Sunday, May 31, 2009

Landlord Property Services

Your land lord property services offered online gives comprehensive coverage including a number of real estate services. Landlord property services include landlord insurance, landlords building insurance, landlord Contents Insurance, Energy Performance certificate, Home Information Pack.

Fire, smoke, airline and automobile impact, and hail are all standard causes of damage to the structural integrity of a building, and generally, insurance policies for landlord liability cover these things. You safeguard your building with the help of an extensive insurance coverage. You don't have to rebuild any thing from scratch, if there's any catastrophe.

Get protected from any loss of capital investment. In addition to this, you protect the income you earn through your rent. Landlord insurance covers all those that you as an owner actually own: the fixtures in the rooms, the staircase, the elevator, and other such things are covered by this sort of insurance.

Building insurance for landlord rates vary depending on different factors such as the property location, rebuild value and the tenant type. You can avail a lower insurance premium, if you have a low rebuild value. Based on the location of your area, whether it is high crime prone area or low crime prone area, your rebuild value differs based on this. Request for a quote online, carefully read out your quote and other key facts before proceeding with any cover

Carefully read out your full quotation and other key facts before proceeding with any cover. Many landlords add contents to their buildings insurance policy for a small additional premium. Seek out a landlord content insurance to protect your content and get covered for damage to items such as floor coverings, curtains and any electrical appliances you have supplied, Fixtures & Fittings: Kitchens, bathrooms, radiators, fitted carpets & laminate flooring etc.

How to manage rental property effectively (and applying that knowledge) are the key ingredients for developing a rental property business that operates smoothly with maximum cash flow. Learn from the experts how to get the maximum benefits without interrupting your rental cash flow, get your self a rental guarantee insurance. With the help of landlord property services, get your self real estate management maintenance service. Just in case, if the tenant tends to utilize the resources provided by the real estate management team for a longer duration than that specified, the owner can ask the tenant to pay extra charges for that resource. Reach out to the Landlord Property Services providers.

Kirthy Shetty, Platinum author,

Get all your tips related to Landlord property guide from:

Landlord Property Service

Installing A 32 Inch Back Door

Please Help Us with Your Remodeling Advice

How would you like to help other contractors, home improvement specialists, builders, real estate professionals and anyone else involved in home remodeling. If you have any tips or home improvement advice to you would like to share with our readers, it would greatly be appreciated. Leave all comments below.

House Window Books
Deck Building Books

About Credit Repair / Debt Consolidation Strategy

Some companies suggest that debt consolidation may improve your overall credit score, but as a strategy for credit repair, debt consolidation may not be the best choice. According to Fair Isaac, the company that invented the FICO credit risk scores that lenders use, there are many factors which affect your credit score. These factors must all be considered before taking out a debt consolidation loan, particularly if your hope is to achieve a higher credit score.

A credit repair debt consolidation strategy assumes that monthly payments on credit card balances are unaffordable and therefore causing occasional late payments. FICO says that payment history accounts for about 35% of your score. They also say that delinquent payments can have a major negative impact. So, if a debt consolidation loan will help you to make your payments on time, then it could be a good thing.

FICO also says that simply moving around the balances on your credit cards and closing unused accounts will not improve your credit score. They suggest that you pay your bills on time and work towards paying off balances on revolving charge cards. So, for purposes of credit repair, debt consolidation might help if you are able to pay off credit card balances faster. This will all depend on the individual and the specifics of the debt consolidation loan.

If you are considering a credit repair debt consolidation loan, be sure to compare fees and interest rates among different companies. While multiple inquiries affect your credit score negatively, inquiries made over a short period of time, generally within a 30 day period, are only counted as one inquiry. This is a recent change made by FICO with the understanding that consumers now shop loans.

To achieve credit repair, debt consolidation is not your only choice. FICO suggests that you check your credit report for inaccuracies and report those to the applicable credit bureau. If you have a history of late payments, but you are now current with a specific lender, you may be able to have the lender remove those items from your credit report. Sometimes they will do this just to satisfy a customer.

Many companies suggest other methods of credit repair; debt consolidation may or may not be the best choice for you. A law firm that specializes in credit repair can give you the most accurate information and the best suggestions for your individual situation. For more information about credit repair, debt consolidation and other credit issues, visit the Credit Repair Blog.

The writers and editors of the Credit Repair Blog are dedicated to providing accurate information about credit repair. Visit us at http://creditfixnow.blogspot.com

Residential Metal Roofs - Color Your Roof in Style

The variety of metal roof colors and styles available today may astound you. If you are considering a metal roof, you can forget that old tin roof look.

If you want the price and durability of a metal roof, but prefer the classic shingle look, metal roof shingles are available in all the colors of traditional asphalt shingles. Other colors you may not have considered before are also available.

Metal roof tiles are available in a multitude of colors, and can be purchased with a stone type finish to give them a real tile look. Sculpted cap pieces complete the effect. All metal roofs will save you money in the long run, but metal tile versus traditional tile may be the best bargain.

The other candidate for the best bargain would be a cedar shake style metal roof. That's right, you can have the look of a traditional cedar shake roof for less than the price of a shingle roof. Again, different colors and styles are available.

Even the traditional metal roof design can look better than the old tin roof of yesteryear. Many standing seam configurations are available that do not show any screws. With the colors available today, you can have a truly beautiful roof in a simple classic style that will last a lifetime.

An interesting development available today is photovoltaic roof panels. These panels look just like a standard roofing panel, available in the same colors as a standard panel. These panels are only available in certain standing seam models, but they are a vast improvement over the look of standard photovoltaic installations. This do not look like an add-on. It would be an integral part of your roof.

You do need a licensed electrician to install all the equipment you need to connect your house to a photovoltaic system. But you could install the roofing system on your own.

If you are considering a do-it-yourself installation, your manufacturer should have a contact available to help you through the entire process. They will have metal roof installation instructions for the style you choose. Local permitting would be your responsibility, but they will even have advice to help you through that process. The cost savings for doing it yourself are significant, and are definitely worth the time and effort.

Most metal roofing sold today is rated for fifty years. With the addition of coatings available today and in the future, your new metal roof may be the last one your house will ever need.

Learn more about Residential Metal Roofing Installation.

Electric Dryer Gas Conversion Ki

Calculating the Cost of a Metal Roof

When comparing the price of an asphalt roof to the price of a metal roof, what really is the best deal for the average homeowner?

Why would you care? "When my roof needs to be replaced, I'll just call my local roofing contractor to come in and replace it. Asphalt shingles are okay. The last ones lasted about 15 years. They were cheap enough."

Were they cheap enough? Why would you want to put a roof on your house that you or someone else has to replace every 15-20 years? "But the shingles I'm getting are 40 year shingles." WOW!! How is it that the asphalt shingle companies say they are selling you a roof that will last for 40 years when the insurance companies that insure our homes say they will last only 17 years? Many of the asphalt shingle manufacturers have gone out of business due to class action law suits.

How do metal roofing costs compare to the cost of replacing an asphalt roof every 15 - 20 years? Take into account that the cost of installing an asphalt roof doubles every 15 years. So what cost $7,000 this year will cost $14,000 in fifteen years. So the cost of the roof after only 15 years would end up being $21,000. Now compare that to the cost of a metal roof that will last a lifetime. A metal roof would cost about two and a half times the cost of asphalt, or $17,500. It's a one time investment for the life of the house.

Additionally, you must consider the environmental impact. When an asphalt roof goes on, it begins to break down immediately. And when you have one installed, the old one should be taken off and disposed of. Where are they disposed? Landfills, mostly, where

they take hundreds of years to break down. With metal roofing, especially aluminum roofing, they are made from recycled aluminum and they are fully recyclable at the end of their life, which is 100 years plus. Additionally, many insurance companies offer discounts to homeowners with metal roofs.

There are many more factors to consider, such as curb appeal, wind ratings, energy savings, and tax incentives. Talk with a metal roofing professional to get the whole story. Do your research and you will make the right choice for your home.

Mike Gonet is a Sr. Partner with Classic Metal Roofs, LLC
located in Massachusetts serving all of Southern New England
for information call toll free 866-660-6668
Classic Metal Roofs, LLC, is the exclusive dealer for Classic Metal Roofing Systems, Inc. of Ohio in Southern New England.
Let our certified installation crews install a new metal roof on your home.
Our installers are employees of Classic Metal Roofs, LLC.
We are licensed and insured in the states we work.
http://classicmetalroofs.com

Exterior Wood Beams

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Build Your Own Pergola - Self Build Tips

To build your own pergola is a satisfying experience. Not only can you save substantial amounts of money, you can also design the pergola from scratch to make it exactly as you wish. Of course it is always wise to use an existing pergola design as a base and then work on it from there to form it into your dream pergola.

Building your own pergola is one of the easier building tasks you can take on, and it can also be one of the most inexpensive provided you do your research and planning correctly. The simplest pergola self build design is the dome shaped garden tent. This design has an umbrella like dome on top fit with a hook.

