Decorating With the Color Red and Stainless Steel to Compliment Your Red Cookware and Red Pot Rack

When it comes to decorating, many today prefer vibrant colors. If you have decid2234ed to decorate your kitchen, and welcome some assistance, maybe you will love the few suggestions I would like to offer. These suggestions will work with any color seam, but, let's say you have chosen one that is red, white and black. A red kitchen is HOT, and easy to accessorize. Red cookware along with a red pot rack would be perfect accessories to start with, but before talking accessories, let's first plan the basics well.

You may choose to paint your entire kitchen a shade of red, or simply a main wall, but remember, if your current dwelling is not a permanent one, or you may be thinking of selling your home soon; it would be good to simply paint your walls white. Before you do any painting, why not consider a glass tile backslash that has varying shades of red. To get some ideas on decorating with glass in your kitchen visit: thinkglass.com. Get paint samples to help you decide, which shades of red (found in the glass tile), you would prefer having as a wall color. Your accessories can duplicate the other shades of red that are found in your backsplash. In addition, a backsplash of glass mosaics tile with a shade of rich red included with multiple colors might be another option. Some paint samples are a nice size, allowing you to tape then to your wall(s). Let it stay taped to your wall(s) for a day or two. This way you can get a good feel, for whether or not you would want your wall(s) to be that color.

For window treatments, try repeating the shade of red in your red accessories (cookware and/or pot rack), in a valence. If you prefer a well lit kitchen, it may be good to use white paneled curtains. In addition how about doing a white marble tile floor with matching granite counter tops, and black appliances. With a black and white layout your red accessories would certainly POP. You may find the perfect flooring at daltileproducts.com. For countertops visit: asgranite.com, or silestoneusa.com. Remember to eliminate any clutter on your countertops, which would detract from the overall appearance of your kitchen. Should your kitchen cabinets need a face-left visit signaturecustomwoodworking.com.

With the basics established, try playing around with additional touches to see how they would provide the perfect look you want to achieve. For example, black wrought iron would make a good appearance, and so would stainless steel. Stainless steel is a popular choice that is more contemporary, and has a clean look. Black wrought iron is popular as well, however, not contemporary.

Do not forget to use plants, which will add a warm touch to any dcor. If you do not have a bulkhead over your kitchen cabinets, a plant, or two, or three (depending on the space), will do well. Some would prefer artificial plants, in out-of-the-way areas, to eliminate the care that live plants would require.

If you have a sizable kitchen try creating symmetry by placing a tall floor plant in the center of a wall that is only about 7' to 8' long. Hang a semi-circle or oval pot rack on one side of the plant, and a few perfectly arranged small to medium size pictures on the other side of the plant. Rather than a grouping of small to medium size pictures, you may prefer one medium to large size picture. You will need to play with the placement of these objects to see what catches your eye.

I hope these suggestions have proved helpful for you, so happy decorating.

Resources:

- Alex Medina - Discount Tile (Phone: 304-253-1254)
- Bernie Kole, Kole Construction (Phone: 843-252-7109)
- Dave Walker, Walker Expert Painting, LLC (Phone: 516-221-5300
- Karesh Mirror & Glass (Phone: 630-754-4000)
- Pinellas Pasco Glass (Phone: 727-943-9402)
- Josh Vogel, J. Vogel Tile & Flooring (Phone: 727-643-2475)

A tremendous amount of time and care went into creating this site that features some of the best stainless steel cookware products, colorcast cookware, and pot racks available in the market today. It is a secure site that is maintained with frequent regularity, so you can shop with ease. Have a Happy shopping experience when you visit.
http://www.cookware-stainlesssteel.com

Know Your Remodeling Project Well

Remodeling can be a very fun and lucrative venture to take on. There are so many wonderful ideas for remodeling a kitchen, bathroom, or den that one may get confused on just where to start first. This article will help you find some direction for your next remodeling project.

One reason why you remodel is to make a change, but you should always be thinking about value whenever you take on a remodeling project. The first thing you need to decide when considering a remodeling project is whether or not you will do it your self or hire out.

Hire A Remodeling Professional

Some remodeling jobs are simply better to hire a licensed professional rather then take it on yourself. Hiring a good remodeling professional is often more cost effective than doing the project yourself. You can save money if you know a little about the project before seeking bids.

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you are aware of the different grades of materials that are available for your job. If you know for certain what materials you want installed for your remodeling project then you can have the contractors give a consistent bid. You can usually get by much better with medium grade materials. It is very rare that you need to install the most expensive stuff out there, but you will also fail if you go too cheap.

Be Well Informed

The more you know the better remodeling job you will get. If the builder knows that you have doe your research it will cause them to pay much more attention. You may think that all professionals are created equal, but never assume that. You need to be well informed, but make sure you are not making things up or they will see right through you and the opposite may come to you.

Find more helpful remodeling tips by visiting http://best-home-improvement-projects.com where you will find helpful r21E6emodeling tips, advice and resources to include Remodeling.

Tips For Remodeling Your Home

Remodeling part of your home can be a great idea for homeowners in a down market. Perhaps its just what your house needs to get that second look from the perspective home buyer, or you just want to make your home better. The most common remodeling projects are for the kitchen, bathroom, basement, and garage with bathroom remodeling having the highest cost recoup ratio of them all at 91% (according to a study at houstonproperties). Before you get started on a major remodeling project, there are few things to keep in mind.

Don't remodel your house to try and increase the value, it does not work that way. Remodeling work will increase the value of your home, but not beyond the cost of the work. If your house has been sitting on the market for a long time and you think there is a part of the house that has been turning away buyers for aesthetic reasons, that might be a room to consider remodeling. The main reason one should consider remodeling a room in their house is for themselves and nothing more.

Once you decide to begin a remodeling project, there are a few things to keep in mind. If you are remodeling to try and move your home on the market, spend your money "where the water is" (kitchens and bathrooms). These areas tend to have the highest cost recoup ratio. If its going to be a kitchen remodeling job, make sure to move your refrigerator and microwave to places where they can still be used. If any remodeling will be going on around furniture, make sure to use lots of tarps to protect from dust and paint. Also, if your having some painting done, make sure your contractor leaves a couple of cans for touch ups and scratches later on.

Once you have chosen a contractor, review the design plans and brainstorm ideas that might conserve cost. Make sure to agree upon specific materials that are important to you in the remodeling process. For example, if you are set on a certain brand name cabinet, or certain type of marble counter tops, make sure to put those details in writing with your contractor. Before you begin, make sure you remove any valuables from the house to avoid any problems. Lastly, its common knowledge to only higher contractors who are licensed, bonded and insured, but it is best to ask for paperwork that verifies everything is accurate and up to date.

For information on remodeling in Atlanta. Please go to http://www.remodeling-in-atlanta. More information is available on Kitchen Remodeling in Atlanta.

Walk In Baths Features

Walk In Baths have many bespoke features to help improve access and the bathing experience for the user. Some features will be offered as standard on a walking in bath ''package'' whilst others will be added extras. It is important to understand these features and what is including in your quote, before making the decision to buy.

We have complied a list of main features to help you research;

Thermostatic Mixer Taps - The addition and quality of the mixer tap is vital to a walking bath as the user will be sat in it when filling. It is thus essential that the water is easily controlled, filling at the correct temperature and at a sufficient rate.

Quick Fill - As with the above fill time is a key factor when deciding on a walk in baths. Manufactures now offer different ''quick fill'' systems that increase the flow of water and reduce filling time.

Grab Rails - The accessibility of grab hand rails is an important factor in the safety of a walk in bath.

Slip Resistant Floor - Look closely at the fool material to ensure it offers good grip when wet to improve safety. Some walk in baths offer the option of a rubber mat to help improve grip.

Safety Seating - Some walk in baths can be fitted with a seat to help accessibility and use.

Quick Drainage - As with the mixer tap drainage time is crucial as the user will be in the bath as it empties. If a bath takes to long to empty the user may suffer from the cold, especially if they are elderly. Some walk in baths can now be fitted with dual drainage systems that can half the time the bath takes to empty.

Hydrotherapy System - This creates a Spa / Jacuzzi effect using jets mounted around the bath. These systems can be beneficially for some medical conditions or simply to ease aches and pains.

Walk in baths features

Renovations and Home Appraisals - How Do They Connect?

Home styles can come and go and sometimes come back again just like wardrobe fashion. Renovating / remodeling one's home can improve the value of the house. You can use different styles and layouts for remodeling a 100 year old house and make it look brand new depending on the structure. One can also restore the home's original design by carefully reproducing the exact qualities and materials used like hard wood, mouldings, glass, and the like. These changes can affect even the hundred year old home's appraised value.

Appraisals are usually used for a variety of purposes. Every year the county estimates the value of a person's house to determine the amount of taxes that individual must pay. Renovations affect the value of the appraised amount. The appraisers take i16CCnto consideration the amount of renovation done as this increases a property's value. So generally it follows that with the increase in amount is an increase in the house's value thereby, increasing the property tax.

