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.
Checking The Level Floor FramingThis day and age homeowners have many choices when faced with a structural foundation problem. The choices include helical piles, push piers, helical tie-back anchors and plate anchors. Each one of these solutions should only be implemented under the supervision of a qualified engineer and foundation repair contractor. Foundation repair is not a do-it-yourself home improvement project. Intimate knowledge of structures, soils and available products are necessary requirements before repair design can be implemented.
Homeowners must educate themselves to keep ignorant or slick talking salespeople from selling them a bill of goods. Many times the salesman does not represent all of the products that your structure may need to completely solve your foundation repair needs. If he only does waterproofing he will, at best, only slow down or prevent further problems. If he is only a pier guy, he may not have the knowledge of what caused the problem (i.e. water). This is why contacting a qualified foundation engineer is a form of checks and balances to allow for the best possible solution.
Foundation engineers will give you a written assessment of your structure including a recommended procedure to solve your homes issues. This evaluation is conducted on site and usually takes over an hour to complete. The written assessment involves an examination of the interior and exterior of the home, interior floor elevations, load calculations and recommendations on repair methods. The written report should include an imprint of his seal with the date and signature across the seal. Many times the engineer will recommend a foundation repair specialist, that he has worked with before, in his report.
You first must understand what different foundation repair methods can and cannot do to determine if they are the correct method of repair for your home. There is no such thing as one size fits all in foundation repair. Each has their place and their benefits, so make sure that the tool that you pick is the correct one for your job.
Resistance piers, also known as push piers, steel piers and Micropiles. This type of pier is an end-bearing pier that does not rely upon, nor requires, skin friction to produce support. Each pier is field load tested after it is installed. The piers are able to develop a factor of safety because the piers are installed and load tested individually using the weight of the structure as the reaction force. Unlimited lifting capability is offered in continuous lift systems. These lifts should only be performed with a manifolded hydraulic system using single or double acting hydraulic cylinders.
Steel push piers are best suited to any structural problem that requires a large lift. No other system is as suited for these large lifts. Due to the fact that these resistance piers are an end bearing pier, thus developing their support from solid contact on a load bearing stratum. Continuous lift type steel piers are the best of the steel resistance piers due to the fact that they can support and lift a structure to unlimited heights.
Helical piers are an ideal choice when you are supporting or lifting a light structure. They are the ideal choice for light structures due to the fact that they do not need the structures weight to advance into the soil. Helical anchors are screwed in the soil with a hydraulic torque motor as opposed to be pressed into the soil like steel push piers. Like the resistance piers you should only lift the structure with a manifolded hydraulic system using single or double acting hydraulic cylinders.
Helical piers consist of a shaft fabricated from either solid square steel bar or tubular steel. Welded to the shaft are one or more helical plates. Typically the plate diameters increase from the bottom of the shaft upward and vary in thickness from 3/8" to ". The torque required to install the anchor correlates to their capacity. When used to support or lift light weight structures, helical piers are an excellent choice, due to their many benefits. These benefits include the ability to be quickly installed with little or no disturbance to the site and soil removal is unnecessary, they don't require a reaction force and are extremely versatile in their applications.
While steel resistance piers and helical torque anchors are excellent choices for supporting sinking foundation elements, helical tie-back anchors and plate anchors are just as able to support or straighten concrete or block walls. When a basement wall or retaining wall bows inward one must resist this inward movement to maintain the integrity of the structure. If such a system is not installed catastrophic consequences are forthcoming.
Tie-back anchors and plate anchors resist the lateral soil and water forces exerted on basement and retaining walls. While both systems have different advantages they both provide the same function. They use the surrounding stable soils to resist the pressures of unstable consolidating soils near the foundation.
While one or more of these systems my be needed to fix your foundation problem, understanding each method is the key to determining the solution that best fits your situation. The hiring of a foundation engineer is the most effective method of making this determination.
About the Author:
Jeff Tully invites you to view his website http://www.myfoundationrepairs.com if you are having any foundation issues including bowing walls, cracks in your foundation or any type of settlement issue. On this website you will find the truth about foundation repair methods and what you should expect. There are many misconceptions about foundation piers or tie backs, get the straight answers here.
This site was designed and built with the homeowner in mind is the only true source for foundation repair and waterproofing information. From determining if you really have a structural issue to hiring an engineer or foundation expert, you will find the answers on my site.
Holes In Floor JoistWhat do you want from your bathroom?
Do you want it to be more than clinically cold and merely functional? The trend today is towards making bathrooms a warm, friendly place to be, a place where you don't mind spending a fair amount of time in. Lets face it, we all have to use the bathroom sooner or later and it's probably the most used room in the house.
If you are planning to remodel your bathroom you should try to provide an experience for the users of the room and that includes yourself. Try to think beyond the simple utility of being a place to wash in.
How ambitious is your bathroom-remodeling project?
When you remodel your bathroom a lot will depend on how much space you have available and how extensive you want your bathroom remodel to be. When I remodeled my bathroom it all started because I dropped something into the bathtub and cracked it. That meant that the bath had to be replaced but I could have stopped there instead of taking the opportunity to replace everything, rearrange the bathroom and add a shower cubicle. Oh yes and I spent a lot of money too.
You don't have to be that ambitious
As long as your bathroom fittings are in working order you don't need to replace them. There is a lot you can do by adding storage space to get things off the floor, replace some tiling that may have seen better days. Giving the place a simple coat of paint can work wonders also. Even if you do need to replace some items like I did then replacing it with a similar item in the same position can be a lot cheaper than a full blown remodel.
How about a few plants?
If you have the space in your bathroom you might like to add a few pot plants here and there. They can hide the more drab aspects of your bathroom and provide a point of interest for anyone using the room. Some people like to talk to plants but don't like others to know that they do so being alone in a bathroom with some nice plants can be very therapeutic.
Think about the lighting
Lighting can make a big difference and adding some nice warm, soothing light that makes you feel cosy and at home can enhance your experience of the bathroom in a very subtle and pleasant way.
Keep it clean and shiny
Often all a bathroom needs is a good clean. Polish the metal work in the room, the faucets and towel rails etc. Make sure that you remove all the lime scale that has built up over the years. Clean the tiles on the walls so that they gleam like new. Do all this and keep it all clean by going over it once a week. It can make your bathroom look as good as if you'd done a complete bathroom remodel. It's also quicker, a lot less stressful and will save you loads of money.
What to do if you're thinking of a more ambitious bathroom remodel
If you've got plenty of money, time and enthusiasm then you may want to do something a bit more radical than simply clean or paint your bathroom. The article href="http://www.bathroomsremodeling.this-info.com/bathroom-remodeling-idea.php">Bathroom Remodeling Idea - How to get inspiration will give you some inspiration on how to get started on a more ambitious project.
Steve is an engineer and writes for http://www.bathroomsremodeling.this-info.com He remodeled his own bathroom recently Do it yourself bathroom remodeling
Fungus On Roof ShinglesSo you have been thinking about decorating your bathroom for a while now or you have just started thinking about it well let me tell you now one of the best ways forward in your quest to make your bathroom look as good as possible is to user bathroom tiles to get the effect you want and the great look and feel you may have in mind.
Bathroom tiles are a great way to keep your bathroom looking good and keeping clean at the same time, there is such a big range of tiles out there that you should not be stuck for options to choose from other than if you are stuck trying to decide which one looks better than the rest. No matter what size or shape your bathroom is you are still going to be able to find the perfect design for you.
There are so many different styles, shapes and sizes that bathroom tiles are available in so that you can make a whole host of different design so you are able to be as unique as you like. You are going to be able to find bathroom tiles that are available for your floors or your walls as well as finding tiles that will look great on either or even both.
Remember if you do decide to use bathroom tiles in your bathroom you are not restricted to just using them, many people decorate only certain parts of their bathrooms with tiles for example behind and around a shower or a bath, these usually give off really good looking walls. One thing I must point out at this stage though is if your bathroom is not very big then you are more than likely better off tiling the whole bathroom as small patches of tiles may not look that great. But by all means you can try it just make sure that you are able to rectify the look if it is not the one you want in the end.
Also when you are thinking about installing bathroom tiles you are going to need to consider the tile material, if you are looking for a easy to fit and easily maintainable tile then I would definitely recommend going for the ceramic type. This is because they are easy to install and they can put up with the most abuse without giving up on you. Natural stone tiles are a good way forward but they are by no means going to be the best bathroom tiles for the job.