One of the most time consuming and detailed pergola self build designs would be the porch extension, particularly those which are made with quality wood and incorporate vines and other details into it. It is your choice how much you wish to spend when self building your pergola and how long you want the process to take.

There are many designs and instructions for building your own pergola online, in magazines and in home improvement books. There are so many possible designs and materials to use that the hardest part is often deciding what you want your pergola to look like. The first decision you need to make is about the size of the pergola. Will it be small or large? Map out the prospective position in your garden or backyard and ensure that it will easily fit there. Leave a little extra room just in case of mis-measurement, plant and tree growth and the covering which may stick out further than the pergola itself.

Before you start building, check with your local council whether you need a permit. Generally small pergolas will not but large ones attached to the house may. Ask around with friends if they would also like to build a pergola or similar structure and if so, pitch in together to buy materials in bulk and save.

It is entirely possible to build a small pergola in one weekend if you have a helping hand. It will take at least three, but preferably more, people to assist in the building and assembly process. A pergola self build project brings much satisfaction to the home owner as you can completely match the pergola to the existing look of your home and yard.

Eric Littleton is a carpenter, gardener and all-around handyman who enjoys helping people with their home improvement projects. A pergola is a beautiful addition to your garden and does not need to be difficult to build yourself. Find pergola plans in a variety of sizes to fit your space and budget at http://www.pergola-plans.org.

Advantages Framing With Steel

Energy - Reduce The Costs of Gas Line Repair By Not Having to Destroy the Pavement

If you work with an industrial work and repair crew that does a lot of city work, there are a couple of things you can do to win more contracts than the competition:

1-Get better results

If you don't get great results, you're probably not going to get as much return business, that's economics 101. But let's be honest, this is the city government we're talking about, here. If we could rely on politicians to always make smart choices, we wouldn't be stuck in the middle of a gas crisis right now. So step two might actually be more important...

2-Do it for a lower price

If you can cut costs without sacrificing quality, then do it. No matter how skilled you and your crew are, there are plenty of city officials who only look at the bottom line. If you can work quickly and cheaply, you've got an Ace up your sleeve in securing contracts for industrial work and repair.

When it comes to repairing gas lines, you may want to consider cutting cost and hours by switching to adhesives.

The main benefit of using adhesives to repair cracks and put gas lines together should be obvious. You don't have to rip up the entire sidewalk (or pavement depending where in the world you are) to remove huge chunks of pipe. Once you've determined where the problem is, you only need to dig until you've found what needs to be repaired, apply some industrial strength adhesive to it and call it a day.

Whether you're using sealant tape or adhesives, it's a lot easier, a lot cheaper, and a lot safer to repair and assemble gas lines this way. Using any kind of torch or soldering kit might not be safe, even if the gas has been turned off (which is why a lot of gas lines are made of plastic alloys these days). Any worries about there being some gas still floating around in a damaged pipe are greatly reduced when you're using adhesives or sealant tape instead.

Really, it just doesn't make sense to replace huge chunks of pipe that could easily be sealed with adhesive and it doesn't make sense to tear up the sidewalk to make room for more complicated repair methods. If you're offering to fix gas lines with adhesives, you can offer to do the job for a fraction of what you might require otherwise, allowing you to win more contracts, and without spending too much time on each individual job, so you can quickly move on to the next one.

Another benefit of using adhesives and tapes for repairs is that the price of production materials like PVC pipe and so on is undeniably rising all around the world. This is thanks in large part to the current cost of oil. Heavy materials cost more to move around. Adhesives on the other hand, have retained a pretty low price because they're less cumbersome when it comes to shipping and handling.

Permabond is a leading manufacturer of engineering adhesives, supplying high-quality industrial adhesives to customers worldwide. Permabond has offices in The Americas, Europe and Asia and a worldwide network of distributors to assist you with your specific bonding and sealing requirements. To learn more, please visit Adhesives.

Easy Wall Repair, Home Video

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

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

If your looking for some more home inspection or home building ideas.

Lifes Suffering Cycles

Jobs in Roofing - Career Advice For Foremen

A foreman is one of the most important jobs in roofing. Every project needs somebody on the roof all day long who has the authority and responsibility to get the job done right. It's been said that "The dog with two masters will surely starve" and that is why just one man needs to be in charge.

The first prerequisite for the foreman is he should be better and faster than anyone else on the roof. He will certainly be tested regularly by rookies and other hard cases who say something can't be done. That's when the foreman has to step up and say "Let me show you how to do it."

When that happens, it's not just a training opportunity. It also serves to demonstrate leadership ability, which is the second prerequisite. The crew won't respect a leader who can't lead. A foreman should never ask somebody on the crew to do something that he can't or won't do himself. He sets the pace and establishes the working standards that apply on his jobsite.

The foreman position is one of the jobs in roofing that needs either a "carrot" or a "stick" to lead effectively.

Some foremen get their way by threats and intimidation, but they tend to have a lot of turnover. Their best workers will pursue other opportunities, leaving the stick-wielding foreman with a crew of weaklings he can bully.

I've always preferred the carrot approach. It utilizes "The Greatest Management Principle" as recognized by author Michael LeBoeuf. It says: "That which gets rewarded, gets done". By giving your crew an incentive to accomplish both the quantity and quality you want, it is infinitely easier for you to do your job effectively. You go from being a babysitter of grown adults who undermine your efforts to a partner in a hardworking crew of guys who are all on the same page.

I've gotten great results from even labor pool employees who are considered the "bottom of the barrel" and only suitable for the most menial jobs in roofing. By offering them a modest bonus for accomplishing what I need, I am seldom disappointed.

The size of a project often determines how a foreman must do his job. Most smaller projects have a "working foreman" who manages the work while roofing right alongside the crew.

Bigger projects with dozens of roofers generally do best with a "supervising foreman" who is constantly watching everything that is going on. He needs to think for those on his crew who lack experience. And he will do far more work with his eyes than with his back.

One of the most important jobs in roofing that the foreman needs to accomplish every day is to get all his guys home safe and sound. Nobody will care how much roofing you accomplish if somebody gets killed or crippled in the process.

While roofing and leadership skills are essential, it is becoming increasingly useful for foremen to be bilingual. With a heavy influx of Hispanic workers into the trade, a foreman who can keep his project from turning into a "Tower of Babel" is a valuable asset to any company.

It doesn't take a lot of Spanish to get by. I remember one time I dried in a couple hundred squares of roof with two Mexican kids who had no roofing experience and spoke no English whatsoever. About the only Spanish I knew was "Bueno" and "No Bueno", but that was enough to get the job done. That just goes to show you what a good foreman can do with a little help.

This is one article in a series about jobs in roofing. To shave a couple decades off your learning curve, check out "Roofing Secrets: How to Avoid Leaks and Save thousands of Dollars!" by John C Bishop. It is full of tricks-of-the-trade that will make the job easier and help you avoid big mistakes

For details, go to: http://www.roofingsecrets.com

Window Header Framing Problems

Friday, May 29, 2009

Tub Faucet Repair Tips

The bathroom is a very important part of your home as it is with the other areas. Here, you get to have warm baths and doing some vanity for yourself. In the bathroom, you will find different bathroom fixtures such as tub and shower faucets. Over time, you might experience damages in your bathroom fixtures and the first thing you can do is to fix such fixtures.

There are many do-it-yourself tips that you can use at home especially for the bathroom. One of which is tub faucet repair. You can fix this by just simple and easy steps. Before anything else, it is just best that you get to know the different things needed in tub faucet repair.

Faucet Designs

Tub faucets have different styles and designs. There are tub faucets that have a single handle that is very convenient as this already controls the temperature and the water flow coming out of the faucet. On the other hand, there is also a double handle type of faucet where in the hot and the cold temperature is done separately using the two handles. To choose which type of faucet you want, it is better that you imagine yourself turning the lever. If you are someone who wants to have two controls for temperature then you better choose to have double lever type faucet handles. There are different designs available for tub faucets nowadays and all you just need to do is to mix and match it with the style of your bathroom. It is recommended that you buy fixtures all from one manufacturer to ensure synchronization of fixture designs.

What Are Washers And Seats?

Washers are usually used in old design types of faucets. Their function is to block water from dripping. A seat on the other hand is when a faucet handle is tightened compressing the washer against it.

Tub Faucet Repair Tips

In repairing a tub faucet, you will notice that there will be drips that you need to address to. With this, you will need to replace the washers and/or seats.

On the other hand, you will need to turn off the water from the main water line so that you can perform your tub faucet repair very well. By doing this, you are sure to fix your tub faucet by removing outer trims without hassle. In removing trims, make sure that you remove carefully the handle/s. The cap is removed thus exposing the screw, which you can take out afterwards. Handle/s should be removed next but should be done very carefully as this may stuck up. You may use pliers to assist you in taking out the needed pieces. After removing the handles, a sleeve or somewhat looks like it should be removed too.