In real estate, appraisals are very important, it helps buyers, sellers, and lenders correlate their prices and in determining the value of the house. A buyer wants to insure that he is getting his money's worth. You see despite visible renovations there might be other property discrepancies. A seller also has to have an appraiser, especially for a newly renovated property. When the seller renovates his property's value changes, so he must be able to determine the value at which he can sell his asset.

Sometimes, renovations can become a bargaining chip when determining a house's appraised value. The magnitude of a certain renovation can make or break the appraised price. A renovation cannot just be considered as just that; value and quality of the materials used also becomes a considering factor. The amount of renovations done is also very important, as it affects the labor intensive factor of the renovation.

But not all renovation are positive, it can also bring about the probability that the appraised value may go down. There are after all unnecessary renovations as deemed by a certain transacting party. Also, there is the fact that the renovation may have been "at the wrong place"; the "wrong place" in a sense that there were more urgent aspects of the house that needed attention but was not given the needed care. The renovation then becomes useless and does not change the house's appraised value or bring it down.

A home in repair or undergoing renovations can still be appraised. Banks or independent appraisers, need only be given the renovation plans and shown that the owner is financially capable to undertake such plans then they provide a ball park appraised value. It should however be kept in mind, that a person's taste differ from one to the other. Renovations done by a certain home owner may not be to the liking of another. And this does affect the appraised value.

One must also take not that an appraised value is just an assumption of the price of the property and not the actual price; it may or may not be close to the selling price. So it must not be taken to heart, but merely used as another piece of information.

http://realestatepress.org - Real Estate Press

Vanessa A. Doctor from Jump2Top - SEO Company

Log Homes And Timber Frame Homes

Log Homes and Timber Frame Homes may have the lowest carbon footprint of any other type of construction. A carbon footprint is the measurement of carbon dioxide released as a result of using a particular product or other human activity. Carbon dioxide is the main greenhouse gas released into the atmosphere and major contributor to global warming.

A report prepared by the Edinburgh Center for Carbon Management (ECCM) compared the carbon dioxide footprints of three structures and the benefits when more timber was introduced into the construction. The results were astounding. ECCM estimated that there could be up to an 88% reduction of greenhouse gases by using log or timber structural elements wherever possible rather than other conventional building materials. The reduction of greenhouse gases was achieved by replacing materials high energy, high CO2 production values, such as steel and concrete, with solid wood. The report states that the production of steel and concrete materials accounts for 10% of the total global emissions of greenhouse gases. These materials have a high CO2 output created du100Aring the extraction of raw materials, refining, processing and manufacturing of the finished product. As reported in a study published by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects, the energy consumed to process a tree into a finished sawn timber is about one-tenth of steel production.

In another report prepared by The Consortium for Research on Renewable Industrial Materials (CORRIM) compared four different structure using different wall systems - two woods, one concrete and one steel. The report found that the steel wall system generated 33% more greenhouses gases than wood and the concrete wall generated 80% more greenhouse gases than wood. The study also reported that the wood structures out-performed the steel and concrete houses in energy use and the impact on air and water quality.

Wood walls are typically framed or solid. Conventionally framed walls use a combination a several materials including processed wood products such as plywood or other laminated wood products, fiberglass insulation, exterior siding, interior sheetrock and some type of wall covering. Solid wood walls using logs or timbers have basically one product - the log or timber. The energy consumed and the CO2 produced in the production of logs and timbers is a fraction compared to the production of all the various materials in a conventionally framed wall.

Consumers are much more aware the environmental impact of using different materials and are being increasing sensitive to the hazards of exposure to chemically processed materials. Logs and timbers are 100% natural. As a natural product, they do not emit VOCs or other pollutants into the outdoor or indoor space. Trees are produced from soil, water and air combined with the energy from the sun, in a miraculous process of photosynthesis. Ecologically and environmentally, solid wood is the only building product that is renewable, biodegradable, recyclable, energy efficient and extremely beautiful.

Sustained and plantation forest growth actually reduces greenhouse gases by consuming CO2 out of the atmosphere while the trees are growing. Political pressure to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, such as the Kyoto Protocol, is sure to continue and it will become increasingly important to find solution. The use of solid wood construction such as log homes and timber homes can make a positive contribution.

Footnotes: 1Forestry Commission Scotland Greenhouse Gas Emissions Comparison - Carbon benefits of Timber in Construction. Aug 2006. 2Wood - another low carbon footprint solution. Feb-Mar 2006, ECOS 13. 3The environmental performance of renewable building materials in the context of residential construction Perez-Garcia, John, Bruce Lippke, David Briggs, James B. Wilson, James Boyer, and Jaime Meil. - http://www.corrim.org/

Get more information on log home construction or timber frame homes

Jim Young is the president of PrecisionCraft Log Homes and presides over the Log Homes Council for the National Homebuilders Association. Jim set the stage for a full service approach to designing, producing, and building log homes with the industry's first Total Log Home Solution, which is a PrecisionCraft hallmark.

Home Construction or Remodeling Contractor

Choosing the right Contractor is the most important aspect of any home construction project. You must take your time and do your research to find a good qualified contractor if you want excellent quality at a fair price. When we built our new home we spent many hours finding the best contractors for each aspect of building our new home. We developed a method that served us well and it is as follows:

Determine exactly what you want done and write it down. This may sound a little basic at first blush, but it is so important. Remember what is not well defined is easily manipulated. If it is not in writing, it can be disputed. You do two things when you define your project in detail, and in writing. You find any missing aspects that you may have overlooked and you have good definition and expectations for your contractor.

Get three (3) bids for each trade that you will hire. Never rely on one bid, and always meet the contractor face to face at the site where the work is to be done. If you are uncomfortable with the contractor when they are bidding the job how is it going to be when the two of you have to work out the details of your project. Remember cheaper is not always better!

Ask each contractor for references and make sure they are bonded and insured. Check their references and call the BBB (Better Business Bureau) in your area to see if they have any outstanding complaints.

Make sure they dont sub the work out to a contractor that is not insured or bonded. It is very common for a contract company to sub out work to contractors that are not insured and bonded. Another danger of the contractor subbing work out is if they dont pay their sub, the sub can put a mechanics lien on your house and you will have to pay even if you have already paid the contractor.

Set a definite timeframe for the work to begin and for completion and get it in writing. Nothing is worse than to have a project drag on not knowing when they are going to show up and finish.

Never, ever pay for the entire project in advance. If you do the contractor has no incentive to finish or even start. When you no longer have the money you are no longer in control! It is customary with most contractors that you pay a portion up front. On a large project hold back as much money as you can until the end. The incentive to finish must be motivated by the cash at the end of the project.

For more information on finding and qualifying contractors visit www.Build-YourOwn-Home.com

George Stevens is the popular author of the Website http://www.Build-YourOwn-Home.com teaching you how to build your own home. and Build-Your-Own-Home.com All Rights Reserved

Window Coverings 101 - To Inside Mount or to Outside Mount, That Is The Question

After much thought this morning I have gathered thoughts on the best way to answer a question from a client that came to me yesterday. Specifically, their question was more about Window Coverings in general rather than a specific type of covering. This gives me a unique place to start which really should be the way I start all my articles. The question was: "What is the difference between "Inside Mount" and "Outside Mount" when it comes to Blinds, Shades & Shutters?" I have laid out the basics below so please read on...

The first thing to understand is when selected "mount type" in Window Coverings; you may not have a choice at all. If your home builder mounted the glass or window frames so that you do not have a Window Well (a recessed area which holds the Window frame and glass) you don't have a choice.

There simply is no "inside" to order a Blind or Shade made as an Inside Mount. That being said, I would like to address the large portion of readers who do have the choice of how their Blind are mounted.

Determine your goals -

Do you want the most privacy? The most light control? The lowest price? The least obtrusive style?

If so, you are describing Inside Mount Window Treatments. They fit neatly inside the home builder's window well and are by far the most popular way to mount Window Blinds. I have an illustration of Inside Mount Blinds applications which can be seen here.

Do you want to enlarge the look of your Window? Do you want to frame your view? Are you mounting to a door or to a window where there is no window well to allow an inside mount?

If so, you are in need of an Outside Mount Window Treatment. They mount onto the face of the wall surface and normally mount above the window header a few inches to allow for brackets. It is also important to order these Window Covers a few inches wider than the window to make certain you get privacy on both sides of your Blind or Shade. Again, I have assembled an illustration here to show the differences of the two styles and how to measure for each.

Next week, I will go over Window Covering Installation in detail.

Brad A. Hall, President
The Blind Factory
http://www.theblindfactory.com
19 Years of Window Coverings experience.

Great Tips on Bathroom Remodeling

The very first thing that you will need to decide on when approaching any bathroom remodeling job is the budget that you have to work with. Once you have decided this then you can determine what kind of money that you have to allot for all the various components of your bathroom remodeling job.

One thing is for sure with regards to bathroom remodeling and that is that you are most likely going to have to deal with certain things such as counter tops and tile work, so you will want to come to some type of firm decision with regards to which way you are going to go wi591th them.