Natural stone tiles do require a lot more attention than ceramic tiles do, this is because they need to be sealed before any use comes to them as they can potentially get stained which will result in a ruined tile.
One other thing about installing bathroom tiles is that you must have them grouted which brings in another possible issue which is the fact that they can go mouldy, there are techniques that you can use to stop this happening but that will not be covered in this article.
You will want to make sure that your bathroom walls are as smooth and flat as possible so that once you have finished installing them you will not be able to see any issues with the wall which you do not want with bathroom tiles as it can ruin your whole project.
Find more information on Bathroom Tiles
Wood Ceiling Beam RepairWhen people are looking for a change in there kitchen, most look to their cabinets. They're the largest items in your kitchen, and the most prominent. They can either seem like a beautiful addition, or an ugly eye sore that hampers the rooms beauty. However replacing your cabinets is a very expensive solution, for something very simple you'll be lucky if you find something for under $5000 dollars.
You may be thinking that, you could just resurface your kitchen, however, even though that costs a little less if you do it yourself, still requires a lot of work. when resurfacing, you generally have to sand, the surface of your cabinets at least five times just to get the proper finish which is OK, if you don't have a lot of cabinet space. But when your sanding every surface of an entire cabinet, it can get a little tedious.
An easy way to completely change the look of your kitchen is to add cabinet glass inserts to your cabinets. Glass inserts can provide your kitchen with an entirely new feel, adding that lacking vigor that your kitchen cabinets were missing before. with a little work and some simple tools, you could even install these yourself. The whole kitchen will have a different feel to it, giving you a new kitchen without causing financial burdens. If you ever did want to either resurface or completely remodel your kitchen cabinets, the inserts that you already purchased could easily applied to your future cabinets as well.
Ez-Inserts.com provides you kitchen cabinet glass inserts with the beauty you want, the safety you need and the price you love
There are several ways to harness your own electricity and you're free to mix and match in order to reach your energy freedom goals. No, I'm not recommending that you do any strip mining for coal in your backyard or install a nuclear reactor.
Choices for Alternative Energy Sources
When it comes to providing some or all of your own energy sources you have options, and the viability of these will vary according to where you live. Live out on the open plains? You're a good candidate for windmill type power (wind energy).
If you live in the sun belt (below the Mason-Dixie line), solar power is your ace in the hole. Ideally, you can use a little of all of these to meet your energy demands.
If you happen to have a stream or fast-moving river in your backyard, you might just be able to harness that power to run your air conditioner, juice up your microwave, and heat your water. Let's look at these energy sources in more detail.
Electricity From Wind Energy
Wind is a great energy source because it's almost always in motion to some extent. And once you've got those big wind turbines set up and spinning, you're money ahead. Take that, electrical company!
This kind of power is generated using blades, like a fan, mounted on a pole, and incorporated with a wind turbine. The rotational power turns the turbine and converts this energy into electricity. To be most effective, many turbines are connected together on a "turbine farm."
Location of Wind Turbine Farms
These farms are usually situated on plains or beaches. Recently, plans have been made to install floating farms in the gulf of Mexico off the Texas coast. But for you, just stick them in your backyard. If anything, you might catch some flack from your homeowner's association.
Although wind power is "free" as far as the raw material fee goes, there are still construction and operating costs involved. And, since a wind turbine presents a pretty large target, it is considered to be a vulnerable asset during a hurricane or tornado.
Using Solar Power for a Residential Energy Supply
Solar energy is an even more predictable source of energy than wind. Even in the dog-dead still days of summer the sun shines, and even in the winter when the mercury drops, light energy is light energy. Solar panels also offer a smaller footprint than wind turbines.
They can either be mounted on a pole outside your home or simply laid on the roof of your home. And who sees it there? It might even keep some of that heat from entering your attic.
The Cost of Solar Power Panels
Solar panels may sound expensive, and believe me, they are, but when all things are considered, the bite isn't really as bad as the bark. The main manufacturers (which you should use because in this case, a good track record and reputation are gold) are General Electric, Kyosera, Evergreen Spruce, British Petroleum, Sunteck, and Sharp.
These companies are very competitive so the pricing structure is fairly level. As a baseline, for a panel that converts the sun's energy into 200 Watts will run you between $800 and $1000 plus your labor.
One of the upsides of this is that once it's installed you won't see it on the local power company bill. The other upside is that you will qualify for state and federal government tax deductions. Be sure to check your local details.
Using Running Water as an Energy Source
OK, granted that this option isn't much used by any but the most adventurous DIY homeowners. But if you're handy, you can put this together. You'll need a paddle wheel and you'll have to attach it to to a turbine, similar to the one used in wind energy generation.
You've likely seen plenty of these kind of set-ups in movies, but used to grind grains rather than turn a turbine. But the basic concept is basically the same.
How Does it All Work?
Your system will generate the electricity and store it in wet batteries. As you know, wet batteries are a direct current (DC) storage medium. Homes run on alternating current (AC), so something must be done to make the conversion.
You'll need a converter, or more properly called, an power inverter. Kyrosera does market one with their panels as a selling point. The batteries in the system are called deep-cycle batteries. This is unlike your car's battery which is a shallow-cycle battery.
The difference here is that a deep-cycle battery provides a steady low output of electricity whereas your car's battery needs a big jolt when starting and then charges steadily as you drive.
Can You be a Stand-Alone Energy Provider for Yourself?
Probably not. Whether you use wind, water, or the sun to provide raw material for electricity, nature itself is not going to be as consistent as a power plant burning gas or coal. The solution? Tie into the local power grid.
When you have less power than you need, buy some. When you have more, sell some; although they won't give you the same price they charge you.
You'll have to ensure the power company that you're power is compatible with theirs. It's important to be compatible with both their frequency and sinusoidal waveform. You will also have to be sure that when conventional power in your neighborhood is experiencing an outage, you're not feeding electricity into the lines. You might fry a lineman working on the system!
Copyright 2007-2008 Kelly Smith All rights reserved. This article may be reprinted by notifying the author.
Kelly R Smith is a freelance writer and a journeyman carpenter. He is a strong advocate of homeowner DIY and is the owner/Webmaster of http://www.icanfixupmyhome.com and may be contacted there.
If you are new to financing real estate development you'll have to change your thinking. No doubt you are very familiar the 15 to 30 year mortgage finance tool.
You may even have used a 'Line of Credit' as an alternative way of financing as you increase you cash wealth. Both of these methods are used primarily for financing real estate property acquisitions.
I can hear some of you say, "But I used these for redeveloping a house or a few apartments."
Well that is not what we, in the development world, mean when we say real estate development; we call that a renovation or a refit.
So financing real estate development is financing a completely new development and mortgage financing is not the correct tool for the job.
So How Do They Differ?
The easiest way is to give you a quick comparison between a mortgage financing and financing real estate development.
With a mortgage you essentially are buying property; be it land or a residential house on land, or an apartment ... and you are buying it to own for the long term; that is 15 to 30 years.
When financing real estate development you are looking at financing an entire project, of which the land is one tangible part and the other part comprise building Plans.
At completing of the project you plan to sell all of what you have created and repay the financial institution what you borrowed for financing real estate development.
You might ask, "What if I want to keep some of what I have created and not sell everything? Great question.
The answer is simple. All the money you get from the sales of your product is paid back to the financial institution and you then take out a long term mortgage for the product you want to own long term.
Just to be clear on that point
All of the products you sell will include a profit. So by careful calculation and planning you can balance the number of products you retain, so that your profit is left as equity in the investment and the amount of mortgage borrowing is minimal.
Depending on your taxation rules in your country, leaving money in the investment as suggested, is a way of not 'realizing' your profit in a cash form and so attracting tax. But naturally you should check out your local tax laws.
Now back to financing real estate development.
As mentioned earlier, you are not just buying land when financing real estate development. You are asking the financial institution to approve the purchase of the land, as well as the construction of the whole project.
To arrive at the position where you can make a Financing Real Estate Development Application, you will need a set of approved development plans, costings and a Real Estate Development Feasibility Study.
Many people who want to get into the development business, make the mistake of finding and buying land 'first" and borrowing mortgage financing, which is what they are used to doing.