Next, you can now deal with the valve system. You have to hold the handle back for some seconds and then try to half-open the valve. You are sure to take out pressure and thus help you with unscrewing of the pieces. Take note that you have to make sure you are opening the correct piece.

Once you have done this and you have found the washer being broken then you can assume that this may be the cause of the faucet leakage. You are now ready to purchase a new one.

You will also have to check the seats. They are the ones that are being tightened by the washer to ensure stoppage of water flow. You might also need to replace this just to ensure that you will not have to do any reworks.

After replacing such, you are now ready to put back all together the different pieces and after which, you can already use your tub faucet again.

Aikaz Run - Bathroom Advisor

For more information about faucet repair just visit my bathroom designs site.

Leaking Heating Duct

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Will a Credit Repair Guide Help Me?

A credit repair guide can provide step-by-step instructions on how to improve your credit. Using such a guide will provide the knowledge needed to confidently begin the process of restoring your credit. A guide is like a map to direct you to your ultimate goal of credit repair.

Have you every tried to get somewhere without a map? Sometimes you can get lost and waist valuable time without one. A map gives you valuable direction and ideas if you have an obstacle to go around. Use of the map gave you the confidence you will reach your destination as planned.

Well, much like that map, when you begin to work on restoring your credit, a credit repair help guide or map, if you will, will greatly improve your success in this endeavor as well as save you valuable time. A quick search of the internet will lead you to many websites which will provide you with a bad credit repair guide. Some of these guides are provided free of charge and some require a nominal fee to purchase the information.

A credit repair help guide can come in many different forms. For instance, while searching the internet, I found credit repair guides which could be downloaded directly from the internet, as well as guides in book and CD form. The form you use is a matter of personal preference so choose the format which works best for you.

Most, if not all, bad credit repair guide programs provide you with:

  • useful and valuable information;
  • step-by-step instructions;
  • form letters; and,
  • helpful tips.

Reviewing and utilizing this information should give you the knowledge to begin the process and allow you to confidently follow through in an organized and systematic manner. The form letters, if included, will help you get the process rolling sooner than if you had to compose the letters yourself.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) should be a part of any credit repair help guide you choose. The FCRA outlines your legal rights and was enacted with the underlying idea that all individuals should have the opportunity of a second chance at financial freedom. Be sure to read and understand your legal rights under the FCRA!

One thing to watch out for is the promise to help you create a new credit file. Beware of this promise! It is illegal and, if detected, you may find yourself in trouble with governmental officials! Under no circumstances should you attempt to create a new credit file!

Please note that I am not suggesting or recommending any specific program or software. I am merely suggesting that this would be a good way to begin your "travel" of restoring your credit. What format you do or do not use is entirely up to you!

As a good map can give you valuable guidance, so a good credit repair guide can help you achieve your goal of better credit. So, experience the good travel you have always wanted (financially speaking!) and get started!

Save time, money and mistakes. Mr. Ragan has 24 years helping people reach their goals. Construction, buying foreclosures, real estate investing,first time home buyers finding a mortgage and doing your own credit repair
Feel free to visit his website with hundreds of pages and free reports.

Large Crack In Floor

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Can You Help Us with Your Remodeling Experience

To would appreciate any home remodeling tips for ideas that you have that could help other homeowners, building contractors and other people involved in home remodeling. Post all your comments below.

Fireplace Books
Building Handrails Books

Pest Problems in Your Attic

Sometimes I wonder how these large animals can get through such small holes in our homes and into our attics and crawlspace's. A few years ago, I was working on a home that had water damage to the siding that needed to be fixed. The homeowner of course didn't want anymore water damage and this required repairing roof, the original cause for the siding damage.

When I bid the job, I had no idea what I was about to run into. The first day on the job, went smoothly as I repaired some damage fascia board, but the next day I was in for a surprise, as I removed the damaged siding, I found what looked like dog poop in the attic.

I was looking around in the attic and trying to figure out how a dog could of got up there. I know that I shouldn't have, but I walked around the home inspecting it for a large hole, any holes, something that a small dog could have wiggled his way into. I got my latter off of the truck and then went on the roof, trying to find a place where a dog could have got into the attic.

I couldn't find any holes and after wasting about an hour, I decided it was time to get back to work and since the homeowner wasn't there, I couldn't show him my new findings or ask him any questions. I cleaned up the mess and repaired the water damaged siding, but in the back of my head I kept thinking about how in the heck a dog got up in the attic.

To make a short story even shorter, when the homeowner arrived home that day, I showed him my findings and he informed me that he didn't have a dog. He did however inform me that he has been hearing something walking around in his attic for about a year now. He had a pretty good idea that they were raccoons.

I told him, that I had inspected his home and only found one small hole on top of his roof underneath the roof eave, but there's no way that a small raccoon could fit through that hole. He told me that you would be surprised, what these animals were capable of squeezing into and out of.

Well that's about it, the mystery was solved, I repaired the small hole in the attic and have never heard from the homeowner again. Hopefully that meant I did my job well and not that he was embarrassed about the poop in the attic.

Pest Control Ideas, House Pest Pictures

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.

Moss Growing On Wood Siding
Fascia And Siding Problem

Paintless Dent Repair - Is it For You?

Paintless dent repair training is a difficult endeavor.

Learning paintless dent repair is difficult. Even after several weeks of training and several months of practicing you may not be capable of paintless dent removal (PDR). My own training consisted of a session of direct interaction with my trainer, then a week of practice. This cycle continued for several months. Even after this, training tends to continue for YEARS. The PDR industry allows for continual learning if you desire to do so. I have been a door-ding tech for 14 years, and last week some hail techs showed me a few techniques that improved my abilities.

Most individuals go to one of several training centers throughout the US to train. Training sessions last anywhere from 3 days to several weeks. I personally know about 2 dozen people who have been trained. None of those that succeeded did so within the first month after they finished their training. Usually it was 3-6 months later that they started seeing progress to the point they believed that PDR was for them. I know a lot of people who have quit PDR, because of it's difficult nature.

Here's a list of qualities you should possess before you start training:

  1. 20/20 correctable vision.
  2. Tenacity.
  3. Patience.
  4. Great hand-eye coordination.
  5. Physically capable of bending over frequently.

Certainly there are several more you could possess, but those cover a lot of the basic needs before you train.

So what's to gain by learning PDR?

Learning PDR with accomplish many things for you, but those things depend upon the variables in place in your life.

Income can increase tremendously. I started in PDR making no more than $25,000 a year. This month, I met some hail techs who will generate at least $350,000 in income. My personal income will be above $100k this year. Not bad for a non-college grad.

Freedom from a boss. I don't have a "BOSS" in the conventional way. Yet, I do have several of them with all my dealerships and body shops I cover in my route. I also have a wife....

Less time at work. I seldom work more than fifty hours a week. I do not have to work weekends. You see the trend.

Move forward with you decision to train in PDR. There are enough reasons to start training as soon as possible. Next week I will discuss costs associated with PDR, including initial training. Have a great week!

Duane A Langenfeld

http://www.paintless-dent-repair-info.com

Monday, May 25, 2009

Is Your Home Adequately Ventilated?

If you are a home building contractor, you already know everything you need to about ventilating a home to keep it insulated and safe. Yet, many homeowners want to ensure their homes are adequately ventilated without paying hefty consulting and contracting fees each time they have a question or make a repair. That is why it helps to understand something about your home's ventilation system and learn how to handle some of the minor adjustments yourself.

Every home needs to be adequately heated to protect family members from getting sick or developing hypothermia. But too much heat can feel uncomfortable during the warm season or in tropical climates and promote the growth of mold or other bacterial invasions that require a warm, moist environment to grow and thrive. A home's thermostat that is linked to the heating and cooling system provides much of the temperature control a family needs to be comfortable year-round. But attic space permitting air flow can increase your home's comfort level by preventing moisture buildup and promoting air exchange during temperature extremes outdoors.

An attic ventilator usually provides this needed service. Since the attic is separate from the sealed part of the house that receives warm and cold air from the furnace and air conditioner, it is the ideal place to circulate indoor air outside, and outdoor air inside, to break up air pockets that can nurture mold, bacteria, and other unwanted germs. If your attic ventilator, which is usually perched on the highest point of the attic, proves inadequate, you may want to consider adding soffit vents beneath the eaves and used with a continuous ridge vent for maximum airflow.

If you are not sure how to tackle the problem of installing soffit vents, ask someone whose home maintenance work you trust for advice or help. Alternatively, you can pick up a handyman's manual or a ventilation guide to learn how to do this procedure yourself. Check out part prices at local hardware stores for an idea of how to budget your ventilation adjustment. Also be sure you have all the needed tools beforehand, along with a few spare parts, if needed.