If you go to a bathroom and kitchen remodeling showroom they are going to try to sell you "the works", so it is best to stay out of these types of places until you have come to a few basic firm decisions on just what you are going to do with regards to your bathroom remodeling job.

Also, you will want to fit the job to the house if you plan on getting the best value for your dollar. This means that if you live in a moderately priced home think twice before you have your bathroom completely redone in polished black marble and gold plated fixtures.

There are great three piece bath and shower "inserts" that are reasonably priced that can completely redo your bath and shower in just a couple of days and save you loads of money. Also, if you have your eye on polished granite or marble counter tops it might be worth taking the time to have a look at some of the new composite or man mad counter tops that are on the market now. This is because the new materials that they are using for faux granite counter tops look just like the real thing.

Written by Donald Precio. Find the latest information on San Francisco Bay Area Bathroom Remodeling.

Home Renovation - A Profound Display of Your Skills

Home improvement increases property value, provides a more secure and comfortable home, displays your vibrant personality perfectly, and offers a big appreciation in the long run. It is important to evaluate the condition of your home and ensure that you make the necessary home improvements in a timely fashion in order to prevent any damage. Hence, home improvement plans should be implemented every year.

The renovation may be small scaled or large scaled depending upon your capacity to afford the expenses. Finances are the main reason why people postpone home improvement projects. There are some easy ways available in the UK financial market through which you can obtain the desired money for your home improvement plan.

Loans available in the UK financial market for renovation purposes can be used for a variety of projects, whether it is redecorating the house or adding another room and so on. The lenders know that renovation is purely personal and taste specific, and hence, they do not interfere in the manner of expending the loan amount.

You can get the required amount for renovation with and without pledging your residential property as security. The terms and conditions of loan plans vary accordingly. When getting renovation loan of secured category, the house, as well as the planned improvements are used as security against the loan amount. The value of your home is determined according to market prices and the loan amount depends upon the equity in the pledged security.

Homeowner loans also suit renovation purposes as these loans are secured and can offer you the required amount when you are going for a large scale renovation. The first step in applying for such loan plans is to figure out what improvements you want to make and how much that renovation will cost. You can get a rough idea regarding the expenditure by visiting different home supply stores and talking to separate contractors. Once you are aware about the expenditure, you can fill the online loan application form and go for that loan plan which suits the purpose cost-effectively.

When your requirements are small like whitewashing, painting or purchasing furniture, you can opt for home improvement loans of unsecured type. These loans are free from residential property security requirement and can offer you upto 25,000 pounds at a competitive rate of interest. Both the loan plans come with easy repayment options and you are advised to opt for a loan plan according to your requirements and repayment capacity.

About The Author: For more information about home improvement lo2E6ans and Homeowner loans Please visit our website: http://www.longdogfinance.co.uk/

Laminate Hardwood Floor Installation - 7 Reasons For Laminate Floor Solutions

A laminate hardwood floor installation rips out all the high-maintenance management and warping woes that accompany real wood flooring projects. Flooring frustrations are replaced with easy-care, authentic wood looks and textures that are a snap to install. What are the seven main reasons behind the phenomenal growth in do-it-yourself laminate hardwood floor installations?

Reason 1. Laminate Hardwood Flooring Installations Happy Over Any Sub-Floor

There is no ne197Ced for an expensive and time-consuming tearing up of the sub-floor. Glueless laminate hardwood floor installations can be done with confidence and success over virtually any existing type of flooring. This includes vinyl, tile, concrete and real wood strips. The only exceptions to the rule are carpeting and real hardwood on concrete.

Proper preparation of the sub-floor is vital, however. The surface needs to be absolutely smooth and even. Sand down all peaked joints and other bumps. Use a filler material for any holes or uneven areas. Make sure that the floor is spotless. Any bit of gravel trapped under your new floor, will eventually become an eyesore.

Reason 2. Laminate Hardwood Floor Installations A Long-Term Investment

With today's technology, the core and wear layers of laminate flooring are of a superb quality. Floors are treated to be highly moisture resistant. The aluminum oxide finish of the wear layer ensures maximum protection against scratches, fading, scuff marks, and stains. Many manufacturers include warranties of between 15 and 30 years. By choosing a quality decorating and interior design product for your floors, and following installation and maintenance instructions carefully, you will be ensured of stylish, elegant looks for years to come.

Reason 3. Care-Free, Calamity-Free Flooring For Your Family Home

No overloaded parent has time for finicky floor care day in and day out. With a laminate hardwood floor installation, you will lighten the cleaning load significantly. A mop and brushless vacuum take care of most chores. When necessary, a damp mop is used for a quick wipe. Flooring manufacturers supply dedicated cleaners for tougher spots. If there is a mishap with lipstick or paint, acetone nail polish remover should take care of it instantly. Always check with your flooring supplier to make sure that any cleaning process or solution complies with your warranty conditions. If you deviate from the guidelines, you may void your warranty.

Reason 4. Banish Allergies And Asthma With Laminate Flooring

If your kids suffer from dust-related allergies, new floors may offer the solution you are searching for. No matter how diligent you are with cleaning, carpeting remains a dust-trap. By replacing the flooring surfaces of your home with laminate hardwood floor installations, you will minimize your family's exposure to the offending, irritating particles. The hard, smooth surface is easy to keep spotless. There are no fibres that are reluctant to give up their share of dirt. A quick wipe with a damp mop takes care of the dust problem in a jiffy.

Reason 5. Easy-To-Install Project For Home Remodeling Rookies

Laminate hardwood floor installations are a snap with the latest click-'n-go engineering. No more sticky, messy, frustrating and apprehensive adhesive struggles. Even the most 'unhandy' amateur handyman can tackle these glueless flooring projects with confidence. There is no need to call in the services of a professional hardwood flooring contractor. You can successfully install a new, ready-to-use floor within about a day. As long as you make sure that you don't have problems with moisture in the sub-floor, and are able to follow the manufacturer's guidelines closely, you should be able to complete the installation on your own.

Reason 6. Tempting Authentic Real Hardwood Grains And Textures

From Pergo Flooring, to Armstrong Flooring and Bruce Hardwood Flooring now include every real wood grain under the sun. Shadings vary from light and airy to the rich, warm hues of the darker woods. Textures are as close to the real thing as possible. Planks are now even beveled to give the appearance of real wood planks. A laminate hardwood floor installation can now come with rustic, weathered looks.

Recently the ranges have been expanded to include a variety of realistic ceramic tile and stone tile finishes, complete with grout lines. Every type of decorating or interior design project is catered for, from old-world to contemporary. The flooring planks can be matte or may present a gleaming, shiny face to the world. Thanks to innovative technology, the days of plastic and fake-looking laminates are long gone.

Reason 7. Much To Do About Mishaps On Laminates

If you have kids and pets you will fall in love with laminates. No only will you have far fewer worries about crayon stains, puddles, and other potential flooring fiasco's, you will know that in the event of a major accident, a section of flooring can replaced with ease. As long as you keep an unopened box or two of flooring planks in storage, you will be equipped to re-do an area of flooring in no time. Whereas a damaged carpet has to be replaced completely, a laminate hardwood floor installation allows you to handle the inevitable family mishap with a smile.

Have a bit of decorating and interior design face-lift fun by joining the laminate hardwood floor installation crowd!

Awnings-and-Blinds.com - where you can grab your free copy of the Ultimate Laminate Flooring Buyer's Guide ebook. The author, Rika Susan also offers more info on flooring, awnings, blinds and other home remodeling issues in Harmonics Glueless Laminate Flooring and many other articles at http://www.Awnings-and-Blinds.com . Copyright of this article: 2007 Rika Susan. This article may be reprinted if the resource box and hyperlinks are left intact.

Tips for Low Cost Kitchen Renovations

When you consider renovations in your home, there are many factors to consider. Your budget is one of the most important considerations that you will make. Some rooms will cost more to renovate than others. In fact, your kitchen renovation will be a big expense. If you are moving walls, changing plumbing, insta1C84lling new cabinets and getting new appliances, you are easily looking at thousands of dollars. However, the good news is that there are things that you can do to renovate your kitchen and save money at the same time. It is possible to remodel without breaking the bank.

Take a Look at What you Have:

When you start your kitchen remodel, then first thing you will want to do when you want or need to save a lot of money is to take a good look at what you already have. Make a list of what you can use again and what really needs to be replaced. For example, if you think you would like new kitchen cabinets, but you are afraid that you will not be able to afford what you want, then consider using your existing cabinets. You can update them with a fresh coat of paint or have them refinished. Add some new hardware and you will have a like-new look at a fraction of the price. The same goes for your appliances. You may have an almond colored refrigerator and long for a stainless steel look. Did you know that it might be possible to outfit your existing appliances with a stainless overlay? This will certainly breathe new life into your kitchen renovations without spending so much money. You can get information on this by searching the web or by visiting your local home improvement store.

Look For Discounts

The next thing you will want to do is to shop for discounts. If you need new flooring, then go where you can get it for less. Wholesale stores are the perfect place to begin. These stores often carry limited quantities of items, so if you shop there regularly, you are bound to find something you love. Also, check with places such as Home Depot and Lowe's for their specials. You may even think about applying for a store credit card when they offer a zero percent interest financing deal. If you are spending a lot of money on your project, you may very well save a lot of money by doing this.