Only to find out later that they will have to discharge the mortgage and borrow the correct funds for financing real estate developments all of which costs money.
This can be taught to you the right way!
For access to the only BILLION DOLLAR property developer's products on the web visit the link below. A true leader always wants to give back, and that is what you have here. A billion dollar developer who is whiling to share his knowledge with you. These products are true blue prints to success in all forms of property development, from residential to commercial to land subdivision. You will not be told how to do it, you will be shown how to do it! Visit the link below
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Stair building tips for installing lights and decking, handrail tips and some deck advice.
For more helpful home improvement information visit: http://www.gregvan.com
House Attic BooksYou wouldn't pick the low bidder to do plastic surgery on you, so why pick a fly-by-night operator to give your home a facelift?
Picking a home improvement contractor is a lot like picking a roommate, you're going to have to live with them for a while, so you had better pick someone you can get along with and trust. Here's a few pointers:
Know what you want going in: If you already know exactly what you want and can communicate that to them, that allows the contractor to tell you how he or she will complete your project.
If they sound knowledgeable about your specific requirements - knows how to install hardwood floors, is familiar with the type of window frames you want, etc. - it's a good bet that he or she is a reliable professional. Conversely, if they give you the deer in headlights look when you discuss the advantages of a floating floor, you might want consider going with someone else.
Do further research: The more you know about the project you want to undertake, the better you'll be able to direct them. Also, knowing what's up will also make it harder for your home improvement contractor to pad the bill with unnecessary additions or outrageous labor costs. Not that any of them would do that, of course.
Don't believe the advertising: Remember, contractors pay for all those flashy ads and television spots. If you want to find out a their real value, ask for references and a portfolio.
Papers please: Most states have laws requiring contractors to be licensed and bonded. Ask to see their credentials and also check your contractor's certificate of insurance. Contractors in most states are required by law to carry worker's compensation, property damage and personal liability insurance.
Ask questions: Word of mouth is usually the best reference when it comes to contractors. Talk to friends who have recently had work done and also ask other professionals like your plumber or landscaper who they would recommend. Also check with local building inspectors and other public officials involved in construction.
Get legal: Check with your local district attorney's office, the Better Business Bureau, or small claims court to see if any of your potential home improvement contractors are facing any pending litigation. In most jurisdictions, court records are available to the public, and you should be able to see if any judgments have been entered against the contractor for incomplete or shoddy workmanship or shady business practices.
Picking the right home improvement contractor is key to the success of your project. Be informed and be aware and you'll ensure that you get a professional that'll do your home right.
For more information on Home Improvement Contractors
visit our new website http://www.dreamhomeimprovementguide.com
Framing a new wall, anywhere in the home will not be very difficult to do. However, removing an interior wall on the other hand could be an enormous task and create some big problems, especially if you remove a loadbearing wall. A loadbearing wall would be something that is holding up another section of the home, like the roof or the floor.
If you're not removing or moving a wall, framing a new wall is a task that most homeowners with very little skill can do quite easily. Let's start with the basics, most walls are built from 2 x 4 framing lumber, which can be purchased at any lumber yard or home improvement center.
Let's start with measuring the length and the height of the wall. For example let's say that the wall you intend to frame is going to be 8'7" long and 8 foot tall. If I was going to figure the lumber for this wall, or how much material I would need. I would start with some simple arithmetic.
We need one bottom plate and one top plate. This would be the lumber that's going to run horizontal or right to left in our wall. So now we know that we need two pieces that will be 8'7" long and since they only sell lumber in 2 foot increments, our choices will be narrowed down to a couple of 10 foot two by fours.
The height of the wall is 8 foot tall and will require us to buy 8 foot two by fours. Now how many two by fours am I going to need? Most walls require 16 inch on center placement of the vertical two by fours, or in other words the two by fours that go up and down will be spaced 16 inches apart. If I was to divide 16 inches into 8'7", that would require 7 - 8 foot two by fours.
It's pretty simple math and don't forget to convert your measurements into inches to make the job easier. 8'7" can be converted to inches by multiplying the number of feet times 12, 12 times eight and then adding 7 to it will give us 103 inches. We can now divide 16 into 103 inches to give us the amount of vertical two by fours needed to frame our interior wall.
Don't forget there's 12 inches in a foot.
House Wood Damage or Wall Framing Tips
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.
Seamless Metal RoofingColor is a key component in interior design. If you want a beautiful home that has a real "wow factor" then you need to have an understanding of color and how to use it. This article aims to give you an insight into the different types of colors, highlighting those that work well together. It also looks at how to create color schemes that produce the desired 'mood' and suit the particular space. With these tips you'll able to use color with confidence to bring about a really beautiful home.
Color can be broken into 2 categories: Primary - red, yellow and blue; and Secondary-green, violet and orange. The following primary and secondary colors are known as 'complimentary' colors: blue and orange, red and green and yellow and violet. However, in their purest forms these colors combinations will create 'visual discomfort' because they will compete with each other for attention. The most successful way to utilize these color combinations is to use darker or lighter (i.e. toned down) forms of the colors. Another way to use complimentary colors is to introduce small amounts of one of the colors, for example, a few orange accessories in an otherwise blue room.
For a more gentle, less dramatic look you could adopt a 'toning scheme'. This is using different shades of the same color. For instance, you could have pale blue walls, a darker blue sofa and soft furnishings in other shades of blue. If you choose this type of scheme, you need to introduce a good variety of shades and/ or patterns to avoid monotony. Using colors combinations that allow the eye to travel easily from one color to the next can bring about a harmonious color scheme. Using colors that are quite similar to each other such as red, orange and yellow creates this scheme.
Another look is the 'monochromatic' scheme, i.e. the use of just one color. Neutral colors such as cream, beige and white (which is not really a color but a tone). This scheme can produce a real sleek, modern space but you need to make sure that you select a color that works well with the soft furnishings, fabrics and flooring in the room.
Color can affect our state of mine, therefore, it's really important that you think about the kind of mood you want evoke in particular areas of your home. Pastel colors create a peaceful, soothing mood and, thus, work well in children's rooms. Bright colors exude vibrancy and are really effective in busy areas of your home. Deep colors can seem somber but they're actually very restful and are good in areas of the home where you want to relax. Darker colors, however, work best in areas where there is plenty of light.
Colors can be used to create 'optical illusions' that make your home look different than it really is. A low ceiling can be made to look higher by painting it a lighter color than the walls. One wall painted in a lighter color than the other walls will make the room look longer. A room can be made to look more spacious by painting the walls and ceilings the same light color.
This article has highlighted the importance of really thinking about what you want color to achieve in your home. It has outlined some of the color schemes that can be used to create certain looks and moods and has touched on some of the many techniques in which color can be used to make your home look different than it really is. With an increased awareness of how to use color more effectively, you should be able to create areas in your home that define the functionality of the space, evoke the right mood and look great.
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Interior Design
Furniture Design Trends Of 2008Building green is becoming more and more important as our resources dwindle, and we become more aware of the sensitivities to toxins that many people have. With the price of oil and natural gas rising, saving energy is a big concern. The use of green construction in home and business developments has started really taking off, and many people are interested in making their developments environmentally friendly. One survey found that at least fifty percent of all builders should be producing at least some green developments by the year 2010. However, once you've decided to build green, it can be difficult to know where to start. If you're an investor or developer who's interested in learning about the process of green building, here are a few basics to help you get going.
Currently, the building industry is centered on those practices which are least expensive, and easiest to implement. Unfortunately many of these practices aren't all that green. From the use of adhesives and materials that can off-gas, to the creation of structures that waste heat and water, a conventional building makes a big impact on the world around us. You can make buildings greener in a number of different ways, including using natural and non-toxic materials, improving air quality, reducing waste of energy and water, employing renewable energy sources, and reusing materials whenever possible.
For those developing a property, or investing in a development, building green can be especially difficult. Individuals who are building on a small scale can more easily exercise control and find green solutions. Larger developments require advance planning, and there isn't currently a standard process for green building. However, working with experienced professionals can help a lot. For instance, it's often a good idea to work with an energy consultant, who can help you decide how to implement designs that will allow your buildings to conserve energy more effectively. Conservation of energy is one of the biggest concerns related to green building, since most buildings do not make efficient use of power. Correct building orientation to make use of passive solar design, efficient heating and cooling systems, and high grade insulation are just a few of the options you can put in place to make your developments more energy efficient.