Venting your home appropriately can reduce the level of toxic emissions or fumes. It also may keep everyone from getting sick as often or passing around the current flu bug, since air that is circulating can make it difficult for germs to grow. Check out your attic to make sure there is good cross ventilation and that your current ventilation system is working properly. Then decide whether this would be a good time to consider adding soffit vents for increased airflow. Try to get it done in good weather so you won't have to work outdoors or in a chilly attic when it's rainy or cold outside.

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Top 10 Things To Consider In A New House Plan

Seeing that I have recently finished building our new home I thought I'd share some insights into the design of a new home. There are many new house plans available today and the sky's the limit on features and styles. The biggest problem with the design process is once we've decided that we'd like to build a new home human nature kicks in and we want it to happen over night. The problem with that is we typically don't spend enough time evaluating and considering the design aspects of the new house. The most important thing to remember is spending extra time in the beginning will prevent you from having second thoughts once the house is done. The following list are ten important things to consider when choosing a new house plan.

1. Style - I think the style of the home is the best place to start. The style of the home will connect with so many of the choices you make so its important to spend some quality time thinking about the style you'd like to live in. Are your preferences more modern or traditional? Do you want a house that is similar to your neighbors? What house style will hold the best value in your neighborhood? What style house will closely match your interior style and existing furnishings? These are all questions that you need to ask yourself and your family. This was a tough question for my wife and I as we grew up on two sides of the country and our styles are very different.

2. Number of Bedrooms - This question may seem simple and easy to answer but it is worth thinking about and discussing. The easiest answer to this question would be based on your current family size and needs. You may need a two bedroom today and need a four bedroom down the road when your family grows. Or maybe you need four bedrooms today yet your kids will be off to college in a few years.

3. Single Level Vs. Multiple Levels - Whether or not your new house has only one level or more is really a personal decision. Some people really enjoy having single level living with no stairs to climb up and down. Some people prefer the more traditional cape and colonial home styles with bedrooms on the second floor. Some land sites are quite small and someone looking for decent square footage may only be able to build a multi-level house. If you think you may retire and live in your house as you get older the single level house may appeal to you.

4. Master Bedroom Suite - Today's new house plans typically offer a master bedroom suite. These suites often have generous closet space, large private bathrooms with soaker tubs, jetted tubs, large walk-in showers and even walk-in closets. These suites generally increase the value of the home and make the house more marketable if you sell in the future.

5. Bonus Rooms (Laundry, Play) - One of the most popular trends in todays house plans are dedicated laundry rooms and the renewed popularity of pantries. In fact, in my new house we made the mudroom a combination laundry and pantry. Some house plans offer laundry on the second floor of multi-leveal houses. A word of caution if you choose a second floor laundry. Make sure you insist that some type of extensive drain system be installed in the unfortunate case there is a broken washing machine hose.

6. Number of Bathrooms - The average number bathrooms in new houses has steadily increased over the years. The average home in the US has 2 1/2 baths and the average appears to be heading towards 3.

7. Kitchen Style - I could write an entire article on this topic, however, the main point here is that many house plans have just a basic kitchen layout. My suggestion is find a house you like and then modify the kitchen to your liking. Plenty of home supply stores will design you a new kitchen free of charge based on the floor plan so don't let a simple kitchen layout deter you from a house plan you really like.

8. Floor Plans - When evaluating floor plans try to visualize how you will furnish the house and how you plan on using different rooms in your daily life. Get a tape measure and measure rooms in your current house to get an idea of how big a 12'x15' room really is. Often people have a hard time visualizing the size of a room and later when the house is done they are not happy with the size. I really suggest spending time on the evaluation.

9. Functionality - The functionality of the new house plan is really one of the most important aspects for your long term comfort and use of the house. If you put the dining room on the other side of the living room so that you have to carry meals through the living room you will soon realize that's not very functional. The same is true about the proximity of bathrooms to bedrooms. Again, I think its important to compare where you currently live to the house plan and think about your likes and dislikes.

10. House Site - The house site can sometimes play a big part in the style, floor plan and functionality. For instance, if you have a very small site you may need two floors. Or maybe your lot is really hilly and needs a drive under garage. Just make sure that when you pick a couple of plans you evaluate them based on the lot as well.

If you get one thing out of this article remember this, plan, plan, plan and plan some more. The more you plan and evalulate your new house plans the happier you will be when you're finally living in your new house.

Todd Fratzel, P.E. is a building superintendent for a construction firm in New Hampshire. In addition to supervising the construction of new homes Todd is a registered professional engineer in the New Hampshire and Massachusetts and has an extensive back ground in building structures. For additional articles like this one see his blog at http://www.homeconstructionimprovement.com

Remodeling Books Save Time and Money - Home Improvement

The other day, I was surfing the Internet and came upon an online home building bookstore that put together a website with the best-selling home building books on the market today. These books range from basic carpentry to advanced structural engineering and everything else you could possibly think of that could be related to the home building, selling, remodeling and construction process.

I couldn't believe the simple and easy to use. Here's a list of some of their books selections.

Photo Guide to Home Repair - The most up-to-date, complete, and useful guide to home repair a homeowner can have. With more than 350 projects and 2300 photos, virtually every home repair challenge.

Exterior Siding, Trim & Finishes - This first ever compilation by Fine Homebuilding on the popular subject provides builders with ideas for choosing the correct finishes for home exteriors, plus solid how-to information.

Flipping Houses - This book is designed for realty investors who want to profit from buying below market, making cosmetic improvements to add value, and then quickly reselling.

Bathroom Remodeling - Remodeling a bathroom is a challenge - it's action-oriented and requires extra energy and stamina. But you, undoubtedly, realize it's a challenge you want to take on.

One $20 home building books or home repairs book, can save you lots of money, if you're willing to do a little research and the labor to complete almost any home building project.

By the way, if you're interested in learning how to repair a roof, build your own house, interior decorating, structural engineering, building a deck, gathering some more information about home painting or even remodeling your bathroom. Our online home building bookstore can save you money if you're willing to do the work.

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

If your looking for some more House Remodeling Pictures or home building ideas.

Getting Rid Of Horrible Attic Sm

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Different Types of Water Filters

Many people are starting to become concerned by what is in their drinking water. Water filters and filtration systems are becoming popular in homes across the country. Safety is one concern, but taste is another that water filters address. Contaminants are the cause of particles or bad taste. Testing your water for contaminants is the first step. If contaminants are found you can then look into a water filter.

The type of water filter you chose will be based upon a few factors. If you own your home you can pretty much install any water filter you chose, but if you do not own your home then you are limited to water filters that are non-evasive or easily removed. Costs also vary from under $100 to over $1000. The amount of filtration also varied from filter to filter. To start with you should familiarize yourself with the types of water filters available.

Whole house filters are set up through the main water line that comes into the house. This type of water filter removes contaminants from all the water entering your home. A whole house system is good for removing particles like rust and sediment.

Under sink filters come in a variety of styles. There are filters that take multiple cartridges or only one. Each type of under sink filter is designed to remove different contaminants. Some may only remove particles while others may have additional cartridges to remove odors and taste problems. These can be bought according to the particular needs based on the contaminants in your water. They only filter water going to the area where the filter is installed.

Faucet-mounted filters are easy to install and remove. It only filter the water coming out of the faucet where it is installed. There is not mounting required as most simply screw onto the faucet. These types of filters also come in a variety that can be chosen based upon what contaminants are in your water.

Canister filters are the simplest form of water filter. These filters are basically just a pitcher with a filtration system in the lid. Water is poured in, goes through the filter to the reserve tank (pitcher bottom) and then can be drank. The only water filtered is what is put in the pitcher.

These are the basic types of water filters. Your needs and the contaminants in your water will help you decide which water filter will work best for you.

Jeanette Pollock is a freelance author and website owner. She publishes articles and reports in various ezines and also contributes on a regular basis to FreeNetPublishing.com.

Types Of Home Siding Material

Kill Roaches Without Killing Your Family!

1. Cockroaches are vile, disgusting creatures that are nearly impossible to kick out of your house or apartment. Cockroaches live all over the world, but they like to live in homes with people where they can snack on your food, damage wallpaper and books, and spread germs to you and your family.

2. If you HAVE cockroaches, follow them and find out where they go. This is easier said than done, however, so you might need to do a little sleuthing. Check all around the house for cracks and holes through which roaches may enter. Roaches may enter through drains or vents. If they do, fill the sink with a bit of water at night. Use caulking to seal cracks and joints around pipes and around cabinetry.

3. Cockroaches will eat almost anything!!!. BE AWARE that tiny particles of food that you may leave on your counter tops will become a banquet for cockroaches and their rapidly multiplying families.

4. Pull the stove and the fridge away from the walls and clean under them regularly.

5. Keep all of your food in sealed containers. Use glass or plastic containers for cereals, sugar, flour and other foods. Put all food away. Keep food containers sealed, and don't leave food out for extended periods -- don't even leave dirty dishes overnight.