Do it Yourself and Save Of course, another way to save a bundle on any home improvement project is to get into the do it yourself craze. Think about the projects that need to be completed. What can you do without hiring a professional? The answer might surprise you. Many renovations projects are not as difficult as they seem. You only need some information and the right tools and equipment. You can learn techniques online or by taking a couple of courses. When you cut out the middle man and do the work yourself, you will see that you will save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars.

John Bakers wrote especially for http://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com, a website with topics around refacing, furniture and various other ideas. You can discover his publications on new kitchens at many different sources for new kitchens information.

How to Build a Shed

The easiest way to build a shed in the backyard is to make a trip to the local Lowe's or other hardware shop to purchase a shed-building kit.

Never choose one from a picture in a brochure or from the Internet. When viewing in person, you can check for important quality control details such as thickness of timber, overlap structure of panels, type of wood, whether it is pre-treated with a preservative and the quality of flooring. Thick timber is longer lasting. An overlap structure on wall panels is important to prevent water leakage. It is beneficial for the shed to have been pre-treated with preservative, but in your upkeep you will still want to treat it once a year. Flooring should be thick so that it does not give with the weight of tools and equipment you want to store.

Do not skimp on size or quality, because in the long run, you will be happiest with a large, lasting building.

Before starting, make sure you have a level base on which to build the shed. Otherwise, the wall panels will not line up properly. Double check that you have all necessary building tools for the particular shed-building kit; you will not want to stop mid-project to purchase more tools. Find out if you need permission to erect a small building on your property. Detail an access route for getting large panels and other materials to the site for the shed.

To begin, make sure the land is dry. Excavate a place to put in a concrete floor. If you choose to make the shed above ground, then wood boards are acceptable. Follow instructions and proceed to screw all pieces together in the pre-made holes. Run a frame sealing mastic around windows to prevent weather damage. T

o insulate, either use glass fiber loft insulation or expanded polystyrene slabs covered with wallboards. If the shed needs electrical wiring, be sure to bury cables in the ground or run them high overhead. Wires should never drag along the ground, wall or fence. Call a professional electrician for assistance if you are not familiar with these procedures.

It is possible to build a shed without purchasing the kit. Keep in mind that you are essentially building a box. Begin with the same flooring process- either excavate for a concrete floor or use a wooden floor. A simple shed can take the shape of a lean-to with one large slanted wall nailed to three smaller side walls. If you feel confident in your building abilities, then a more complicated shed would be a four-sided rectangular shed with a pitched roof. To attach the roof, nail the slanted slabs of wood to the upright walls. To finish the project, apply a preservative treatment, and any insulation or electric wiring that is desired.

Keith Kingston is a professional web publisher offering advice on garden sheds and outdoor Storage sheds

Tile Bathroom Counter Top

Tile bathroom counter tops will upgrade your bathroom. Few projects can improve the bathroom of your home more than tile bathroom counter top installation. Tile counter tops are not only beautiful, they are very practical too. You can spend much money to have a ceramic tile bathroom counter top installed or you can do it yourself. In this article see the steps to install a ceramic tile bathroom counter top.

First choose your tile. This is tough, since there are many choices of ceramic tile for bathroom counters. You must choose between an endless variety of sizes, colors, textures, grades, finishes.

Decide how you will trim the tile too. If the edges will be exposed, choose tile with finished glazed edges. Some floor tiles have glazed edges and look great as counter top tiles. Porcelain tile is used often in bathrooms. Since porcelain tile has a slick glass-like finish it's easy to clean and great for a bathroom. Also many porcelain tile models come with all kinds of trim pieces for edges and accessories. Accessories include soap dishes, towel racks and related fixtures.

Part of the art to installing ceramic tile counter tops is deciding how to arrange tiles. How do you start? Where should cuts be made? Which layout looks most attractive? After your base is installed, try laying some tiles, without adhesive, on the counter and see what looks best. Try different arrangements to see what you like. Move the dry tile around and save yourself a lot of time ripping out tile and starting over.

The base for the tile is important. Your tile bathroom counter top can be installed over many materials. Formica is a good base. Just check with your dealer to choose an adhesive suited for the surface. A favorite base is cement board. With cement board you can use ready mixed latex glue as an adhesive for ceramic tile counter tops.

When you're ready to start laying your ceramic tile, it's much like laying a floor. Spread the adhesive over an area with your tile trowel. Spread the adhesive with the notched side of your trowel to get the right amount of adhesive. The size of the trowel notches and the angle of the trowel determines how much adhesive you apply.

Lay your tiles following your plan you made with the dry tile. Use spacers to get the gaps between tiles consistent.

You cut tile at edges or around fixtures using a cutter board or a wet saw. Finish trim using tile nippers. After the tile adhesive is set, prepare to grout. Choose sanded grout if the joints are 1/8 inch or larger. An excellent alternative for a tile bathroom counter top is epoxy grout, which is excellent on any tile surface in a bathroom. Epoxy grout doesn't stain and is completely waterproof.

Those are the basic steps to completely update your bathroom with a tile counter top. This beautiful, practical surface can last for decades with minimum maintenance!

Have other questions about a tile bathroom counter top? I know laying ceramic tile can be puzzling.

Visit InstallingCeramicTile.Net to get answers to your questions and get some great resources to speed you to success with your project.

Al Bullington admires the beauty of ceramic tile from his home in the country.

Pebble Stone

With the immense popularity gained by several natural materials inside kitchens and baths, pebble stones have become the number one choice for several people across the globe when it comes to enhancing the interiors.

When it comes to surfacing material, pebble stone is the most preferred stone. Varieties such as earth toned river rock and polished black quartz are extremely famous among pebble stone lovers. The pebble stones are measured for thickness and thereafter assembled on to mesh blacked 12"x12" sections. These sections are specially prepared to be interlocked so that they possess a natural random look when installed. You can also find a 'standing stone' version of these pebble tiles. The tiles have the pebbles standing on end and also attached to mesh backing. These standing stones are available in 4"x12" bricks usually applied to vertical surfaces with the help of mortar.

Pebbles do not require grout for installation. Hence, they provide the appearance of standing stone. These stones make great pieces of dcor for interiors as well as exteriors of homes and offices.

If you want to collect natural pebblE60es, you can find these in Indonesia in abundance. Here, they are hard sorted for flatness, thickness and thereafter joined together individually and bonded on to a mesh backing.

You can easily utilize hand crafted natural pebble stone tile flooring for pools, waterfalls and bathrooms. These are easy to install and you don't require any professional help. These pebbles are hand sanded individually and put into place. Thereafter, these are shipped from overseas. Several stones are attached to tiles and provided a strong mesh backing. After this process these tiles are smoothed down to create an even surface. This makes the stone ideal to walk on.

There are several reasons to consider pebbles stone as an ideal choice for your interiors. Given below are the features of pebble stone that makes it perfect choice for interior dcor.

a) Attractive:
Pebble stone is known to create an amazing area with a variety of colors, designs and borders available under this category on the market.
b) Inexpensive:
Pebble stones are cheaper than other surfaces available in the market such as tile, brick, flagstone or pavers.
c) Porous:
These stones are known to remove puddling and low/high areas.
d) Easy to clean:
Pebble stones are very easy to clean. You can wash these with a hose.
e) Seamless:
You would not find any seams or joints on these stones. The stone are installed over expansion joints or even cracks due to its elasticity that allows for expansion.
f) Wide usage:
Pebble stones can be easily installed on hard surfaces including concrete, asphalt, tile, flagstone, brick or wood decks. You can turn your pool decks, patios, driveways, walks or planters in an area of elegance, style and class. These stones can be easily used for residential, commercial and industrial installations.

Pebble stones look attractive and provide an ultimate choice for installation for interior dcor.

We, at BBM Impex are dedicated to represent the nations treasure of natural stone. visit Pebble supplier & exporter.

I am freelance writer, I have written on many fields that are under the sun. I have passion to play with words. Accuracy, clarity and impact are the hallmarks of my work.

I am not a "Shakespeare", and don't have ability to convert imagination and thoughts into words, If I have to define myself in a few words, I would say I am a copywriter, I have good command over research, expertise to explore extensively and ability to prove that. I can write on any subject, from beauty to intellect, food to travel, paradise to Hades, flowers to nuclear bombs, rainbow to Tsunami, pen to sword, Britney sphere to Halen Keller, Tumors to Health and fitness, celibacy to Seduction. You can also find some of my articles at Freelance SEO Copywriter and Article Ghost Writer

Building Inspections - Permits and Problems

Things to Know

1. The General Contractor or the person that the Building Permit was issued to must make all inspection requests.
2. Building Permit Cards must be posted and building plans must be available at the jobsite or the inspection will not be performed and a penalty can be charged.
3. Permit Fees are based on the valuation of project defined as labor, materials, plus profit
4. If the project is large enough a plan review will have to be completed by the building inspector

Who are They

The BDI inspects approves and issues all permits required by code for new construction and for repairs and additions to all public and private buildings. They assure safe building standards for the general safety and welfare of us all. When Do I Need a Building Permit Building permits are required when any structural change or major alteration is made or for new construction. Normal maintenance doesnt need a building permit.