You should also try to work with contractors who have prior experience with green building. This will help head off possible problems later on. A contractor who has built green structures in the past will have better familiarity with the methods and materials that are used. They'll also be more willing to work with you, even if the process required to make the building more environmentally friendly means more work on their end.
Since building with environmentally friendly and recyclable materials can be more expensive than conventional building, developers should also make sure they do their research in advance. Look at the cost of materials available, and design your budget appropriately. Be sure to factor in the increase in sale price for green building, and the improvements in energy efficiency when you decide what materials are most cost effective. Materials that are more expensive now will bring savings down the road. Even if you're developing the property for resale, buyers will be aware of this, and may be willing to offer a higher price.
Development often requires the removal of existing structures. Standard practice is to demolish these structures, with the rubble usually being taken to the local landfill. To make the process of getting rid of unwanted structures more environmentally friendly, focus on deconstruction rather than demolition. Deconstruction takes longer, but allows the materials to be reused or resold, and saves on tipping fees. If the structures in question are older, they may have been built from materials which are no longer available, like large dimension old-growth hardwood, which can be reused in other buildings and is superior to softwood dimensional lumber.
Another place where many modern buildings create waste is water use. Very few structures are designed to make efficient use of available water supplies. As more sources of water become polluted, and aquifiers are emptied, water conservation becomes a greater concern. Plan on using features that save water in your new development. These can include installation of ultra-low flow toilets and showers, faucet aerators and high-efficiency showerheads, efficient heating and cooling systems, and use of air-cooled equipment instead of water-cooled. In addition, it may be wise to designate a water efficiency coordinator for large projects.
The nationally accepted benchmark for green buildings is the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Standard. LEED certification provides independent, third party verification that your building project is an environmentally responsible one. Even if you do not choose to get this certification, being familiar with LEED standards can help you make the right choices when building green.
While getting started in green building can be intimidating at first, familiarity with standards and talking to experts in the field can make the process a lot easier. Energy and water conservation are two of the biggest concerns, with use of recycled or recyclable, non-toxic materials, and reduction of landfill use following. With a sound plan and the correct priorities, making your development a green one doesn't have to be hard. Green developments are turning up everywhere, from water-saving condominiums built of recyclable materials where decaying industrial buildings used to sit, to schools and businesses designed to make the best use of energy while providing good air quality. Slowly, green building is becoming mainstream, so now's a great time to get started.
Anthony Seruga and Yolly Bishop of Maverick Real Estate Investments, Inc. work with builders, developers and other players in the commercial real estate industry to acquire and develop properties. They use progressive investment strategies that have proved extremely profitable. In addition to their own deals, they teach both seasoned and inexperienced investors how to be big players in the game. Visit the website for more info.
Green..green..&..green. The word has really become quite important today in the perspective of increasing danger of global warming. We need to protect our resources and ensure that a minimum is wasted, and better if the wasted ones are recycled as well. So the entire focus is on saving the natural resources, be it the construction of your bedroom or renovation of the bathroom. Government and some private organizations like green building association are working towards it and helping residential communities, Realtors, and individuals.
Bathroom is the place of solitude where one want to feel relaxed in a healthy and hygienic environment. The bathroom remodeling may be the initial step of your home renovation. In such blue economy situation, saving money is the top priority while considering bathroom renovation. There is no greater way of adding value to your bathroom than a greener way. The most prominent benefit of green bathroom remodeling is saving of water and energy resources.
Renovation with Recycled Materials
A number of bathroom hardware made of recycled materials are becoming popular like tiles, vanities and flooring. The use of recycled fixtures like refinished counter-tops and sinks encourages green bathroom remodeling and save your valuable money as well as conserve natural resources. The old fashioned claw foot tubs are regaining its popularity and might be a good choice for you.
Reduce the Water Consumption
Minimizing the water consumption must be your top priority while planning for your bathroom renovation in an environment friendly way. It should be considered that how much water is used in your bathroom, during flushing the toilet or during shower. You can reduce your water consumption by almost 20% by switching from old traditional toilet to smaller dual-flush toilet.
Old water guzzling shower heads are the prime culprits of wasting water. Replacing them saves in water bills. Dual- flush toilets help saving the amount of green washed into the toilet. It has two flush modes, one is for number one that flushes less water compared to the number two mode. That will definitely cut down your energy bills.
Remodel with Durability
It has been found that most of the bathroom renovation does last only a few years, and most of the waste that reaches landfill sites come from home remodeling including bathroom remodeling. This kind of bathroom remodeling creates a bad impact on environment as well as on your pocket. You make ensure that your green bathroom remodeling is durable and last longer.
Home Remodeling BooksTankless Water Heater Marketing Is Everywhere
If you have had a reason to think about water heaters lately you have probably heard a lot about tankless water heaters. In the last couple of years the tankless water heater manufacturers have really stepped up their promotional campaigns and spent some big bucks building consumer awareness and interest in their products. Tankless water heaters have been portrayed as providing huge energy savings and endless hot water. How much of this is true?
Just The Facts, Ma'am
Today we are going to start cutting through some of the marketing hype and find out exactly how tankless water heaters stack up in the energy savings arena. Just how efficient are they, anyway?
Electric Tankless Water Heaters
Now is a good time to go ahead and say that we will be discussing gas (or LP) tankless heaters. Electric tankless heaters really make no sense 99% of the time. They just don't do the job in most cases and usually require extensive (and expensive) rewiring. Electricity is really a fairly expensive way to heat water in most cases.
While we are on the subject of electric water heaters lets clear up one more thing. Even though most electric tank type water heaters are rated with a higher efficiency factor than similar gas models, they are not usually an good choice to lower your energy bills.
It's true that electric water heaters are technically more efficient, because there is no energy wasted up the flue pipe common to all gas water heaters. The problem is that, at least for now in most places, the electricity required to operate a water heater costs more than either natural gas or LP. So even though it takes less energy, the energy used costs more. Enough said.
Gas Tankless Water Heaters
Let's talk about the possible energy savings with gas tankless water heaters. It is a fact that gas tankless water heaters are rated almost 50% more efficient than a standard tank type gas water heater. The reason tankless heaters beat tank type in efficiency is because there is no energy used keeping a tank full of water hot. The only time any energy is used is when hot water is actually being used. As soon as the faucet is turned off the heater stops heating the water. This is one of the big selling points for tankless water heaters.
It's Not All Hype
So it's not all hype, tankless water heaters really are more efficient, but the payback period that is often stated in marketing literature is probably based on the best case scenario. In the real world, the more frequently hot water is used the smaller the gap in efficiency between tankless and tank type water heaters. This is because there is less "non use" or "temperature maintenance" energy use as the frequency increases of "hot water usage events" (a fancy way of saying a hot water faucet was turned on).
Basically, if you are using hot water any type of heater will be using energy. It takes the same amount of BTUs to heat a gallon of water in either type of water heater. In plain English, the more often you use hot water the less a tankless will save you on your gas bill.
Check Your Usage Pattern
So, are tankless water heaters really more more efficient? The answer, strictly speaking is, yes. How much more efficient depends on your individual usage pattern. If you are thinking about going tankless you should probably pay attention to when and how often you use hot water now. The more frequently you use hot water, the less money you will save in energy costs.
Copyright 2008 Bryan Stevens
Bryan Stevens is a Licensed Master Plumber and Certified Green Plumber with a knack for teaching homeowners how to do their own basic plumbing repairs themselves. He has a step by step mini-course called "How To Unstop A Toilet And Other DIY Plumbing Tips". To claim your FREE copy visit How To Unclog A Toilet
ConsultingIt is hard work to find a reputable painting contractor. There are many ways you can go about selecting a company to paint the interior or exterior of your home, this article will discuss the ways.
Most people start off selecting a contractor through a recommendation from a friend. This is a great way to get going as you already have someone that has tried the business out and had a good experience with them.Even ifyou get a recommendation from a friend, you shouldconsider getting multiplebidson your project - at least 3.One of the easiest ways tofind a contractor is to go online. If you go to Google search and type in "Painting Contractor" you wil see a lot of names pop up. The righthand side ofthe screen is the paid advertising section (where Google makes all it's money)and the left handsideis the organic search area.