6 Keep the kitchen clean. Clean up crumbs and spills promptly, and generally keep the area clean. Clean your range top carefully as cockroaches love grease.

7. Empty trash regularly, and keep trash away from the house.

8. Fix dripping faucets or leaks as cockroaches are attracted to water

9 Prevent bugs from coming up the drain. If you believe that the cockroaches are coming up your drains, pour regular, cheap bleach down the drains before leaving the house in the morning. For a stronger solution, mix 1 part Borax with 3 parts bleach.

10. A simple and effective homemade way to lure and trap roaches is with a jar placed next to a wall, allowing the roaches to get in, but not escape. Any bait can be placed in the jar, including coffee grounds and water, but it also works with just plain water in dryer climates.

11. Move logs, garbage cans, and other debris away from your house. Cockroaches love wood piles and other hiding places. During cold weather they will come inside.

12. Seal any cracks in exterior walls as well as cracks everywhere you can inside your house. This will takes time, but it is worth it because you eliminate most of their favorite hiding/breeding places. You'll need a lot of low toxicity caulking, so use the big tubes with a caulking gun. Fill every crack inside every cabinet; fill the cracks on both sides of floor, door, and window moldings; fill all openings around pipes in bathrooms and kitchens. This makes a big difference and makes the whole house feel cleaner. THIS WILL ALSO HELP SAVE ENERGY!

IF YOUR COCKROACH PROBLEM CANNOT BE SOLVED BY CUTTING OFF THEIR FOOD SUPPLY AND MEANS OF ENTERING YOUR HOME AND YOU DECIDE TO POISON THEM, DO IT WITHOUT POISONING YOUR FAMILY!

13. Hydramethylnon and many other commercial chemicals used to kill cockroaches and other insects are toxic, potentially carcinogenic, persistent in your home environment and JUST SIMPLY MAKE ME NERVOUS TO HAVE AROUND!! THEY ARE VERY TOXIC. These chemicals have so many potential size effects that I believe their risks outweigh their benefits.

14. I believe that Borax is the best solution for controlling insects inside my home when it is a problem. Borax is a POISON!!! USE IT CAREFULLY; KEEP IT AWAY FROM KIDS AND PETS. If you have crawling babies, do not use bromide or borax along baseboards, dust inside the walls.

15. Borax, although a poison, is a component of many detergents, cosmetics, and enamel glazes. Borax, sodium tetraborate decahydrate, is not acutely toxic. This does not mean that it is safe!! It means that a significant dose is needed to cause severe symptoms or death. Simple exposure can cause respiratory and skin irritation. Ingestion may cause gastrointestinal distress including nausea, persistent vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Effects on the vascular system and brain include headaches and lethargy, but are less frequent. "In severe poisonings, a beefy red skin rash affecting palms, soles, buttocks and scrotum has been described. With severe poisoning, erythematous and exfoliative rash, unconsciousness, respiratory depression, and renal failure."

16. A reassessment of boric acid/borax by the United States Environmental Protection Agency Office of Pesticide Programs found potential developmental toxicity (especially effects on the testes).

MY COMMON SENSE PRECAUTIONS TO HANDLE BORAX INCLUDE WEARING GLOVES, GOGGLES AND AN N95 DUST MASK ON. DO NOT BREATHE IT IN! DO NOT EAT IT! Wash hands after handling.

17.. Borax does not evaporate like many commercial insecticides and pesticides which makes it a better choice to kill cockroaches, ants and fleas than other more volatile materials which will expose all of the members of your household to their chemical vapors.

18. I take a small disposable plastic food container (like Tupperware) and I drill some one quarter inch diameter holes in it. I put about 20g of a mixture of 5g borax, 10g Flour and 5 g cocoa into the Tupperware and I hot glue it closed in case the kids or animals do get at it. I put this "cockroach bait" into cupboards and drawers where there is evidence of cockroaches after I attach child proof locks. This provides an extra precaution I think makes sense.

Friday, May 22, 2009

Good Orange County Contractors

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

Home Organization Books

Pebble Shower Tiles - Quickly Remodel Your Bathroom!

Pebble Shower Tiles may be easily used in practically any home surface. These nature-made panels are so versatile that they can easily stimulate your creativeness providing you countless remodeling ideas and opportunities. Read the following review and find out how you can quickly remodel any surface at home.

Short overview

Pebble Shower Tiles are created by assembling together unified naturally polished stones that are organized and then mounted onto a standard sq/ft mesh backing. Quick research on these natural tiles reveals that most of them are originated from the stone-rich seashores of S.E Asia. The fact that this tiling method is so easy and practical enables you to redecorate almost anywhere: Bathroom surfaces, kitchens, backsplash covering, patio floors, decks, pools, and even wine cellars.

Quick advantages

Going down to the bottom line we notice the following benefits:

* Easily installed over existing surfaces such as old ceramics or plain concrete.

* Their surfaces are flush and, in fact, are safer to walk on than most conventional hard flooring as they offer more traction to prevent slipping.

* Easily adjusted to almost any surface size especially when it comes to tiling around taps and small narrow areas.

Tips!

* Most recommended grout is sanded grout - it is suitable for both internal and external use.

* When you prepare the grout avoid adding too much water in the initial mix - that additional water can result in weak grout that can flake.

* Laminate the stones with a sealer prior to installation - it'll protect it from liquids, dirt and detergents transforming it even more durable.

Article summary

Pebble Shower Tiles remodeling easily opens your imagination as the possibilities for adding beauty and value to your home are endless. We could count other important advantages provided by this fun & easy remodeling option, simply because it is versatile like no other tiling method available today. Should it be your first time installation, it is recommended to look at these tips and advices just as you are ready to begin with installation.

Get creative! - Learn more about how you can easily decorate any surface at home with Pebble Shower Tiles

Rafter Connection To Ceiling

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Remodeling Your House Through Windows and Throws

Everyone will be interested in making your house or living area look brand new. You may lack the finance needed to paint the walls or replace the fixtures. But windows and throws can give your home a new look. Windows and throws are great ways to give a bright, cool new look to a dull room. An elegant selection of windows and throws will complement and enhance home decor and provides beautiful and affordable home design. It probably makes more sense to begin remodeling the room you spend most of your time.

Exterior windows and doors are essential elements of every home, protecting it from the elements and the damage that sun, heat, cold, wind, and moisture can cause. There are different new technology windows available now-a-days. Some of them are bow/bay window, casement window, awning window, Marvin Windows, Double-Hung Windows, Fixed Windows, Etch-Designed Windows, storm windows, Round-Top Windows, Slider Windows, geometric window, Solar Windows, etc.

Using storm windows not only gives a new look but also helps your home stay insulated in winter and also gives protection against summer storms. Storm doors and windows add to the protection and energy efficiency of your home. They give your home added protection during wet, windy, and extreme weather. The type of glass, number of panes, and materials used in the design and manufacture of the storm windows and doors are of efficient quality.

They can also add aesthetic value to your home, providing great views of the outdoors and access to natural light. Innovative window system like the Boman Kemp Basement Window System allows natural light and ventilation to reach every corner of a basement.

The system includes a steel window frame that is mounted into the foundation, high quality double insulated vinyl basement windows, a large window well with attached ladder, a steel window well grate to allow foot and other traffic, and a plastic window well cover. Windows that have two layers of glass are best, ideally with argon gas between the layers.

A wide variety of window frames and window accessories and window treatments are also available. A range of high quality window decoration clings can be used to brighten the home, school, kinder, library or workplace. Window framing material makes the greatest difference in the cost of replacement windows. They are available from least to most expensive ones. The window framing material may be aluminum, vinyl and wood. Hand-painted faux lead light window clings & sun-catchers are a great way to brighten your windows. Hand paint window clings/decals can be used to decorate windows.

Hand-woven throws add a level of comfort and brings rich beauty into your daily living room. The throws are very affordable, and hence can be changed more often. The choices range from different fabrics, styles, designs and colors. They are available in floral and stripes, and backgrounds of solid colors. The fabrics include silk, cotton, lace or velvet.

Adding a new color to your old windows or replacing your windows and throws with new models can give your room a completely new appearance. Changing your windows and throws is probably the easiest of any home decorating idea. New windows and throws give an elegant view to your home, lighten the home and add the look of grandeur and warmth from the outside and inside. Besides getting a creatively remodeled home, elegant windows and throws provide an aesthetic pleasure to you and your guests.

Moisture on Windows

Diagnosis:

It is difficult to completely eliminate moisture on existing windows. Inefficient windows (e.g., single pane with aluminum frames) or high moisture with inadequate ventilation can result in condensation, frost, or pools of water on windows and sills. Moisture in the air condenses when it touches a cold surface. (The same effect causes a glass of ice tea to "sweat" on a hot humid day.) Continued excess moisture can lead to mold, mildew, and deterioration of your windows and sills.