Here are some common examples, although this list is not complete:
1. New structures
2. Enlargement of existing rooms
3. Porches, decks, and retaining walls
4. Anything involving structural beams, joist replacement or bearing support
5. Foundations and footing repair, underpinning or shoring up of a structure
6. The conversion of basement or attic space to living quarters
7. All new fences except the replacement of existing fences
8. An entire new roof, when roof work is not replacement of like material

When Don't I need a Building Permit

Here are some common examples, although this list is not complete:
1. Ordinary repairs to residential buildings and structures, there could be height restriction here.
2. Plaster patching, exterior and interior painting, floor sanding and refinishing, floor tile, carpeting, replacement of flooring
3. Repair or replacement of gutters and downspouts
4. Replacement or repair of exterior doors and non-fire rated interior doors whenever no modification is made to the opening
5. Wall paneling applied directly to wall surfaces; acoustical ceiling tile applied directly to ceiling surfaces;
6. Installation of battery-operated smoke detectors
7. Replacement of existing fencing, same height, material and location in the rear or side yards
8. Non-dish radio or television antennae

The BDI will focus on all common areas unless there is a specific complaint. In that case they can go anywheres in a building. They do not need an owners permission to enter a unit, but they do need the tenants permission to enter an apartment. They will look at all common areas to sleuth out dangerous or hazardous code violations or egress issues. They are essentially interested in safety issues and will look especially for fire extinguishers, doors, lighting, stairs, doors and smoke detectors. If there are any violations of code they will issue a "notice of violation" or NOV.

What They Do: They will inspect a property for three reasons:

1. Law requires general inspections to uncover and correct safety issues and code requirements. These inspections are mandated periodically.
2. Someone has complained
3. To review new construction work for safety and code violations.

The Dreaded "Task Force Inspection"

If a building is a nuisance and gets repeated complaints then the city can call in many or all the agencies and create a task force to inspect the building. The agencies involved can include fire, health, police, and the D.A. The task force is only formed for the worst offenders, generally drug dens or health hazards.

Construction Inspections

The inspector is looking to see that the work is up to code and does not exceed the scope of the permit. Very often, construction will take place and other issues come up. If they exceed the parameters of the work approved they can deny approval of the work. Now you have to come into compliance and that can mean a bureaucratic snafu or worse. A citation or NOV (Notice of Violation) is issued and you will need to apply for another permit to fix the problem to come up to code. When the work is completed according to the demands of the BDI, you will need another inspection to get cleared. If you still have problems with getting the work approved you have a few alternatives

Fighting the BDI

1. Know the code: You will need to prove the condition cited is legal
2. Get all the permit plans the DBI has and try to make a case that the condition is historical
3. If its an older building it may be grandfathered
4. Talk to the senior inspector and make an informed case
5. Talk to a real estate attorney or engineer

The Hearing

This is your last effort to right a wrong. You can have your attorney or property manager or possibly a structural engineer make your case. This is your last ditch effort to allow a condition to remain in place. Obviously, you dont get to this unless there is a lot of money at stake.

Howard Bell
yourpropertypath.com

http://www.yourpropertypath.com
We believe that knowledge should be free and freely shared.

How to Replace a Circuit Breaker

It is always a good idea to have each circuit breaker clearly labeled. This prevents confusion and frustration in the event that one needs to be reset or replaced. You can begin labeling the circuits by turning them off and on to see which appliance it is connected to. Circuit breakers consist of the main power supply to your home as well as individual circuits for appliances within your home.

Learning how to replace a circuit breaker or install a new circuit breaker is a little more complicated than merely resetting a tripped breaker. Firstly, you should purchase a new circuit breaker from a home improvement or hardware store. Before installing a circuit breaker you should turn the main power breaker off to shut down power to the entire house.

You can remove the gray circuit breaker panel by unscrewing the faceplate. You will see two wires on the side of the breaker; be careful to remember what position each wire is in as you remove the panel. You can use a wire nut to hold and bend back the wire that you will use later on. Repeat this process for both the white and colored wires. After removing the old breaker box simply reinstall the new circuit breaker box and replace the wires in the same manner in which they were previously installed.

Installing a circuit breaker box is a seemingly simple task. Even if you are not technically inclined, you should still be able to perform this task. If, however, you are uncomfortable in dealing with electrical issues, it might be wise to consult with an electrician. All electricians know how to replace a circuit breaker and it is not very time consuming for them, and so it should not be expensive for you, and might save you some unnecessary frustration.

Circuit Breakers Info provides detailed information about circuit breaker panels, circuit breaker manufacturers, plus advice on how to replace and install circuit breakers and where to buy used and surplus circuit breakers. Circuit Breakers Info is the sister site of Electricians Web.

Renovation Research

It might sound like going back to school (yikes!), but researching and studying your options for home renovations, especially kitchen renovations, will make the project easier and more successful.

Luckily, there are many different ways to research and learn more about your renovation.

Magazines and Books - You might not expect your renovation project to start at the drug store,CD3 but they usually have a good selection of home improvement magazines. You don't need to get too involved, the pictures alone will start ideas flowing. Visit big box hardware stores for magazines that are more specific to your renovation. Your local library will not only have a selection of magazines, but also many helpful and idea producing books.

Talk to Family and Friends - Ever admire a friend's renovation only to learn that, while they like it, they wished they had done something differently? Your family and friends might have already been through some of the decisions you are trying to make - and they know the consequences.

Suppliers - Don't be afraid to approach suppliers, even when you are not ready to buy. The right supplier will know a lot about what you are trying to do and will be willing to give you advice. Suppliers are an especially good way to find out what your renovation will cost. Look for those offering free quotations. You might like something you see in a magazine - until you find out the cost. Big box hardware stores might be a good place to start asking questions because then you will know a little more when you talk to a specialist. Look for suppliers with showrooms and displays; there is nothing like seeing and touching to give you a better idea of what will work best.

The Internet - It's not just for kids any more. Finding a wealth of knowledge on the internet is as easy as typing a few words and clicking on "Search". Try to get information from different sources - retail sites, manufacturer sites, supplier sites (look for those with pictures of their work), and do-it-yourself sites. Web logs (blogs) are another source. More and more people are keeping blogs and many are about home renovation projects. It could be a good way to find first hand experiences about some of the issues you might face.

The other research you need to do might be a little easier and less time consuming - but it also might be more important. Take the time to think about how your family uses your kitchen. A particular kitchen might be very attractive, but it might not be the best choice for your lifestyle.

The more you know about it, the better your home renovation project will be - from start to finish.

Hi my name is Mike, We are a family run operation dedicated to personal service; combining tradition with state of the art technology, to design and produce functional, stylish cabinetry tailored to your needs. Please give us a call at (905) 761-2815 and check out our site Custom Cabinetry Design

Contractor Horror Stories

Horror stories. Everyone's heard one, and they're a major reason why many people are reluctant to enter into a remodeling or new home project. Building is a complicated, expensive, emotional undertaking and for some people the risk of encountering a problem is too high.

But for others, the challenge and excitement of creating something completely new and unique is irresistible. Designing and building a new home or reworking the one you're in can be a very fulfilling experience - if you've done your homework and you've prepared yourself for the possibility that everything may not always go exactly as planned...as in these two true stories:

Carved In Stone (Not)

Chuck and Jim opened the rear doors to Chuck's van and carefully lifted out the new polished granite countertop. They'd parked the van in the driveway at the back of their client's house, aligned with the kitchen door so that the countertop could be carried straight in. Large stone countertops are fragile, but this one was especially so because of the holes that had been precut in it to allow for the sink and cooktop to be dropped in later. Inside, Chuck and Jim positioned themselves next to the cabinets where the countertop was to be installed and began to slowly rotate it into place.

Jim heard it first - a soft "pop", just before the countertop cracked on either side of the sink opening. The heavy stone pieces slipped from their hands and landed with a double thud on the kitchen floor.

The client was watching when the disaster struck, and the sound she made was nothing like a pop, a crack or a thud; it was more like stifled scream. This was just too much to bear. It was the third time Chuck and Jim had broken the kitchen countertop.

Too Good to Be True

Jim and Tracy desperately wanted to build their new home in Cherrington Woods and couldn't believe their luck when they found that the very last lot in the subdivision was still for sale. Lot 43 was on a cul-de-sac, and backed up to a ravine. The price was reasonable, even cheap for the area, and since the rest of the lots on the street had already been built on, Jim and Tracy wouldn't have to put up with any one else's construction mess once they had moved in.

After the closing, Jim called the Architect that their real estate agent had recommended and set up a first meeting. Among the topics discussed was the need to conduct a subsurface investigation of the site, to try to discover any conditions that might require special Foundation engineering. But since it was the last lot in the subdivision, and no soil problems had been found on the adjacent lots, the likelihood of bad soil or rock was low. Jim decided against spending the money on the soils tests.