After you've checked outa few painting company websites, the next step is to set up a time for a bid on your project. After you've narrowed down your contractors, makesure to check that they are licensed and bondedto operate in your state.It'salsosmart toask for references so you can talk to them on the phone and then visually inspect the project to see if they can provide the quality you are looking for.
It's also a good idea to check with the better business bureau. Many companies maintain membership there and they have a good system for logging customer complaints about all their member businesses.
We are licensed and bonded Seattle Painters and would be happy to look at your project. We are a reputable Painting Contractor that has done tons of projects in the area, check us out today!
If you live in a region that gets freezing weather, your water pipes are at risk of freezing in the winter. What's the big deal about frozen pipes other than the fact that you can't flush the toilets, brush your teeth, or take a shower? When water freezes, it expands which can cause the pipes to burst! And burst pipes lead to major water damage and costly repairs.
Because of the risk of significant water damage to your home, it pays to protect your pipes from the dangers of freezing temperatures. Below are some tips to protect your pipes from winter weather:
Insulate all exposed water pipes by wrapping them in pipe insulation. Pay attention to pipes in unheated areas such as the attic, garage, and basement.
Learn how to shut off power, gas, and water at their primary source as well as any local shutoff valves.
When the temperatures drop below freezing, keep your thermostat set to at least 55 degrees, even if you are away from home.
Caulk the entry points of any pipes where they enter the home. In the winter, close ventilation vents in the foundation to minimize cold drafts.
Drain and remove outdoor hoses before winter weather arrives. Shut off any separate valves for outdoor faucets and then drain those pipes by turning on the faucets.
For outdoor hose bibs without separate shutoff valves, insulate the pipes. Shut off the water supply to the outdoor sprinkler systems.
Indoor pipes that are located against interior walls need special care. Wrap these in pipe insulation and open cabinet doors to allow heat to circulate.
During sub-freezing temperatures, allow one faucet to drip cold water. This keeps water slowly circulating throughout the water pipes.
If a water pipe bursts, immediately turn off the main water to the house to minimize flooding.
If a pipe does burst, prompt action on your part is critical. After turning off the main water supply, some water will remain in the pipes and eventually make its way to the burst pipe. To minimize the amount of water that leaks out, start flushing toilets or running water (preferably downstream of the broken pipe) in an attempt to drain the water that's currently in your home's water pipes.
Once the water stops flowing, let the mopping up begin. You may have extensive water damage requiring the help of a water damage professional. In addition, structural repairs such as replacing damaged drywall or cabinetry may be required. Extensive water damage may require filing an insurance claim, depending on your coverages and deductible amount.
Contact a water damage company and your insurance agent to start the process right away because time is of the essence. Prompt repairs and completely drying the area ASAP are necessary for minimizing the damage and preventing an unpleasant side effect of burst pipes: mold.
As winter approaches each year, take the time to take care of your pipes. Preventing pipe bursts and water damage is well worth the effort.
By: Mr. Mark Decherd
For more information and other articles by Mark Decherd go to:
Dryout Inc.
1415 Colonial Blvd.
Fort Myers, Fl. 33907
http://www.dryout.net
239-437-7100
Water Damage
Dryout Inc Emergency water damage restoration, drying, deodorization, decontamination, disinfection, mold removal, water damage repair, restoration and reconstruction of commercial and residential properties damaged by fire, water and other disasters by a network of trained specialists, technicians and restoration professionals across the USA and Canada.
Since its one of the places people spend the most time, one of the most satisfying home makeovers is the main bedroom. Here are three ideas for creating a dynamic new main bedroom space:
The Passion Boudoir
The French have always led the world in designing sexy bedrooms, and now homemakers all over the world have followed their lead and begun decorating their bedrooms for sex and sensuality.
Use emotionally appealing colors that will enhance your beauty and sensuousness. Be daring; use bold colors. Examples of seductive colors are rouge or lipstick reds, creamy peaches, and subtle pink tones.
Prints such as animals or florals can suggest exotic locales, and mirrors placed in unusual places can reflect seductive candlelight. Tropic plants add mystery, and dressing tables filled with feminine accessories and intimate objects create a romantic mood.
The Reading Room
For many people, the bedroom is a place to lounge and read a good book. If you're one of those people, you'll want to create a space that will enhance your reading pleasure. For instance, adding padded headboards will make it easy to maintain proper posture while reading.
When painting your reading room, choose soft colors that reflect light without glare and also support peaceful feelings. Good colors choices would be old world ivory, antique amber, sage green, or slate blue.
Soft, pliable pillows, luxurious Afghans or throws, paintings featuring wide-ranging vistas, and mirrors will promote private reflection and add feelings of indulgence. A comfortable lounge chair with a floor lamp and tea table also work great in a reading room.
Be sure to provide enough light for reading, which can be done without having to flood the room with harsh reading lights. You can enhance the overall light by placing softer lighting throughout the room.
The Private Sanctuary
This type of bedroom, designed to create a place where you retreat from the world and unwind, provides total privacy. Display photos of friends, family, and places you love. Also display meaningful mementos and souvenirs to remind you of happy times, but don't go overboard and clutter your calming serenity. Exchanging these personal keepsakes often with ones in storage helps counter the clutter and gives added significance when next viewed.
Colors that work well in private sanctuaries include navy or cobalt blues, deep chocolates, and forest greens. Darker colors create a womb or cave like feeling and aid deep sleep.
A writing desk, small refrigerator, and television all contribute to the feeling of being able to shut out the world and luxuriate in your own private space, without interruption.
You spend a great deal of time in your bedroom, so no matter what type of feeling you're trying to create, remodeling your main bedroom to reflect your lifestyle is one of the best projects to undertake.
Copyright c. 2004 by Jeanette J. Fisher. All rights reserved.
Professor Jeanette Fisher, author of Doghouse to Dollhouse for Dollars, Joy to the Home, and other books teaches Real Estate Investing and Design Psychology. For more articles, tips, reports, newsletters, and sales flyer template, see http://www.doghousetodollhousefordollars.com/pages/5/index.htm
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.
Furniture Restoration BooksThinking of doing it yourself. wondering if you can do it. The Contractor down the street made it look easy. But how am I going to build a set of stairs for my house. It starts with a little information, maybe a book, I know I will surf the net and get the info. Why bother with spending the time looking on the internet for a article or book on how to build stairs. I have done it and that's why I wrote a book and their are more books coming on how to build stairs.
My goal is to write a book on every way of building stairs. I am going to make the stair building books easy to follow with lots of simple illustrations. I understand that getting one book on stair building that explains how to build 500 different types of stairs with 3000 illustrations might not apply to you. These books are nice for a building professional or a master carpenter but are difficult to understand.
I have made these books easy to follow with the use of illustrations that only apply to the set of stairs you will be building. The book "How to Build a Strait Set of Stairs" is a complete stair building guide for a strait set of stairs with a 2 x 4 handrail. In this book you will have access to formulas for decimal conversions to fractions. Then you will be able to locate the exact mark for certain measurements. It isn't hard to build a straight set of stairs with this book and the website links provided for you.
If you feel comfortable with a hammer, tape measure and a circular saw. You will be amazed with the results. I have been helping people build stairs for almost 30 years with this easy to follow stair building system. I have trained other carpenters to build stairs with most of them telling me the same thing. How easy it was to build but they thought you had to be a master carpenter in order to build a set of stairs. The main reason for this way of thinking was that when it was time to build the stairs on the job guess who would build the stairs. The Master Carpenter of course.
You can do it with a little help from a friend. www.stair4u.com Get some help from the best home improvement contractor in California.
Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He is currently working on more building stairs books and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry.
When I moved into my home, the floor in the living room had just been refinished with beautiful honey toned laminate flooring. It was beautiful and it fit my decor perfectly. The only problem was the fact that one of my chair had popped a cap, unbeknownst to everyone involved, and it wasn't until a few weeks later, when I went to rearrange a few pieces of furniture, that I noticed it. Much to my horror, the gleaming floor beneath the chair had become a scratched mess and I shuddered at the thought of having to fix them.