Prescription Checklist:

To reduce humidity levels in your home:

- Use ventilation fans in kitchens and baths to control moisture.

- Your clothes dryer should be vented directly to the outside. Inspect the vent duct. Make sure it is attached securely to the dryer. Check that it is clear of obstructions (e.g. lint). Check for holes that leak air. If vent duct is damaged replace it with a metal duct. The vent duct should be cleaned at least once a year. The Consumer Products Safety Commission additional safety tips for dryer vents.

- If you have single pane windows, especially with metal frames, install storm windows or consider replacing your existing windows with ENERGY STAR labeled windows.

- If you can't afford to add storm windows or replace your windows now purchase and install a shrink film or polyethylene sheet, window insulation kit from a home center or hardware store.

- If you have a humidifier, check it regularly for proper operation. It could be adding too much moisture to your indoor air.

Samehta is a Copywriter of Houston home remodeling. She has written many articles in various topics such as Houston kitchen remodeling. For more information visit: http://www.allphaserenovations.com Contact her at allphase.articles@gmail.com

Split Stair Balusters

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Build Your Own Sauna - What You Need To Know First

It can be easier than you think to build your own sauna. With some basic carpentry skills and a little specialized understanding you can be relaxing in your own home sauna in no time at all.

There are a few important decisions to be made to be sure you end up with the sauna that best fits your situation. One consideration is how much work you want to put into the building of your sauna. There are prebuild units that are delivered to your door and literally take only a few minutes to set up. You can also get precut kits that take longer to construct but give you a more custom sauna when finished. The ultimate is to build your own sauna from scratch. Even this method is not as difficult as you might expect. The costs tend to go down considerably as you add more and more of your own elbow grease.

Another concern is the location. Should your sauna be inside or out, attached or freestanding? This may depend on whether you are in a rural or city environment. Locating near a water source is also important. If you are outside this can be a lake or pond to jump into. For indoor saunas a nearby shower can be used to rinse off. In either case before you start building think about getting water to your sauna. Along with a convenient way to rinse off it is nice to have an area to change into and out of sauna apparel. Benches for sitting on while removing clothes and hooks for hanging them are a great feature.

Deciding how you will heat your sauna is a major decision. Conventional saunas are heated with either wood, electric or gas heaters. Any of these can be used dry or wet depending on whether you sprinkle water on the heated rocks or not. Some people like it dry and some prefer wet, it comes down to personal tastes. Before deciding which kind of stove you want think about getting fuel to your heater. Wood may be difficult to acquire in the city but electric or gas hookups may be impractical in more remote areas. Costs can vary greatly depending on the brand and type of stove you get. A relatively new (compared to the 2000+ year history of saunas) type of sauna is the infrared sauna. These use infrared emitting lights to penetrate and heat your skin. It is a little like your microwave oven in that the food (you) is heated but the surrounding air is not. Infrared saunas are always dry. Because of the complexity of installing and correctly positioning the infrared wave emitters I suggest you buy a prebuilt model if you go with infrared.

There are a few special concerns that distinguish building a sauna from other conventional frame construction. Moisture is a concern. There should be a vapor barrier to keep the heat and steam from escaping. Any electrical connections need to be protected from excessive moisture. Ventilation is necessary to keep the oxygen level up and if done right it will also help to evenly distribute the heat.

All in all building a sauna is not an overwhelming task. If you can do some basic framing and simple finished woodworking you are well on your way to building your own sauna that can be enjoyed for years to come.

Mike Hirn has been a sauna enthusiast for many years and his website provides a wealth of information about building, using and enjoying home saunas.

http://www.the-home-sauna-center.com

Sunday, May 17, 2009

How to Use Stones in Building Your Home and Getting Acquainted to Its Various Effects

You can use various materials in building your home, at the same time making sure that they look beautiful at all times. The outside of your home is just as important as the interiors. Building a home, is not about making sure that only one part is a beauty. If it is your home, you will definitely ensure that every room, every side or every angle can be functional at the same time appeals to your eye.

The way you mix and match materials in your home is one of the main factors in making your home look great at all times. From traditional home designs to modern architecture, it has always been a practice that the proper calculations of the sizes and the effect of the materials are considered. One of the famous materials used in homes are stones.

Stone creates a natural look in your homes. It is usually used as part of the walls. It can have a smooth finish or it can be slightly textured to emphasize its nature. Nowadays, its color also varies to add a modern touch on its final effect. Buildings, hotels and other establishments, use them to give a professional look. Therefore, this means, using this kind of material is not longer primitive. In fact, it is already innovative.

One of the greatest uses of stones is a pool finish. Yes, it has an important role in creating effects on the waves of the water or even its colors. Definitely, they are always even and smooth. You do not want to have a rough surface to step on right. Definitely, this finish has an effect in bringing the all elements together to make your backyard look lovely. Whether day or night, with a combination of lighting, these materials create a lovely effect that can surely give a WOW effect to your homes. For whatever kind of occasion you are planning to celebrate in your homes, your pool can be the centerpiece of your party themes.

Stones are also famous for creating great walkways. They create a good contrast to your plants and flowers. It is gives you this country effect and just being surrounded with anything-natural gives a breathtaking scene for your homes. Cobblestones are one of the common designs that we see everywhere. On top of that, do you know that walking on cobblestones can be healthy? If you have read an article published by USA Today last July 2005, a survey was conducted and it showed that people who walked on these paths have lowered their blood pressure. This additional thought can help you push on going for this material in making those walkways. The added functionality can be a great health benefit for your family.

You see those things that you just see with the dirt, have great effects for walls, pool finishes and even walkways. Stones can be tweaked according to what is popular nowadays. It can bring nature inside your homes or even enhance what is outside. Smooth finish, textured, all natural, you name it; it is possible.

Chris Turley is a consultant for Wet Edge Technologies, supplying a wide variety of pool finishes with industry leading technology to support them.

Walkways Books

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Best Methods to Protect Your Home During a Building Project

If you are a homeowner and undergoing renovation in your house, you must have noticed the debris, paint stains and other things scattered around the house along with the heavy machinery being used which contribute to destroying the furniture, paint, and other valuables in the house.

As an owner if you are living in the house during the building period, you need to be proactive about making sure that there is no damage occurring to your house or to valuables in your house which may require extra money and time to get fixed later on. You can take a few precautions to keep yourself safe from facing this situation by following the tips below:

1. Start the renovation process from one room or region at a time. If the entire project is started together, you will lose access to most of the house. Moreover, getting things done regionally is simpler, especially if you are living in the house while the renovation is being done. The region where the work is happening should be sealed off from the rest of the house to prevent dust from spreading everywhere. Close all doors and windows, and tape plastic over them. Make sure you also cover vents, grates, and heating ducts.

2. Shift everything that can be easily moved from the building area. This may include removing appliances, kitchen accessories, personal items and toys as well as small furniture etc. Cover everything left in the area with sheets, and invest in the temporary protective materials to protect them during the building process. You can get foam for door frames and railings, as well as adhesive sheets for floors, windows, worktops, and other surfaces. These will prevent any damage from happening which may occur as a result of another heavy object hitting them while being moved, or from paint getting all over them during a paint job.

3. Put a damp mat outside the door leading to the building area to catch the dust from the dirty shoes that would otherwise track dust into the house. You can also ask the builders to lightly mist the surfaces before they start work to reduce the amount of dust that may rise in the air.

4. If you have a garden, cover it with a drop cloth to save it from debris and damage. Furthermore, this will keep lead from getting into the soil. Set up boundaries that you want the builders to avoid by marking them with tape. Make sure you tell them to keep any supplies they get away from this area. This will go a long way in protecting your garden.

5. Make sure, the workers clean the work site at the end of the day so you can use it in the evening. Collect all the debris and throw it away every day to prevent it from piling up.

Protecting your home during a building project is not very difficult if you plan beforehand, and make sure that the builders follow your instructions. By following these tips you can keep your home in perfect condition even while it is undergoing renovation.

Temporary Protection - Protec

Resolving Home Remodeling Anxiet

Muscle Building Facts

Lots of people today are lifting weights with the aim of building muscle. However there are more informed people who are aware of the best methods of bulking up. Due to this high degree of information and advice available, it has been simpler to gain weight and build muscle. But is very essential you be aware of what you are doing prior to lifting weights.

Fact 1

The most crucial part of muscle building is to select an exercise schedule that is most suitable for your body type. Each person's body and muscles show varying reactions to the exercises, hence selecting the one that matches your requirements is the sole bulking method for you.

Fact 2

Avoid following the advice and tips given in bodybuilding magazines. These magazines cater to a broad range of readers. The advice and information they provide is meant to assist to a large section of the readers, but not to all of them.

Fact 3

Hardgainers can also suffer from weight gain and muscle as others do. Many hardgainers who have trouble gaining weight and put on muscle mass on their bodies may disagree. But the cause of their failure is that they are not using a schedule appropriate for them.

