use it the following fall.
When you're shopping for a patio heater you need to consider these things:
1. the size of your patio or deck
2. how much space you actually need to heat
3. if you want a large fixed heater or a portable one
4. if you care about the fuel source, such as propane, electric, or natural gas
5. how you'll protect it when not in use.
The issue of protection is often easily solved with a patio heater cover. In fact many of them come with a free cover as incentive to get you to buy.
For more information on propane patio heaters and electric patio heaters please visit our website.
If you've built as many stairways as I have, this is a very simple question to answer. Should I use 2 x 12 or 3 x 12 for my stair treads? Without a doubt I would use the 3 x 12 for a couple of reasons.
The thickness of the three by material gives it some additional strength and that strength could prevent someone from falling through the stairway and getting injured. Visually looking at the 3 x 12 it gives you the illusion that the stairway is safe. Once you start walking up the stairway and the stairs seem solid and well constructed, it takes the illusion and makes it a reality.
If you're walking up a poorly constructed stairway every day, not only is it a safety problem but it takes a little bit of effort as you walk up the stairway, holding on to the hand rail with a death grip, this can easily wear someone out physically and mentally, over time. Stairways should be constructed and maintained with safety as the main priority.
If you've ever walked up and older stairway that was built using 2 x 12 for the stair treads, you probably know what I'm talking about. Walking up and down the stairway, while the stair treads are moving, does not give you a strong sense that the stairway is safe. And of course sometimes the stairway isn't.
For example if you have a 3 inch knot in a 2 x 12 stair tread, over time as the wood expands and contracts, the knot can loosen up and fall out of the stair tread, often creating a weak spot in the step. With a thicker stair tread, it will take a little more expanding and contracting to create a weak spot in the stair step.
If you're building a stairway wider than 36 inches, with no center stair stringers to support the stairway, I would suggest using a 3 x 12 or 4 x 12 for your stair treads. 2 x 12 should not be used for stair treads on any staircase wider than 36 inches.
If you choose to use 2 x 12 for your stair treads, select premium grade lumber for safety. Try to avoid using center cut building materials and 2 x 12 with knots larger than an inch and a half. Large knots are one of the biggest problems in construction safety.
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.
Learn more about the parts of the stairway, whether you're a experienced carpenter or homeowner. Stair building does not necessarily have to be as complicated as most people make it out to be. There's also a book on how to build straight stairs that can save you a lot of frustration, if you've never built a stairway before. Visit the website.
Life is full of challenges and some heartache. We can't always have what we want all the time and there are some things that just seem to pass us by. But, one of the greatest moments in life isn't that promotion at work, or getting that first pension check, it is the birth of a grandchild.
It is just that moment that we have been waiting for as we peddle our way through the various streams of life anxiously awaiting the arrival of our grandchild; in fact, our first grandchild.
My niece recently gave birth to a cuddly, little girl and we became a great aunt and a great uncle. We were absolutely delighted for her and her husband and welcomed this little grand niece to the loving family. As much as we extend our love to her, there is still the expectation of our own first grandchild.
For me, what lies ahead will be more than delight; more than love alone; and more than sharing in the care of a grandchild whether that be a granddaughter or a grandson. The more, to me, is cherishing the responsibility for demonstrating the love and commitment that is an integral part of an extended family. It is the on-going desire to help, give advice, and to be part of the up bringing a fantastic gift.
For many grandparents, it is the chance to give again without the daily stress of going to work and to have to leave a child in the care of a non-family member. For other grandparents whether they are called a nanny or grandfather, or a host of other nicknames, it is the offering of a safe haven for both new parents and grandchildren. It is a home that extends the responsibility without undue concern from parents of raising a grandchild to be the best they can, to be cared for beyond just providing toys, or someplace to drop a child while parents go about other business.
The 'hooray' for little ones is to be needed, to be fondly and lovingly beckoned by that little voice as they toddle within protected environments, where they frolic and play within a secure home, and where attentiveness is combined with adoring love. It is the chance to share all over again hopefully a little wiser; the opportunity to play again as if you were younger and full of fantasy where the wonders of the world unfold in make believe games, or where a simple cardboard box provides hours of make believe castles, or a little tea house, or a grand home filled with all kinds of adventure.
And, all through this time of joy is the opportunity to provide unquestioning love and to share in being part of the rising bubbles of life as a grandchild grows into maturity.
Looking for nicknames to call Grandmothers, here you will find names for your grandchildren to call you. Browse our list and pick one that best describes you as you become a grandparent. Nicknames for Grandmothers.
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
Hard Water Deposits In ToiletWhen deciding on which type of foundation (basement, crawl space, or a slab) for your new home, there are many different factors to consider. In some parts of the country full basements will be the norm (most common in the north), while others will have slab foundations (most common in the south) and still others will have crawl spaces (most common in the central regions). Many people, because of local soil and groundwater conditions, often have only one or two options when it comes to house foundations. In certain places, constructing a full basement means blasting through solid rock. In other places, the ground water table may be lurking just a few feet below the surface limiting these folks to a simple slab on grade.
Keep in mind, that if you are planning a crawl space, and all of your neighbors have basements, your house may be more difficult to sell unless you are prepared to lower the price. This is simply a value/price perception issue since many people feel that having a full basement gives them more room even if it is used only for storage purposes. And of course, the potential is always there for someone to finish the basement and add extra living space at some time in the future.