Which was unfortunate, because a soils test wouldn't have found bad soil; it would have found very little soil at all. What it would have found is tree stumps, old fence posts, lumber scraps, and other construction trash to a depth that exceeded the planned depth of Jim and Tracy's Foundation. When Cherrington Woods was being developed, the excavator had used the lot for a trash pit. A lot of what had been cleared off of the top the subdivision during the grading had been pushed onto the area later known as lot 43 and then buried under five feet of dirt.

Ultimately, the Foundation had to be dug six feet deeper than planned to get to stable soil. Jim and Tracy ended up with a big hole in their checking account and a very nice racquetball court in their basement.

Hang In To The End

When something goes wrong on a construction project, it might be the fault of one of the parties involved in the project, or it might be one of the those things that no one seems to be able to predict. Either way, the goal is the get the project back on track and moving as soon as possible.

Some problems have to be taken in stride. In the vast majority of cases, the joy and satisfaction of fresh new living space soon fades the memory of any problems during construction.

Richard L. Taylor, AIA is a published author and recognized expert in Residential Architecture. He is President of Richard Taylor Architects, a 5-person firm in Historic Dublin, Ohio. Residential Architect Luxury Home Plans

5 Lighting Tips That Will Improve Your Home

Q. How can I improve the lighting in my kitchen? I'm always preparing meals in the dark!

A. There is a general idea that a big central ceiling fixture will provide all the light needed for cooking, meals and cleaning up. A central overhead light provides good overall lighting, but is a weak light for tasking. Everyone working under that kind of light will be working in their shadow. Undercabinet lighting is a good solution for food preparation because it efficiently illuminates the counter work surface. There are many plug-in varieties of xenon and halogen units that work well for this kind of task illumination.

For island counters, where food is prepared or served, pendants hung to illuminate the entire work surface are also a good solution. Pendants are hanging lights, either on downrods (stems), cords or chain, they can be positioned singly or in groups, just above the task area and light up the surface to make the tasks at hand well lit and enjoyable. Some pendants come in brightly colored glass shades for a contemporary look, or more traditional with faux alabaster glass shades and wrought iron, pewter or bronze finishes.

Q. We have a family room that has two table lamps in the corners of the room and a central overhead fixture. This lighting is not enough for my kids doing homework at the table, or me, reading or knitting on the sofa. What can you suggest?

A. Check to see if you are using the correct wattage in your lamps and replace your lampshades if they are darkened and clouded with age ( over the years this can happen slowly, the shade emitting less light because of deterioration). Again, an overhead fixture is limited in the light it can provide for tasking.

A good alternative is track lights which will provide good downlight to specific areas in the room. Track heads with little spot or flood bulbs can beam lighting down on tasking areas. Floor lamps that have multiple "goosenecks" or adjustable lights that can be directed towards many working areas can adequately illumintate reading and other activities in a multiple areas. Wall sconces placed in work areas provide a pleasant, semi-direct light and enhance ambient lighting.

Q. I'd like to have better light around my house when I come home at night.

A. Low voltage light kits provide good light along driveways and walkways. They come with various lamps and styles with transformers to match. It's easy to install low voltage lighting--these kits usually consist of a several lights which are on spikes that can be set in the ground and linked with wire which can be placed above ground, buried several inches down in soil, covered with mulch or behind shrubbery. Low voltage (12 volts of current) is safe for children and pets-the voltage is so low it does not present a shock hazard).

The transformer, which converts the standard 120 household volts to 12 volts, is plugged into a regular house exterior or interior outlet. Higher voltage (120 volts) provides the most powerful light for your driveway, walkway and landscape lighting. There is no transformer, wires to the light sources which can be spiked or installed around walkways, driveways, etc. have to be buried at a safe depth because of safety regulations--these will be in the directions for installation.

They are excellent for illuminating a driveway or walkway, showcasing trees, the house or the landscape. Placed strategically, the effects with this 120 voltage landscape lighting are dramatic and provide all the illumination you may require.

Q. My electric bill is too high! What can I do about it!

A. Replacing all of your present incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs will definitely lower your electric bill. CFL's (compact fluorescent lights) come in many wattages and styles. The CFL technology will expand over the next year to include dim-able bulbs and smaller bulbs in three-ways for lamps. Also, consider dimmers for any room in your house. When a light is dimmed, the wattage is decreased (you save money!) and dimmers present the option of just the right light at the simple slide or dial on the wall switch.

Q. My husband and I have a bathroom with double sinks. I like a lot of light for putting on make up in the morning. My husband likes to shave in the practically in the dark.! He says bright light is only acceptable after a cup of coffee. Right now we have a standard vanity fixture with six bulbs that are too dim for me an too bright for him. What can we do?

A. A dimmer will solve the light adjust ability problem, but only if you use the bathroom at different times. If you use the double sinks at the same time, you should consider separate lighting above each sink --that would require installing separate receptacles and wiring, and then, separate dimmers. You could then have the correct wattage for your applying make-up and your husband could have his preferred lighting for shaving.

Welcome to my lighting blog

Lois DeWitt is a certified lighting specialist, a cookbook author, "Pop It In The Toaster Oven," a poet and a Standard Poodle admirer. She cooks gourmet meals for friends, walks along the shore with her dog, Charley, and tends her vegetable garden in Wilmington, NC. She also works part time in the Lighting/Electrical Department at The Home Depot.

Tips for Choosing Your Bathroom Remodeling Contractor

Bathroom remodeling is a major home improvement project. Its an investment that improves both the value of your home and your enjoyment of the space. Choosing a bathroom remodeling contractor to complete your project is the key to the success of the project now and later.

The task of remodeling often involves tear-outs, tie-ins to existing systems and other structural tasks that arent necessary when building a new structure. Thats why it is important to make sure you choose a contractor with experience in remodeling. A contractor that has remodeling experience will be able to efficiently handle the specifics of remodeling that a person with no remodeling experience couldn't.

Ask your friends, family and neighbors for referrals of contractors theyve used. Go online and try one of the contractor referral sites. These sites can refer you to a local bathroom remodeling contractor. Youll also usually be able to see comments and ratings from others who have used their services.

Bathroom Remodeling

Once you have several candidates1C49, review your project with each bidder separately. Make sure to give each potential contractor the same specifications for your project. This helps to ensure each bid is for exactly the same work. Written requests work best, as it gives you and the contractor a complete summary of everything you want accomplished.

A professional bathroom remodeling contractor will provide you with a professionally written proposal for your project. Once the proposal is accepted, they should also provide you with a contract that clearly states the work to be accomplished, the materials to be used, and the time frame for completion. Make sure all the specifics are included in the contract.

Sometimes we all want to choose the least expensive contractor. This is not always the best deal. Make sure to evaluate each area concerned with your bathroom remodeling. The quality of materials, the experience level of the people doing the work, and the time frame for completion should all be evaluated before you make your final decision.

This article was written by Gregg Hicks of http://www.reliableremodeler.com which provides Internet-based home improvement information and services. Offering homeowners a simple, quick, and free way to access, qualified home improvement remodeling contractors.

Gargoyle Bookends as Part of Mythology and Architecture

Gargoyles are most commonly associated with medieval lore but their use as architectural figures dates back to earlier times. Often seen as fierce looking faces, gargoyles are also seen as full figure characters. Gargoyle bookends are a reflection of the history and mythology that continues to fuel modern interest in unique nature of these unusual figures.

Gargoyles have been part of architecture since the heyday of the ancient Greek and Egyptian empires. Though gargoyles often have a fearsome appearance, their use is thought to be far more benevolent. The power to ward off evil spirits is a significant part of the mythological explanation surrounding gargoyles. Hellenic or Greek gargoyles are very often seen as happy or jolly characters and were a part of many public buildings. They could be seen mounted on the parapets of buildings or spewing water as part of a public fountain. Outcroppings on the facade of a building may have been used especially for gargoyles.

Many of these figures took the shape of animals, especially reptiles. Often dragon like in appearance, their gaze was usually facing down from the structure. In mythology and lore, dragons were thought to be the guardians of sacred places or great treasure troves. This contrasts with the more popular view of dragons as fierce and fire breathing creatures. Other animals such as birds of prey or the mythical Roc were the inspiration for many gargoyle figures.

Many styles of gargoyle bookends replicate these unique creatures. Gargoyle replicas are one of the most collectible types of bookends and statuary. Fans of Gothic architecture and lore are particularly drawn to gargoyle collecting. The history of the gargoyle even includes their use in religious settings, as adornments to some of the worlds great churches and cathedrals. The cathedral at Notre Dame in France is home to many gargoyle figures.

The history and lore of the gargoyle figures takes many forms. Gargoyles and gargoyle bookends may represent combinations of human and animal forms sometimes taking on the appearance of hooded monks and friars. Just as they may be used to ward off evil, they were thought to have other uses. Avoiding the wages of sin can be a powerful force used to keep people from straying into a life of eternal damnation. It is thought by some historians that gargoyles may have been placed in prominent view to remind people that Satan, or other supposed forces of evil, were all about and should be avoided.