Now, I'm sure that I am not the only person who has had to deal with scratched laminate flooring. In fact, I'm almost positive that the problem is universally shared. The simple truth is, if you are going to own laminate flooring, at one time you will own scratched laminate flooring. Most people would simply sigh and shift the furniture around to cover the evidence, something that I actually did for a few months, but laminate flooring can be fixed without having to tear out pieces and replace them.
Most repairs in laminate flooring are pretty minor. A glass may have fallen and gouged a small hole or the kids may have scraped a toy car, minus wheels, across a small section. The scratches and holes are simply surface damage but they definitely detract from the once shiny beauty of your floors.
With minor damage, you will only need to do minor repairs to your laminate. Unfortunately, as with most repairs, there is nothing regularly stocked in your shelves that will fix the floors. You will need to make a run to the local home hardware or flooring store to pick up a repair kit. Some manufacturers will make repair kits for their flooring so the best place to start is the store where you purchased your flooring.
If you aren't sure of the manufacturer or the manufacturer does not have a repair product, simply purchase a generic repair kit. A repair kit usually consists of a tube of putty or wax. This is your actual filler. Some repair kits have colored putty while others have paint that you mix to create the matching floor color; this you mix with the putty before applying. Both are perfectly fine to purchase and you will usually run yourself about ten to twenty dollars.
Some repair kits come with putty knife and everything else you need but if it doesn't simply pick up a putty knife while you are at the store. Popsicle sticks work perfectly for applying the putty to the crack.
Before you start repairing your scratches and dents, make sure the area is clean of any debris and is dry. There is no sense repairing a spot if a patch of dog hair is going to be glued into the floor. Once the area is prepared, it's time to get mixing.
If you went with a colored putty that matches your floor, all you will need to do is spoon in the putty, but if you went with a mix, you will need to match and create the desired color. Once you have that, spoon in the putty and smooth with the putty knife. Remove any of the excess putty so you have a smooth surface. Lastly, wipe the area around the scratch, being careful to not touch the repaired scratch with a clean cloth to wash away any residue.
Once it dries, your laminate flooring should look as good as new.
Sometimes, you will find the occasional scratch that is too shallow for the putty to work properly. If this is the case, the best product on the market is ScratchAway. This is a spray on treatment for any small scratches on laminate and other wood flooring. All you need to do is spray the area and then buff until it is dry.
So with a few little tricks of the trade, there are very few reasons why you can't enjoy scratch free laminate flooring for years to come.
Sirena Van Schaik is a professional writer who provides information on wood flooring and laminate flooring for A1 Wood Flooring
Hot Moped Shower Floor PanThe warranty game, is the most over used sales tool in the industry. The most advertised, yet the most misunderstood, part of having structural repair work done on your property is the warranty. You will see "Lifetime Warranty" or "Lifetime Transferable Warranty" or even "Longest Warranty in the Business". What does this mean? What is the warranty worth? Are there any costs associated with the warranty? Most importantly, what warranty do I need?
The number one piece of advice about warranties - Read It! If the salesman does not have a copy for you to read, tell him to go get one. There is generally only one reason that he is not carrying one and that is because he does not want you to read it. If the warranty is too long or too hard to read, forget it. Warranties are simple - "This is what we cover and this is how long we cover it for".
When it comes to Lifetime Warranties, be careful. In some states a "lifetime warranty" is 7 years, some states it is 11 years and then some states it is for the life of the structure. Why would a lifetime warranty be 7 years? This can be the case because, according to a general law enacted by some states, the standard life of a service is 7 years. In these states your lifetime warranty is not as good as the others guys 10 or 15 year warranty.
Limited Warranties are standard in foundation repair. "Limited" means that the only things that are covered are the things that can be affected by the work that has been done. You still want to read this type of warranty and understand what is covered and for how long. Don't forget to ask if there are any fees required before the contractor will honor his warranty.
A manufacturer's warranty of their products is the number one item that you should be looking for. If the individual installer goes out of business, there will still be someone standing behind the products you purchased. The best of these manufacturer's have very simple and comprehensive warranties for their products. One specific manufacturer has a three part warranty form that states exactly what is covered and for how long. One copy goes to the installing contractor for his records and the other two go to the property owner. The property owner then submits one of their copies directly to the manufacturer so there is no doubt that it has been filed. Simple and effective.
Warranties should not be difficult, they should be readily available and straight forward. They need to state what is covered and for how long. If a foundation engineer has been hired to design and supervise the installation, and he recommends a product that a quality manufacturer will supply, there should not ever be a warranty issue in the first place. If there is, call the engineer first, the contractor second and lastly the manufacturer. Your issue will be resolved, and you will be happy.
Don't play the warranty game. Hire quality people to work on your most valuable asset and rest assured that you have taken the correct steps in getting what you pay for.
About the Author:
Jeff Tully invites you to view his website http://www.myfoundationrepairs.com if you are having any foundation issues including bowing walls, cracks in your foundation or any type of settlement issue. On this website you will find the truth about foundation repair methods and what you should expect. There are many misconceptions about foundation piers or tie backs, get the straight answers here.
This site was designed and built with the homeowner in mind is the only true source for foundation repair and waterproofing information. From determining if you really have a structural issue to hiring an engineer or foundation expert, you will find the answers on my site.
Well this is about the third time for me, going through some tough times and the bad economy, in the construction business. If you're a remodeling contractor or are currently working in the remodeling business, you're in a better position than those who are used to working in new construction, track framing or commercial tilt ups.
I got out of and will probably never go back to, track house framing. There were some pretty tough times and plenty of ups and downs, during the first recession I went through, which started in 1980. I was working one day a week and just barely making enough money to pay my bills. I would actually buy a box of doughnuts and make it last me for three days. Not the most healthy thing you could eat but financially, it did the trick.
I never wanted to go through that, ever again and decided to try my luck in the remodeling field. I've never had to go through the tough times like that ever again. I hope I never have to either, even though things are pretty bad right now, for those reading this article in the future, the date is March 3, 2009 and the economy is on the verge of going into tougher times. It seems like everyone is holding their breath, for the government to bail us out, with a stimulus package.
I don't know about the stimulus package, but I do realize, that once the interest rates drop, I would imagine, and that most remodeling contractors are going to have a free-for-all and plenty of work. People right now are waiting to buy homes, and when the interest rate drops, I would imagine the prices of some of these homes will actually increase as they start to get snatched up, remodeled and repaired to either rent down or sell at a profit.
Home owners that are waiting to remodel their bathrooms, kitchens or other home improvements, are waiting for signs that the economy is going to get a little stronger. This will provide them with a sense of job security, I know a few people who are waiting until we come out of the recession, to do any home improvements, because they're afraid of losing their jobs and not having the money in the bank to make their payments.
I live in Southern California and when I go to my local home improvement center or lumberyard, the parking lot is full. This tells me, that people are still working, buying and selling things and the economy isn't really that bad. For those remodeling contractors who aren't doing much work right now, there is hope and light at the end of this economically miserable tunnel. Things will get better and if you look back at history, things always do get better.
You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:
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 advice to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.
If your looking for some more Remodeling Pictures or home building ideas.
According to feng shui, decorating your bedroom does not only involve choosing the right furniture and colors, but also on following feng shui tips when decorating the room. The main thing kept in mind in feng shui while decorating a bedroom is to improve the romance and partnership in a pair, and to help a single person find a partner. Feng shui tips suggest to first take an objective look at the bedroom and to make sure that there are two of everything in the room to promote pairing. This means even the candles, end tables and statuaries too should be in pairs here. And if the furniture is meant for a single bed, at least have a double bed placed in the room.
The artwork in the room should have couples and not lone figures of a man or woman. Bed sheets should always be clean while the decoration made according to your taste, and your partner's taste. To ensure the free flow of energy in the bedroom, feng shui tips include removing all stuff under the bed and to remove work related material like computers and exercise equipment from the room. This is because work should be in the work place, and not in the bedroom.
The bedroom is an important room of the house as this is where you get to get a good night's sleep. With the help of the right feng shui tips, it is possible to make this night's sleep a much better one. The color of the decoration of the room has an important role in feng shui. Preferable colors to use for the bedroom are red, pink or shades of pink as these are all colors of the relationship area of bagua. As these colors may not always suit guys, you could also consider using darker maroons and mauves in the room. While round and oval shapes are encouraged in the room, sharp angles are not as they don't promote harmony.