The concrete slab choice is attractive to builders because of its relatively low cost. Excavation is kept to a minimum and the construction schedule can often be accelerated. The day after the slab is poured, wall framing can often begin. But slabs come with some negatives. Typically, plumbing drainage and water supply lines are buried beneath the slab. If something goes wrong or a leak develops, repairs can be costly. Heating or cooling ductwork buried underneath the slab (not recommended) can sometimes fill with water during wet seasons. Should this happen, fungus can form and spores might be blasted into the home each time the HVAC starts up. Thermal conduction issues are always present. Slabs poured in colder climates can conduct cold back into the house unless special precautions are taken when built. Homes built on slabs often offer little protection during tornadoes or hurricanes, unless a special masonry or concrete safe room is built within the house. These safe rooms can be designed as a large walk-in closet.
A crawl space foundation is a step or two above a slab foundation. Generally speaking, a footing needs to be poured and short foundation walls are built to support the home. Crawl space foundations allow you to install plumbing and HVAC systems so that they are accessible. The floor system over and the foundation walls inside of the crawl space almost always need to be insulated. A vapor barrier must be placed over the soil in the crawl space to control moisture, preferably one that is sealed at its seams & to the foundation walls. If this vapor barrier is missing, water vapor will readily travel up into the wood floor system and then into the house. This water vapor can cause severe mold problems. Homes built over crawl spaces offer minimal protection in severe weather unless you can install a floor access door in a closet that allows quick entry into the crawl space, assuming there is sufficient clearance.
As for basements, ask any homeowner who has a dry full height foundation and they will often tell you they would never be without one. The cost per square foot for this bonus space is often a fraction of what you pay for the living space stacked above it. If you do an actual cost analysis of a full height foundation versus a crawl space, you will find it costs very little to upgrade to the full foundation. Typically, full basements make a house more attractive to potential buyers.
A full foundation offers superb protection in the event of severe weather. It is not difficult to keep basements dry, even in extreme wet weather. The builder simply needs to install a proper drainage system around the perimeter and to apply a real waterproofing material such as synthetic rubber or liquid asphalt that has rubber additives. These materials can bridge small hairline cracks that might otherwise leak water. If you intend to finish off the basement space at a later date, be sure to install a true waterproofing material not the traditional hot asphalt damp-proofing spray.
If you can afford the extra cost, ask your builder to consider extra height foundation walls that allow you to have a clear ceiling height of eight feet or more beneath any and all beams that support floor joists, so that finishing the space at a later time will be easier and provide proper ceiling height.
Mac has remodeled many old homes, been employed in several different construction trades & is a major do-it-yourselfer. He currently owns a home inspection company and has been inspecting homes for many years which is where my experience is most relevant to the proper way to build a home. To learn more about building your dream home, visit my website, http://www.house-building-tips.net
Mold Growing In GroutConsidering the popularity of mini Tiffany stained glass windows, it is clear that there are all manner of individuals who are more than happy to utilize these types of products in their homes. With so much emphasis on beautifying your home and creating an aesthetic value, it is easy to see that there is no end in sight of individuals making the effort to create a beautiful effect in their home. With mini Tiffany stained glass windows available, it is easy enough to install these types of products and create a tremendous level of beauty for the home itself.
With so many people from around the world making this effort, the popularity of mini Tiffany stained glass windows continues to rise well into the modern day. While the practice of installing this product in the past was fairly common, in recent years, there has been less and less emphasis on this type of effort overall. Largely due to the perceived expense of stained glass windows, there are less and less individuals utilizing this type of product until recently.
With so many new manufacturing processes in place, the cost of these products has come down substantially, making it a simple matter to install and not have to worry overly much about the installation process or the cost of the product. With the low prices in place, the popularity of these products has shot up considerably. Whatever it is you might require, you can very likely get it at a much lower price than you might suspect.
With so much effort to beautify the home, there are all manner of individuals who are trying their best to install the popular products and make their home more attractive than their neighbors. With this focus on beautification in the modern day, it is clear that there is no end of individuals who are concerned with the looks of their home and the belief that mini Tiffany stained glass windows can increase the aesthetic value.
Anyone who is proud of their home and enjoys the aesthetic value that they can build into their house would be well served to utilize mini Tiffany stained glass windows for those areas of the home that are available for this purpose. With so many individuals looking to improve the looks of their home, it is only natural that so many of them would turn to stained glass windows in order to provide what they need.
With the use of mini Tiffany stained glass windows, it is a simple matter to install this type of product and create a completely different look for your home. With all this effort involved, you can ensure that there is no stone left unturned in the effort to beautify your home. From windows around the front of your home all the way around to the back, the addition of stained glass windows can not only beautify your home but create amazing displays of color inside the home as well.
As the popularity continues to rise for these types of products there are all manner of individuals who are happy to utilize the beautifying effect that mini Tiffany stained glass windows offers, allowing them to create a large range of colors and lighting in their home when the sun shines through these particular windows. With stained glass windows in place, there is no end of the exciting and dramatic changes that occur to the beauty of the home as well as the lighting of the interior.
With more and more individuals looking to use stained glass windows to spruce up their home, it is not hard to see that there is no end in sight for the ongoing effort to beautify otherwise bland homes with the use of mini Tiffany stained glass windows. Simply by installing these types of products, the homes themselves can increase their curb appeal and the level of enjoyment that people have when viewing them. Anyone who might be concerned with the beauty of their home would be well served by utilizing stained glass windows in order to complete the aesthetic appeal of their greatest investment.
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