Since many gargoyles appear with wings, they may very well have been the inspiration for the flying monkey characters seen in the movie the Wizard of Oz. Many dragons of myth were often depicted with wings and were though to be capable of flight, reflecting the myth of flying gargoyles. From the funny to the frightening, many other modern day film and cartoon monsters have been patterned from these legendary winged figures.

Whether collectors of gargoyle bookends are seeking redemption is certainly open to debate. Gargoyles do appear in many pieces of medieval artwork. They can often be quite scary in appearance and could be used to frighten away superstitious people. Given the wide variety of gargoyle shapes, many collectors may have more of an artistic motivation to maintaining their collections.

In addition to collectible bookends, today gargoyle figures stand vigil as yard ornaments, water fountains and various types of outdoor statuary. Even though warding off evil spirits may not be in your decorating plans, some interior design schemes benefit from the addition of gargoyles. Gargoyle bookends make the perfect the perfect gift for fans of medieval mythology and religious history.

Mitch Endick is a short article writer for the popular decorative bookend site: http://www.decorativebookends.com. He provides interesting information buying and collecting decorative bookends.

http://www.decorativebookends.com
http://www.decorativebookends.com

Home Insulation - Slash Your Energy Bills, Stay Snug In Winter (And Cool In Summer)

You can add insulation to almost any home. Depending on the structure of your building, the best areas to add insulation are normally the loft, and also the cavity between your home's inner and outer walls. Insulating these saves a lot of energy and based on calculations for a British home, usually covers its cost within 2 years. Whats more, if you properly insulate your home you will prevent several tonnes of carbon dioxide being emitted into the atmosphere each year.

Insulating your cavity walls and loft will have the biggest impact on your bills. More heat is lost through walls than any other route approximately 33% in an un-insulated home. 270 mm (10 inches) of loft insulation can save up to 25% of a homes heating costs.

In most houses in the United Kingdom built after the 1920s, the external walls are made of two layers with a small air gap or 'cavity' between them. If your home has unfilled cavity walls, a considerable slice of your energy bills will be spent heating the air outside. Filling the gap between the two walls of a house with an insulating material massively decreases the amount of heat which escapes through the walls. It will help create a more even temperature in your home, help prevent condensation on the walls and ceilings.

Cavity wall insulation is quick, clean and relatively inexpensive to install. It's injected into the cavity from the outside, taking between two and three hours for a three bedroom semi-detached house. In the United Kingdom it typically costs around 250, and with the savings homeowners then make on their heating bills, it can pay for itself in under 2 years.

Another really important area to consider is that you could be losing up to a third of the heat in your house through your roof and loft insulation can cut this right down. The recommended depth for insulation is at least 270mm. If you currently have insulation that is less thick than this you may consider adding another layer, although the payback time is longer.

There are various materials that you can use to insulate your loft. Most frequently used is mineral wool, although you can now use real wool if you want a natural alternative.

In the United Kingdom most people prefer to use a professional insulation contractor, who should also help you get government grants to reduce the cost. Because of the grants, using a contractor is normally cheaper than doing it themselves and with a professional you know that the job will be properly done.

Other cheap and easy steps which are well worth home owners considering include insulating their hot water tank, insulating the homes pipe-work and installing draught-pRoofing. Many homes are leaking heat through gaps in the joins on the panels that make up their windows and doors. In a typical home 20 per cent of all heat loss is through ventilation and draughts. Draught pRoofing is one of the least expensive and most effective energy efficiency measures for the home - yet it is too often overlooked.

Draught pRoofing offers a quick return, frequently paying for itself within a year and then saving year after year. There are many types of product - for around windows (sash, metal, timber); external doors (including weatherbars for door bottoms); internal doors - particularly kitchens, bathrooms and main living areas; the loft hatch, and even letter boxes, key holes and cat flaps!

Insulation, although not as headline grabbing as solar panel and wind turbines, is definitely the first place to start to make your home more comfortable and energy efficient.

Alex Perry is a founder of DownwithCO2.co.uk, which helps people save energy, save money and reduce CO2 by using insulation

A Stair Lift Guide

There are three ways of providing access between floors for the handicapped or disabled; residential elevators, stair lifts and platform lifts. By far the most popular method of residential lift is the home chair stair lift.

The reasons why they are preferred by the majority is because of ease of installation and price. Residential elevators and platform lifts start at around 10k to 16k. The price of a home stair lift will depend on its type. A straight type will range in price from 2.5k - 4k, whereas a curved model is custom made and will cost anything between 5k to 20k. The complexity of the installation ultimately dictates the cost of installing a curved lift. The cost is impossible to know before the supplier carries out an onsite inspection.

Drive Type

There are four types of drive types. However, the vast majority of new stair lifts use the rack and pinion system.

Most cable drive systems use a strong steel cable - aircraft cable is the norm. The main disadvantage of this type of drive system is that the ride can be less than perfectly smooth. However, technology has moved on and those companies that still use this drive system say that the ride is as smooth as any other type. Summit and Ameriglide stair lifts both use this drive type.

Chain drive systems are used only for heavy duty models. They are loud and not really used in residential stair lifts.

The screw drive uses a lifting mechanism with a screw driven actuator. This is powered by a rechargeable battery. Again, this type is not used in home models.

The rack and pinion drive system is by far the most popular type for residential stair lifts. Rack and pinion systems - meaning gear and teeth - used to have to require regular cleaning and replacement of gear oil. However today's home units have sealed drive systems that require no maintenance at all.

The Track or Rail

This is the base along which the carriage travels. The track is always fitted to the stairs and never to the wall. This means that a track can be fitted to either side of the stairs. Tracks used in straight stair lifts are made of extruded aluminum whereas curved ones usually use a mixture of both steel and aluminum.

Power

With early designs the power source was AC mains. But today, most stair chair lifts are powered by DC 12 volt rechargeable batteries. Batteries are preferred because a trailing cable is used with AC mains powered stairlifts. The cable is reeled5B4 out and reeled back in each and every time the chair travels up and down the stairway, which causes wear and tear. Also, battery powered units can still be used during power outages. Some states prohibit the installation of any appliance unless it is installed by a qualified technician.

Swivel Seats

All makes of stair chair lifts offer this option. There are two types; 90 degree and 180 degree swivel seats. A 90 degree swivel seat is mounted on the upstairs side of the chassis and fold in one direction. A 180 degree swivel seat folds in both directions. One manufacturer, Stannah, makes a motorized swivel seat.

Self Diagnosing

Many brands like the Acorn Superglide and the Stannah stair lift have integrated circuit boards that can help diagnose problems with your lift and decrease maintenance costs.

Accessories

All manufacturers offer a mixture of accessories either as standard or optional. What you choose will affect the cost of the stair lift.

Perch stair lifts allow the passenger to remain standing. This is excellent for those who have problems bending at the knee. The Acorn Superglide Perch is one such example.

Just about all home units come with safety belts. Some brands come with retractable lap inertia belts, while others offer 3-point fixed shoulder belts.

Installation

Installation of today's straight models is quite easy. Many manufacturers and dealers encourage custome53Ars to self-install. However, a customer should never self install and the Accessibility Equipment Manufacturer's Association strongly advises against it.

The installation of a residential lift really can allow someone to regain their home and independence. The chair stair lift that is best for a customer will depend on their requirements and budget.

Follow the links for more information on a stair chair lift, wheelchair stair lift and the handicap stair lift.

Do You Really Need a Realtor

So, if you're having a home built, what are the consequences of not using a Realtor? I learned from experience, and I want to share my knowledge with others. Currently, I am a Realtor, so you may think that I'm biased. However in 1998 (prior to becoming an Agent), just like many of you, I didn't use a Realtor when I had my 1st home built. I thought the person in the model home would look for my best interests. Below are some real life examples explaining what can happen if you don't hire a Realtor to represent you.

1. Pay too much for the house - Realtors are in constant contact with builders about special promotions that are going on. You may not believe this. But, I know a buyer that went to a builder, and the sales agent in the model home quoted a high price. However, the Realtor knew that the builder was offering a promotion, and the price was actually supposed to be alot less. If the Realtor wasn't there, the home buyer would have overpaid for the house.

2. Negotiate the Contract - One thing to always remember is that the sales agent in the model represents the builder, not you (the buyer). Therefore, their job is to negotiate the contract in the best interests of the builder. If you hire a Realtor/Buyer's Agent, it's the Realtor's job to negotiate the contract for your best interests. In other words, the Realtor will negotiate the following: sales price, earnest money deposit, down payment assistance, financing options, etc. I know buyers who were told they had to use the builder's mortgage company even though that mortgage company didn't have the best loan programs. So, the buyers wound up getting a higher interest rate. They were told that if they didn't use the builder's company, they wouldn't receive the special incentives (like free upgrades, builder paid closing costs, etc). A Realtor can negotiate for you, so you don't have to use the builder's lender.