To get a good night's sleep, be careful of what is found at the head of the bed. Too many books on a bed bookshelf leads to clutter and confusion at night. Televisions have to be covered for a good night's sleep as its eye staring at you will not give a good night sleep. Wooden beds are better then the electricity conducting metal beds. Feng shui tips suggest using lighting that is not too dim or bright in the bedroom while too large mirrors should be avoided as this will only startle you at the middle of the night. The bed headboard should always be against a solid wall and not windows, for better support. The bed should be placed where it is possible to easily see people entering the room. With all these feng shui tips, sleeping should be more enjoyable in the bedroom.
By Feng Shui Master
Simple and easy to follow feng shui tips that enhance your living life for the better!
Want to know more about Feng Shui Tips and Bedroom Decoration? Please feel free to visit Feng Shui Tips - http://TheFengShuiTips.com
Here's a word of advice for any contractor, Carpenter, handyman or homeowner that is planning to remove an interior wall from your home or someone else's. Beware of removing interior walls, to eliminate your fears of the house collapsing. Some of the interior walls inside of the house are important structural components of the building.
Some of these walls hold up floors, roofs and other loadbearing sections that could create safety problems within the structure of the house itself. This is an area where an expert with framing skills should be consulted. What is the definition of someone with excellent framing skills? Some one with at least 10 years as a master framing carpenter.
My home building experience consists of three decades for over 30 years of assembling some of the most difficult sections of a home. During these years I have seen damage done to houses from removing structural interior walls. Most of this damage could be repaired with a little structural engineering. Some of the damage could not be repaired and caused other damage to different sections of the house. The damage caused in some cases to the floor and the roof framing had to be completely rebuilt.
I'm not telling you about every single thing I have ran into but you would be surprised if I started to make a list of all the homeowners and professionals in the building industry or home selling and buying business that contacted me to remove a structural component of a building. There have even been a few of these people that told me everything was going to be okay just go ahead and remove the structural building component.
Needless to say I would leave these people very irritated but I'm sure they found someone to do the job. The bad news is I was normally the person they would hire to go back and repair the damaged building after these people were gone and out of business. There have been cases where people have removed an interior walls against my better judgment and over the years of driving by in these homes I personally got to witness the structural damage that was occurring on the outside of the house.
I have no idea what the inside of the house looked like but could only imagine. My advice again when removing interior walls is to hire an experienced contractor or at least get some advice from an experienced framing carpenter. This does not include your basic know it all that has basic construction experience like your father in law, parents, friends, golfing associates or people you work with that tell you not to worry about it, just do it, everything will work out just fine.
Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He is currently working on more Building and Remodeling Library and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry.
Visit us and get more information on building and remodeling your homes and What Does A Shear Wall Do
Corner Ceiling Water DamageKnow what you're buying
With over 40 years in the business of building custom homes I like to think I've seen it all. My first interaction with someone that is looking to build a home is usually when they are in the process of looking at lots or land to build on. Very often, as the builder, I'm consulted on the clients lot choice and enjoy helping them evaluate different home sites.
Before we get to know each other the first reaction from the client is typically, "Come on, whats the big deal?" when we talk about lot choice. Very often these folks have no idea of the potential legal issues, future resale value problems, and un-fixable problems and headaches that can come with purchasing a piece of land. Very often the assumption on buying a lot is: Make sure it's in a good location at a good price and you're fine! Nothing can be further from the truth.
Heres a quick story that is true. I knew a guy who had purchased a good sized drop off lot, several acres, a bit out in the county. It was a beautiful spot with lots of trees, no one around him, lots of privacy and well off the beaten path. He did his homework, checked out everything he was supposed to, and he got a great lot. So far so good. He had owned it for several months and approached me to build him a home. We met up at the office and he brought along his draft floor plans and a plat (drawing) of the lot. We chatted for a bit about where he wanted to situate the home. The lot was rectangular in shape and he was talking about placing the home at the front of the property, somewhat close to the road. I asked him, while looking at the plat, what was on the back half of his lot. Just trees, I think. he said. Youre not sure? I asked him with a raised eyebrow. Well no, see its really over grown and tough to walk through. The guy owned a couple acres of land hed never even seen! This was a very intelligent guy who simply didn't see the need to walk the property! We made plans to meet again the next week and I encouraged him to walk the whole thing in the mean time.
A few days later I get a phone call from this client. Turns out he took my advice and, after putting on some old cloths, he walked his entire lot. And towards the back lot line, hidden in plain sight, was a big gardenand not a flower garden. Were talking about a certain weed that is illegal to grow and own pretty much anywhere in the US. Not one or two plants but a full blown, cultivated and fertilized growing operation roughly half the size of a football field! Whoever was growing this stuff had apparently been at it for a while and they had tools and bags of plant food and all sorts of things around.
Can you imagine if someone else found that instead of him, like maybe the cops or his kids? That would be one heck of a thing to try and explain. Luckily he was able to call in the police and get it out of there. We had a heck of a laugh about it, and we still do, but it could have been a very serious and bad situation. He owned the land, see?
When looking at lots dont judge from the road. Get out of the car and walk the whole thing. Bring a pair of boots with you if need be. The above example seems crazy but it really happened in a good area on a nice street. Keep in mind that once you own the land you pretty much own anything on it, or buried beneath it. Other things to look for, beyond illegal drugs, are trash piles and old dump spots (especially 55 gallon oil drums), signs of illicit gatherings, busted down old cars, kids tree forts or hunting stands, and more.
Really keep an eye out for old pipes and pipe caps on a piece a property. If there is already pipes sticking out of the ground chances are there was a building there in the past and/or there may be an old oil tank in the ground. With all the environmental regulations on toxic materials you do not want to be stuck dealing with a rusty and leaky oil tank on a piece of land youve just bought. Dont get caught with a bad lot take the time walk the entire thing!
Walk the whole thing!
With over 40 years in the custom home building business Bill now maintains a website on New Construction Advice, enjoys sharing his knowledge and experiences and answering building questions of all types. Thanks for reading!
Plumbing is amongst those issues which you are bound to face, at least a couple times in your lives. For small jobs, you can do with some good how-to guides, especially as you can find many of them online for free. But sometimes, the job is just too big or dirty to try it out on your own. And some guys take the challenge and start the job, only to leave to leave it in the middle when they can't understand how it caused a bigger problem. So this article will shed some light on what you need to look for when hiring a plumber.
The best way to find one would be through referrals. Ask you relatives, friends, and neighbors if they know of any expert plumber. If they have come across one and received a satisfactory service, then you can pick the same one. If you cannot get a plumbing contractor via a reference from someone else, then you could simply find one in a directory - an online plumbing directory for instance - and go through some precautionary steps to ensure a smooth job.
Also keep your needs in mind while making the selection. Most plumbers have got more experience of the daily routine jobs like repairing a toilet cistern or fixing a clogged drain. These are perfect for those tiny emergencies, but they are not best if you require a full renovation. For that, you must seek a plumber who is a specialist in remodeling bathrooms and kitchens. And you may also find some difference in plumbers specializing in commercial vs. residential work.
Once you've gathered the contact details of a few seemingly qualified plumbers in your area, do some background research about them. Most states require plumbing contractors to have a license. So you can call the relevant local body and confirm it the license is valid or not. In addition, ask them whether their record lists any grievances filed against them. Additionally, you could contact the BBB to find out if any grievances have been filed against your chosen plumbing contractor.
In the case that you do need a remodeling job, then it is best to select a few plumbing contractors and ask them to look around your house to see what will be needed. They can then give you a quote for the cost of the work plus materials. It might also be a good idea to ask them how much would be their charges if you yourself buy the needed materials and provide them. Plumbers normally obtain their products cheaply, so that they can make some money as the middle-man by supplying these goods. However, it isn't often very different for you because it won't be possible for you to get those products at the same price. If rudimentary research reveals the chosen people are cheating you by requesting a greater sum than they should for the goods, then you should definitely find a different plumber. Chances are that if he's ripping you on one end, he may be doing the same on the other ends too. Also make sure that the materials used are of high quality, as low quality materials can become a problem soon.
While calling a plumber is sometimes necessary, you can still try out a few small repairs on your own. And even if you do arrange a plumber, one easy way to save money is to do some preliminary jobs yourself so that the plumber's chargeable time reduces.