If a hardgainer uses a haphazard schedule, it may be ineffective for them. If they follow a routine meant for strong people, it will lead to overtraining and thus make them weaker and make the body prone to disease and injury. Their muscles need long to recover than others do, so they require a schedule that permits additional healing period.

To learn more visit http://bodybanao.com/muscle-building-facts/

You are welcome to republish the above article only if you add our hyperlinked URL.

Stud Spacing And Wall Framing

Home and Building Restoration - An Efficient Means to Preserve Your Investment

Money is getting harder and harder to come by these days and people should avoid unnecessary waste of funds. Losing value of one's property, be it a house, a condominium or a building because of neglect is one of the most common ways people lose out on their investments. Regular maintenance will decrease serious problems and structural damage to a house or building over the course of time.

Aside from increasing the value of your investment, regular maintenance and renovation to old real estate will add to your enjoyment of your dwelling. If you're using your property to generate income by renting it out, home and building maintenance done regularly will give you the privilege to keep your rates high.

The maintenance schedules for the different aspects of your property vary from monthly to every 6 months. Plumbing in your bathrooms and kitchens should be checked for problems every month as water damage can easily arise from leaks and clogs. The ovens, heating system and smoke detectors should be checked for proper operation every month also to avoid accidents and disasters due to equipment failure.

Every 3 to 4 months, the lawn or garden area should be rid of dead branches and other debris that can attract termites and other insects that can cause infrastructure damage. Making sure foliage and landscaping is in good appearance can also do a lot in preserving the value of your property. Intake filters for airconditioning units should also be checked for dirt and debris every 3 months to avoid overload and high energy consumption. The same thing goes with the refrigerator's condensers. The attic area should be checked quarterly as well. Drafts or holes in the wall can lead to bigger electric bills or further damage to walls and ceilings.

The roof which is the part of your property that protects you and your prized possessions from the elements should be maintained twice a year. Missing shingles or leaks should be taken care of right away. Drainage for rainwater should be free-flowing and devoid of drips or clogs. Blocked gutters and downspouts in roofs will eventually lead to water going into the structure and this is always a bad thing. Walls should be checked every six months as well for deterioration of cement, wood rot or paint peeling. This goes the same for the basement area. Dampness and termites can cause a great deal of damage undetected in dark, hard to access places if left unchecked.

Remodeling one's home is also a good way of adding value to real estate. It can also solve any issues with boredom or dullness when you've gotten tired of the appearance or ambience of your abode. Remodeling can be anything from repainting some rooms to change the mood or setting, to a complete structural renovation that requires a change in the layout of the house or building's floor plan.

When the job is as big and complicated as the latter, hiring the services of a contractor would be the best thing to do. Remodeling, if you lack experience and the technical know-how can be stressful and time-consuming. A good contractor can actually save you money and avoid cost overruns by giving you a clear picture of how big your budget should be, based on what you want to change in your property. They can also do the job faster by choosing the right materials for the job and take care of the necessary paperwork (some construction projects actually need permits), giving you time to go about your life- go to work and earn money or take a vacation while work is going on.

Maintaining a home checking for leaks and doing light troubleshooting can be done without the help of a contractor. Most light painting and leaky plumbing can be done with the help of a good DIY manual and the proper tools. Building maintenance however, unless you have the manpower for it is a totally different story. Major renovation and regular building maintenance necessitates the need to hire professional help.

Jo is an author and publisher for 'EBL Group Limited' (http://www.eblgroup.co.uk), a family controlled, award winning and skilled home and commercial builders stationed in Runcorn Cheshire. If you are searching for builders runcorn who are professionals in overall construction, maintenance and property improvement or have home and industrial upgrading and repairs requirement then you ought to take a look at EBL Group.

Painting A French Door

Friday, May 15, 2009

Repairing a Leaking Toilet

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

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

How To Choose the Right Contractor

Step 1 - Organize your Ideas

One of the most important steps before you begin meeting with Contractors to work up estimates is to educate yourself about the work you want to have completed. The internet, library, neighbors, etc. are all good places to start.

Your goal is to get several estimates or bids that are all based on the same scope of work; apples to apples if you will. You have to be able to provide the Contractor with enough information so they can prepare an estimate that meets your goals and you must provide each Contractor with the same scope of work. If not, the pricing that you get from each Contractor will be very difficult to interpret which could slow you down and ultimately cost you more money. The last thing you want is a Contractor that is going to "Change Order" you until your pocket book has dried up. So, try to finalize as many of the details as possible.

This means that you, the Homeowner, must put all of your ideas and scope on paper including photocopies of pictures, any layouts, designs, sketches, etc. And never give your originals away because you may not see them again.

Step 2 - Schedule Meetings with Several Contractors

Look for Contractors affiliated with the Better Business Bureau, National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) or any other local building or remodeling association. Look at each Contractors website to see what type of work they perform. What are their specialties? And if they do not have a website, you should be cautious if you decide to contract with them.

As a Contractor myself, when we show up to a job for an initial meeting with a Client, the most organized Homeowners hand us a typed copy of a basic scope of work with copies of any pictures, layouts, designs, sketches, etc. And we love them for it because we know exactly what they want!

During your meetings with each Contractor, hand over your information that you compiled and walk the job with each of them. Be prepared to answer numerous questions. Some will be easy to answer and others may need some additional research on your part. Either way, try to stick with your initial scope of work and do not deviate. You want the bids to be apples to apples and changing the scope during your meeting with the Contractor will only make it more difficult for you to interpret the figures on each bid. You can always adjust the scope after the estimates are gathered and you have narrowed down the potential Contractors.

Ask each Contractor how long it will take them to prepare the estimate and make sure they honor those dates. If they don't, that should be a red flag.

Step 3 - Review & Compare each Bid

This is where your initial homework starts to pay off. Each estimate your receive needs to be in writing and it should have a specific scope of work that mirrors the information that you provided them. And in most cases the estimate will have more detail. If the Contractor's estimate is vague and lacking specific details relating to the work, this is a Contractor that you may want to pass on. If you accept an estimate that does not specifically describe the work that the Contractor is proposing to complete, you are leaving yourself open to costly "Change Orders" at the discretion of the Contractor. It's not a good position for you, as a homeowner, to put yourself in. So keep in mind, it's your responsibility as a homeowner to make sure the Contractor has a complete understanding of the work you want completed and it must be conveyed in writing on the estimate.

Once you have established that each estimate is for the same scope of work, let's now look at each price. When it comes to remodeling, the saying "You get what you pay for" is a good guideline but it definitely doesn't mean that a more expensive bid is your best choice. For example, you could have (2) bids that are somewhat higher than your budget and a lower bid that may be a little less than your budget. Most of us would automatically consider the lowest estimate initially but we have to figure out why that Contractor's bid is much lower than the other two. Below are some questions you need to ask each bidder.

- Did the Contractor omit a portion of the scope of work? If so, have them revise the estimate.
- Does the Estimate include having the Contractor prepare architectural drawings, if necessary?
- Are they using lesser quality materials (paint, cabinets, tile, etc.)?
- How long will it take to complete the work?
- Are they insured with a General Liability policy?
- Can they provide a minimum of 5 to 10 references from previous projects?
- Are permits necessary and if so, is the cost included in the estimate?
- Is the Contractor willing to let you visit several of their jobs?
- What type of Warranty does the Contractor provide?

When it comes to interpreting a bid that may be higher than your budget, you still have to ask all the same questions. And just because the estimate is on the higher end of the spectrum, don't assume that the bid is all inclusive. As a General Contractor, we have bid on and successfully completed several projects and found out later that some of our competitors pricing for the same work was 50-75% higher than ours. This can be attributed to higher overhead as well as a desire for higher profit margins. The bottom line is, you don't have to overpay to get quality service and workmanship.

Step 4 - Select your Contractor

After reviewing all estimates, it's time to narrow down your selections to one or two Contractors. Call their references to see how well they did on previous projects. Did they finish on time? Ask their references about the quality of work and if they would recommend them. Did they keep a clean and safe job-site?

If they are a member of the Better Business Bureau or any other remodeling or construction association, are they in good standing? Try http://www.bbbonline.org to check.

These are all good clues that will give you the inside track as to whether this prospective Contractor will be the right choice for your project. You also need to ask yourself if you feel comfortable with this person and are they willing to openly discuss materials, methods, and details regarding your project?

Step 5 - Execute the written Contract

Most often, the Contractor will provide their own Contract for you to sign. Be sure to read it carefully and do not hesitate to ask any questions for language that may need explanation or clarification. Ask the Contractor how the payment schedule will be put together. Never give a Contractor more than 50% of the contract amount up front. If the Contractor has to purchase a large amount of materials prior to starting work, a payment or draw for the materials is understandable.