3. Incorrect Options - Building a home takes several months. Everyone's human, and we all make mistakes. Sometimes, builders make mistakes and put the wrong options in your house. When I had my home built, the builder put in the wrong countertops. In another buyers' house, the builder put in the wrong bathtub, the wrong light fixtures, and there was a lot of standing water on the lot. Your Realtor will monitor the building progress, and the Realtor will notify the builder immediately if a mistake is made.

4. Incorrect Paperwork at Closing - Realtors know what type of paperwork should be at the closing. I know a buyer that had a home built, and during the building process, the paperwork changed. Specifically, the sales price was lowered. However, when they got to the Closing, all the original documents were there with the higher price. No one could find the new paperwork. The Realtor was the only person who had it. So, without the Realtor, the buyer would have paid too much for the house.

5. Incorrect Settlement Statement - Realtors go over this statement in detail to make sure it's accurate. If you've never heard of a Settlement Statement, that's the form that you're given at the Closing. It lists all your closing costs, and it states whether or not you have to pay money or get money back at closing. Well, I can't count the number of buyers I know that encountered incorrect Settlement Statements. For example, at my brother's closing, the Settlement Statement showed that he had to pay over $200, but in actuality, he didn't have to pay anything. Luckily, his Realtor was there, and she noticed that one of the fees on the statement was incorrect.

Now, you know the benefits of using a Realtor even if you're having a new home built. Now, you don't have to learn the hard way. The best thing about hiring a Realtor/Buyer's Agent is that it's FREE. Why would you not want someone to look out for your best interests (for FREE)?

I have been a licensed NC & SC Realtor/Buyer's Agent since 2003. I specialize in helping home buyers. To get more free tips & advice (or to search for homes), please visit my website: http://www.NJoyHomeBuying.com

Instructions For Remodeling Porches

Remodeling porches can be a great benefit to homes in regard to both its appearance and value. The following example from DoItYouself shows how you can make more of your outdoors with new ideas, such as painting, staining or trying some basic carpentry skills. You can turn a plain backyard into a fresh, fabulous outdoor environment. This may also be a good time to repair an old porch while also sprucing up its appearance.

The owners of an Atlanta, Georgia home decided to transport their back porch from a concrete slab to a screened-in porch due to mosquitoes and their desire to relax outside. They already knew they wanted to screen in their existing back porch, but complications arose since their patio was simply a concrete square tucked under an overhang. They wanted the porch to blend in with the rest of the house yet still stand up against the mosquitoes, humidity and high summer temperatures. Additionally, because their existing concrete porch also had a slight drop for rain runoff the homeowner shad to trim the inside of the frame to fit the drop.

Here is a step-by-step outline of what these homeowners did:

First, cut the paneling. You should cut 4 x 8 foot sheets of pre-primed beadboard ceiling paneling to fit. Second, install the ceiling panels and fan. A nail gun is the most efficient tool when installing ceiling panels. This is easier than holding the panel while swinging the hammer. Be sure the ceiling is wired for a fan and light before installing all of the paneling. The fan helps the porch stay eight to ten degrees cooler than the outdoors, while the light allows the porch to be used at night. Have someone hold the fan while the other person connects the wires and screws the fan into place. The ceiling's trim should hide the seams in the paneling to give a nice appearance. Third, frame the porch.

These homeowner's 2 x 4 frame was sized to fit the standard-width screens installed later. You can either nail the crosspieces directly through the vertical braces or toenail them into place. Fourth, attach the interior paneling. A staple gun secures the interior plywood beadboard paneling. The panels were level across the top, but because the concrete floor was uneven the bottom of the paneling had to be trimmed. Fifth, attach and level the exterior paneling. The hardboard exterior panels should be added individually starting from the bottom. The first panel was custom-cut to fit the bumpy ground line. It did require a few attempts to get the paint's pale yellow tone to match the weathered version of the house. A benefit of using weather-resistant exterior paint is that it only requires washing with soap and water to maintain its color.

The paint thus maintains its great looks unless you use a chain saw to mess up with it. Finally, finish the screen. Vinyl grids are screwed into the wooden frame and the screens attach to the channels in these grids. This creates a staple-less installation of fiberglass of aluminum screens. Once the screens are rolled into the grids, the excess screen is trimmed off. Mallet snaps the caps over the vinyl channels and locks the screens into place.

The magazine writer Ray Walberg is really interested in questions about saw sharpening. Working on his writings, the columnist established his experience on issues associated to chain saws and saw sharpening.

Small Bathroom Designs

Homeowners need not stress over small bathroom designs. Although the space element may be limited, there are several creative ways to maximize what you have. Here are some top ideas for small bathrooms.

Pick Light Colors

The color of your bath is crucial to creating great first impressions. Small bathrooms should always avoid dark, heavy colors. These can make your bath seem both assuming and smaller than it is. Light, pastel colors on the other hand with small designs are perfect. These colors create the impression of spaciousness. These are also the colors that can make any room fell fresh, airy and relaxing. Mix and match pastel colors for your floor, walls, cabinets and fixtures.

Use Corner and Overhead Spaces

Make use of unused spaces. The key is to make the most out of these small unused areas. You could for example push your bath tub and toilet to the wall to ensure that no remaining unused space at the back remains. You can also use corners for a hanging sink and a corner shower booth. Overhead spaces can still accommodate cabinets, hamper hooks and racks. As much as possible, keep the floor space free except for your tub, shower stall and toilet.

Choose Smaller Bath Items

Pick out small items and bathroom accessories. Bath fixtures don't come in single sizes. If you do not have a family of giants, then you can settle for a smaller toilet, bathtub and sink. Do make sure though that you have fixtures that you are comfortable using. Consult the biggest member of your family when picking the smallest possible fixture available.

Use Mirrors

All bathrooms need mirrors. Small bathrooms would look perfect with unadorned mirrors. Extremely small bathrooms might have to do with small round mirrors. Small baths though that aren't exactly too cramped could use wide mirrors that stretch across walls. It may not be obvious to some but mirrors are design accents that are more than just functional. These reflective surfaces will help make your bathroom seem larger.

Get Lights and Windows

Aside from mirrors, lights also help extend the perception of space. As much as possible, natural light sources should be preferred over artificial ones. Windows over bathtubs or overhead openings bring in not just light but a breath of fresh air.

Use night lights wisely. Opt for generous light fixtures that aren't just limited to the center of the room. Attach dimmers so you can adjust light options when you are in the mood for subdued lights.

Think Minimal

Limit your bathroom items and accessories. As much as possible, stick to only the essential items that a bathroom should have. Move magazine racks, extra cabinets, excess hampers and towel racks from the bathroom.

Small bathroom designs may require your creativity. With a little imagination, you can easily convert a small bathroom into the dream haven you have always wanted.

Find the latest in small bathroom designs. Read more about bathroom remodeling ideas.

Choosing House Blue Prints

'I want a closet in my bedroom that I could fit a queen size bed into if I wanted. I want to feel like a serious celebrity when I walk into that closet and choose from my shoes, clothing or accessories. However, I want it to fit into a plan using only this much square footage for the house.'

This is what I sounded like before our home was built. I was very serious and confident with what I wanted, and no one was going to talk me out of it.

So, I was pretty surprised when the guy who would be working on my house blue prints looked at me like I had just licked the bottom of my own shoe. I had thought long and hard about what I wanted, and was ready for the house blue prints to be drawn so we could get this process moving.

We had established a budget, and within that budget, we had planned the square footage of our home. We weren't able to go above that budget, either. So, my dream of escaping into my celebrity closet with the full length mirror and the 'dressing room' sign on the door came crashing down around my ankles. This is why.

Although I had established my wants before getting the house blue prints, I hadn't really thought about my needs. If we would have gone with the closet size I wanted, including the other things we had to have, our bedroom would not have been large enough to accommodate our needs.

Still, I really wanted it, so I tried to convince my husband and the guy doing the house blue prints. I tried to compromise; however, they assured me that no contractor would build our bedroom around our bed.

My husband also refused to leave the same sheets on our bed for the rest of our lives, and hang our clothes in the kitchen pantry. We might have been able to squeeze our bed into the bedroom, but we would have had about an inch of room to walk around in.

When choosing house blue prints, the first thing you should consider is your family's needs. Most people build houses that they plan to live in for the rest of their lives, so you have to plan for an expanding family, accumulated personal items or furniture, and anything else you may gain through the years.

You don't want to have your home built and realize in a few years that you have outgrown it. My own needs wouldn't have been fulfilled had I went with the house blue prints the way I wanted them.

In fact, I found out that a lot of people end up unhappy with their homes because they chose to overlook their needs for something they wanted at the moment.

After quite a while, and a lot of blood, sweat and tears, our hour was up. What I got was a set of house blue prints that accommodated our needs, and most of our wants. I didn't think I would be, but I am very happy with the size of my closet.

My husband is happy that he didn't have to purchase a wardrobe to fill the closet I had originally wanted, and the man who handled our house blue prints is happy that I left him alive.

Amy G recently went through the process of building a home and shares what she discovered on her website House Blue Prints. Visit to learn all the tips, tricks and advice you need for choosing the perfect house plan for your home.