As a retired plumber himself, Scott Rodgers knows all about choosing the best plumbing contractor. Get even more information from http://eLocalPlumbers.com
Renovating And RemodelingOwning your own home comes with several advantages. Aside from having the wonderful feeling of living in your own property, there's no rent to worry about and you're free to do as you please with it. Homeowners have their share of headaches of course- property taxes, insurance, the normal problems of aging of building materials and everyday wear and tear.
Maintaining one's home in order to keep its original looks and value takes dedication and a bit of money. A lot of folks get caught up in the daily grind and overlook the responsibility of home maintenance. A lot of beautiful homes have been lost after incurring irreparable damage due to neglect.
The more common forms of time-related problems are issues with the roof, plumbing and cracks in the walls. Missing or damaged shingles should be checked every six months along with possible leaks in gutters and downspouts. Holes in the roof should be patched up right away to prevent them from getting bigger and avoid water damage to your furniture and appliances.
Walls, bricks and woodwork should also be checked for deterioration. Cracks in walls are pretty normal due to earthquakes or settling in old homes. To ensure historical integrity, the materials used in repairing old homes should be the same as the original. Plaster is usually used for walling in homes with some age. Aside from settling, plaster gets cracked because of deterioration due to poor quality and water damage also.
The first step in repairing cracks in walls of plaster is clearing them up and making sure dust and loose chunks of plaster are cleaned out. This can be done easily with a carpenter's 5-way scraping tool specially designed for this task. There are two steps to applying new plaster to cracks in old walls. Applying the base coat plaster to bind and fill-up the cracks, and the top coat finish for a smooth finish. In preparing the new plaster, make sure to follow instructions by the manufacturer to prevent back-jobs which can cause significant waste of time and money.
Another common and usually recurring problem in homes is the toilet bowl. Since these have a fair amount of moving parts, the necessity to do minor troubleshooting is quite expected. When the handle for the flush becomes tight or sticky, it's just a matter of cleaning the mounting nut (after accessing it by removing the tank cover, of course). A handle that is loose or one that doesn't flush means the chain is either too slack or has been broken. Remedy this by adjusting the chain, using different hole or replacing it in case of breakage.
When the toilet becomes clogged and a plunger won't help, it's time to call in the big guns. A "snake" otherwise known as an auger can reach inside the drainage deeper and unclog whatever is blocking the water and waste from being flushed.
A leaking toilet if left unchecked will inevitably flood your floor and cause expensive damage to your subfloor and woodwork. It could just be a problem with the bolts or couplings around and inside the tank. If after checking you can't find any problem with those, most likely the sealant around the base has to be replaced or worse, there's crack somewhere and you'd have to replace the whole thing.
If you encounter problems or remodeling issues that you think is way beyond anything you've experienced or read in those DIY manuals and videos, it might be a good move to look around for a good contractor. House and building contractors although more costly, can save you loads of time and effort as well as take care of issues with permits and such.
Jo is a writer for 'EBL Group Limited' (http://www.eblgroup.co.uk), a family managed, recognized and accepted house insurance repairs outworker stationed in Runcorn Cheshire. If you need home insurance repairs because of storm, flood, fire, malevolent or accidental damage or any other reasons or if you have house and commercial buildings upgrading needs then you should check out EBL Group.
Wood Rot From StuccoIf you are one of the millions of people who are in the process of replacing their existing garage door or building a home and garage then garage doors prices are very important. However one should be aware that buying a cheap garage door may not be the bargain you think it is. In terms of garage doors pricing you do get what you pay for. A quality garage door will not only accent your house beautifully but also save you money.
Depending where you live you may need to find a garage door that has high energy efficiency. If you have or are planning to have a workshop in your garage then installing a high R-value door will mean that you can utilize it year around. Obviously if you are planning on heating or cooling your garage a high efficiency door will save you a lot of money. Insulated garage doors prices will be higher but will be amortized by the money saved with lower energy costs. The best garage doors for your home will depend on where you live and your lifestyle.
If you live along the ocean or Gulf of Mexico then more than likely you are also living in a high wind risk area. If you live on the water then you are also at high risk from salt corrosion damage as well. High wind rated doors especially those that meet the Miami-Dade wind code will have higher garage doors prices. They may not be as expensive as you may think so it is worth your while to shop around for the best door at the best prices. Installing an ordinary door could put your family or home at extreme risk in case you are hit with a tropical storm or hurricane. Engineering studies done after hurricane Andrew showed that the greatest risk to your home comes from losing your garage door. Once you lose your garage door to wind it is only minutes before you lose the roof of your home and possibly your life.
Prices range for as little as $450 to as much as $5000 for custom wooden garage doors. An 8x16 good quality steel garage door that has panels constructed of two steel panels that sandwich 2 inches of polyurethane foam with a prepainted low maintenance exterior will average about $1200 dollars installed. A high wind rated garage doors cost will be about $1300 installed in Florida. In some cases building code permits will increase the cost as much as $150. Remember these are country wide average garage door prices.
Remember it is just not smart to cut corners when it comes to garage doors. A quality garage doors pricing can be an indicator of quality. However it is wise to visit your local home improvement store and ask the staff about garage door prices and quality. If you are handy with tools you may be able to install your own garage door and save money. Home improvement stores like Home Depot will be able to assist you with your installation plans. Of course the Internet is a great place to conduct research, but a poor place to find information on prices.
James Kesel, MS, is the publisher of the Garage Doors Pricing Website located at http://www.garagedoorspricing.com Providing information on Garage Doors Prices and the purchasing, installing and operation of a garage door
Ceiling RepairsIt's happening again. The styles and fashions that we thought we'd seen the last of a decade ago are re-emerging as the latest thing in chic design and people are going mad for it. In fact, one of interior furnishings mainstays throughout the eras has been the humble lamp and while bench surfaces, chairs, lounges and most other room items have gone through drastic changes, many of the retro lamps that emerged in the 1950s and 60s are still preferred today.
The great thing about decorating in retro style is that almost anything goes, as long as it is fun, combines shapes and colors and looks unique. Floor lamps such as the Arco lamp that reaches from one side of the reading chair to the other still looks appropriate, as does the square lampshade on a wooden pedestal base. From there it's up to your own discerning eye as to how funky you want to make the lamp shade with options of trimmings, tassels or prints to bring out your retro preference.
The great thing about deciding on a retro lamp is that if you don't particularly like the look of the traditional lamps from the era, you also have the more space-aged looking lamps that were inspired by the exuberance of the post-war optimism. New products such as melamine spattered with chrome and designs that were sleek and sophisticated combined to produce a very forward thinking look.
The great thing about using the vintage retro lamps that your parents loved is that the burnt orange lamp shades or the avocado ceramic lamp stand is now cool again because, well because it's retro.
An important part of putting together a retro room is adding furnishings that follow the retro style. Picking out a fun and funky retro lamp should be enjoyed. Visit Retro Lamps Galore to help put that new retro-style room together.
Here's some things to think about before walking on the roof of a house. If you slip and fall off the roof you could get hurt seriously. For your own safety if you have no experience walking on a roof use extreme caution. I would even suggest using a ladder and moving the latter around the perimeter of the house if you are inspecting the roof for damage.
Here's some things to keep in mind before walking on a house roof.
1. If the building is above two stories hire a contractor especially if you think the roof has building damage.
2. If the roof is too steep stay off. This could be extremely hazardous to your health.
3. If the roof is severely damaged and has loose shingles or tiles, this could create a safety hazard as you slip on one of these loose shingles and possibly fall off the roof.
4. You should stay off the roof at all costs if there is snow or ice. Ice obviously is extremely slippery and would be difficult to walk on. The difficulty would be increased if the roof has a steep slope.
5. Now last but not least if the roof is wet you should avoid walking on it until it is dry. I have been on wet roofs before and personally slipped myself losing my balance but not falling off of the roof.
Climbing up on a roof and walking around is not child's play and should be left to an experienced professional . If you feel comfortable walking around on any roof please use caution. If you slip in the middle of the roof there is a good chance you will be able to regain your balance or have time to stop yourself before falling off.
I would suggest using caution near the edges of the roof. If the roof is too steep or you don't feel comfortable, why risk serious injury. Use common sense along with the proper ladders to ensure your safety and "Think before walking on a house roof."
Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He is currently working on more building stairs books and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry.
Damaged Stucco Corner