The payment schedule (aka Schedule of Values) should be spelled out in the Contract. After a specific portion of work is completed, the Contract will say how much money the Contractor can Invoice you for that work. For example, after all cabinets are installed, the Contractor can request a draw of say $1000 as spelled out in the Contract. After the countertops and tile backsplash are both installed, the Contractor can request the next draw of say $3500 for this work. And, so on. Be sure that the last draw equals 10% of the total contract amount and do not pay this until the Contract is 100% complete. If you give the Contractor their last payment before 100% completion of work, you could have issues with them completing the balance of work in a timely manner.

The following items need to be included in the written Contract:

- Scope of Work
- Design Selections
- If using Architectural Drawings, they need to referenced in the Contract
- Total Dollar Amount of Work
- Construction Schedule
- Detailed Explanation of the Contractor's Warranty
- Payment Draw Schedule

And now you're ready to take on your next renovation. It's going to be challenging, but it doesn't have to be cumbersome. That's why it is so important to do your homework upfront and find the right Contractor that will meet your needs and turn your dreams into reality.

Cheers!

Watermark & Co

http://www.watermarkandco.com

Monday, May 11, 2009

Bathroom Remodeling - Let Your Imagination Bring About Transformation

Throughout the decades the functions of a bathroom have greatly revolved turning it from simply essential to so much more. The changes have been somewhat the answer to the hectic lifestyle of modern people, and are especially needed in the bustling big cities. In the City that Never Sleeps-New York, it definitely pays to be creative in creating a haven of comfort out of your baths. Some imagination integrated into your bathroom remodeling project could give you more than a good boost to your home's value. It could also afford added luxury to your and your loved ones' quality of living.

Depending on your lifestyle and taste, you could recreate your personal space through bathroom remodeling, achieving the most functional and stylish transformation. Typically, it is in the design phase that homeowners get stuck. With the thousands of possible ideas that they could use as inspiration, the task can seem overwhelming. To help you out on this, here are several creative ideas that you can choose from to integrate into your bathroom remodeling:

A Dash of Modernity

Your contemporary home could use a modern bath. If you are a homeowner who wants everything downright functional in a stark, sleek look then this bathroom remodeling style is perfect for you. Organization and surfaces are keys to achieve modernity in the design. Clean lines will give an effect of needed spaciousness. High sheen black counters, stainless steel sinks and features, glass and mirrors would also do great in the design.

Tropical Extravaganza

Wouldn't it be great to be seemingly transported to some tropical resort each opportunity you get to take your time in the bath? Of course.

This bathroom remodeling idea could be realized through using earthly elements. Plants, mini-waterfalls and even some white pebbles could do just the trick. You could even have an open shower if your property could afford you the needed privacy even if your shower area opens up to the heavens.

Asian Invasion

Give in to utter peacefulness and feel the Zen. With a modern Asian bathroom remodeling design, oriental crafts can spruce things up inside your bath. Some of the things that you could implement in your design include jars and other forms of pottery, bamboo walls, and even French doors overlooking a rock garden.

Your Everyday Spa

Wellness and rejuvenation has become more than a therapy thing as it has revolutionized the way people live through its integration in home improvement designs. This bathroom remodeling idea is made possible by innovative spa products that you can find in the market today. From steam showers, to home saunas, whirlpool tubs, to chromatherapy; the options are many. And the best thing about having such is that these products are equipped with state of the art features like radio, telephone, CD player, remote control full-dimensional massages and others.

So which serves as the most tempting way to spend time in the bathroom? But if you can still squeeze out a little more of those creative juices, then by all means do so. Exhaust every possible option to make your bathroom remodeling idea fit your way of living perfectly.

Eugene Makeev has been in the home improvement industry for a while. His skills and expertise, which have been polished through time, are now used to help New York home owners avoid the common bathrooms Staten Island pitfalls by matching their needs with prescreened Bathroom Contractors NYC. Feel free to use our Bathroom Calculator.

Enlightening Findings About Home Inspections

Let's face it: For most people, the subject of home inspections is anything but a fun subject. However, it is an important subject. Increasingly, new home-buyers are required to make sure that their homes are up to a certain standard. Furthermore, it's in your own health interests to make sure that the new house comes up to those standards. So while it might not be terribly exciting, you would be well-advised to learn about this subject.

Back in 2001, a study was conducted by the Market Enhancement Group (or MEG) about home inspections. While that was seven years ago, it's the most exhaustive examination of the subject that has been conducted, before or since. The results of the study were enlightening.

First let's discuss the methodology of the study. It was done through MEG's omnibus poll. This poll consisted of 1,000 phone interviews which were divided equally among four regions of the United States, with 250 persons in each of these regions: the Northeast, the Midwest, the South, and the West. Those who responded to the survey were all U.S. consumers who had bought a house within the 18 months prior to the survey. There was a margin of error in the study of plus or minus 3.4 percent.

Now let's look at who the study found obtained an inspection. According to the study, 77 percent of recent house buyers had gotten a house inspection before they bought their homes. Seventy-nine percent had attended this inspection and participated in it. An astounding 97 percent said they felt the inspection was worth what they paid for it.

Only a tiny fraction -- 23 percent -- of home-buyers said they'd bought a new house without getting an inspection. Of those who did buy one, most selected their inspectors after receiving a recommendation for him or her from their real estate agent (69 percent).

Of those who hired an inspector, 43 percent did so only after their real estate agent suggested they do so; however, the majority, 57 percent, did so of their own volition.

Now let's consider the differences that the survey found according to geographical location. Those buying a new home in the Western region had the highest incidence of hiring a home inspector, at 81 percent. The South follows closely at 80 percent, with the Midwest next at 77 percent and he Northeast Region at 70 percent.

Just at those in the West had the highest incidence of hiring inspector, they also had te highest rate of selecting a home inspector after a real estate agent recommended the person.

However, home-buyers in the South

For home buyers getting a home inspection, the percentage of inspections conducted at their personal request was highest in the South Region (65%) and the West Region (60%), followed by the Midwest Region (53%) and the Northeast Region (47%).

For home buyers getting a home inspection, the percentage of inspections conducted at the real estate agent's request was highest in the Northwest Region (53%).
What this study shows us is that there are a whole lot of people who choose not to have their houses inspected--and of those who do hire an inspector, many do so only after a real estate agent suggests one. This means that many home-buyers are not yet independently convinced of the need for such an inspection. But here are some reasons--and areas of your house--that call for an inspection.

1) A home needs the exterior inspected. If a roof is just now starting to age, then the subtle defects and damages are probably not going to be readily apparent to you, a novice on the subject. They can be found by a qualified inspector, though. Keep in mind that you'll spend several thousand dollars resurfacing a roof if you wait too long. The same holds true for the siding. Finding problems while they're still minor can save you big bucks.

2) A home just as urgently needs the interior inspected. For instance, you don't want to wait until after you've moved in all your furniture to discover that your basement floods easily. It's important to have an inspector check the basement for any clues of possible water intrusion, like a damp odor, mildew, water stains, etc.

Also on the interior, the house should be checked for proper ventilation and insulation. What many people don't understand is that inferior ventilation, particularly in the attic, can actually accelerate the deterioration of your roof deck. This can cost a lot of money to fix, if you wait too long.

The interior inspection would also include a check of the paint surface, to make sure it does not contain lead paint.

3) And finally, a house needs to have its electrical work and plumbing inspected. You need a qualified inspector to check for problems such as over fused circuits, burned wiring, poor wiring connections, amateur-installed wiring, openings in the wall where a young one could put his or her fingers, and dead-ended / exposed wiring.

As for plumbing, you need an inspector who can look for old lead pipes or galvanized steel ones. Replacing bad ones could be costly. Naturally, he'll also look for leaks and, using a moisture meter, he'll evaluate plaster or wall board suspected of having damage caused by leaks. Many plumbing issues are not clearly visible to the average house-owner, which is why it's so essential to have a professional--one who knows where to look and what to look for -- do it for you.

There are many other responsibilities for a professional inspector. However, these are some of the crucial issues, and they are ones that any knowledgeable expert will be able to investigate. Most importantly, they are issues that, if left to an amateur, could result in expensive repairs in the not-too-distant future. Sure, hiring an inspector will cost money--but it's quite likely that it will save you more than it costs.

Olympian Civil Home and Building Inspections (866) 476-2056
Copyright 2008 Olympian Civil Home and Building Inspectors,
2008 All Rights Reserved

Please visit my inspection mega-site for more information about my full service home inspection and environmental testing company. We service Brooklyn, Queens, New York, Manhattan, Staten Island, Nassau County, Yonkers and the Bronx. You may also wish to visit my learning library which is packed with great tips and advice for buyers, sellers and homeowners alike. Lastly, you can also take advantage of my VIP referrals for vendors in over 50 home related trades, where your satisfaction is assured and the inspection of vendors completed workmanship or products is conducted on your behalf for free; visit my site for more details or call toll free 866-476-2056.

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