Remodeling a Bathroom and Refinishing and Restoring Baseboard Heating Element Covers

If you are considering remodeling your home's bathroom then you should add refinishing baseboard heating element covers to the list of tasks to do. Rusty baseboard heating element covers are frequent occurrences in older bathrooms.

The installation of new toilets, tubs, sinks, vanities, and flooring are typically involved in a bathroom remodeling job, however sometimes the heating element is forgotten. If not refinished or replaced, the rusty baseboard heating element covers can look even more unsightly after the rest of the bathroom has been remodeled. Refinishing your Bathroom's Baseboard Heating Element Covers can play a major role in restoring a new look to your bathroom.

If your home is a few years old and has hot water baseboard heating in it, chances are your bathroom baseboard heating element covers are rusted and in need of refinishing.

Bathrooms, as well as Kitchens, Laundry rooms and basements, are more likely to see rusty baseboard heating element covers due to the high moisture levels and condensation that typically occur in them.

There are several rust resistant baseboard heating element covers available on the market today, however it can be very expensive to replace your existing baseboard heating elements with these new products. The other alternative is to refinish and restore your existing baseboard heating element covers with a little sweat equity.

Refinishing or restoring baseboard heating elements is something simple enough for a DIY homeowner to do (with the right knowledge) and can save significant dollars. Installing new baseboard heating elements, on the other hand, typically involves the cost of an entire new heating element and a plumber.

Most hot water baseboard heating elements can be easily dissassembled by simply pulling away the front covers from the bracket assembly. The panels can then be cleaned, sanded and repainted to be restored to a like-new finish and appearance.

So if your thinking about remodeling your bathroom dont forget to include your hot water baseboard heating element covers to the list of tasks to do.

For more information on refinishing and restoring baseboard heating element covers see the Refinishing Baseboard Heating Element Cover Ebook from HomeAdditionPlus.com. The Refinishing Baseboard Heating Element Cover EBook will quickly teach you the step-by-step process for restoring baseboard heating element covers and includes how-to pictures for every key step in the process.

Over the past 20+ years Mark Donovan has been involved with building homes and additions to homes. His projects have included: building a vacation home, building additions and garages on to existing homes, and finishing unfinished homes. For more home improvement information visit http://www.homeadditionplus.com and http://www.homeaddition.blogspot.com

Home Remodeling Books

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

Th16D0ere is no need 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 an2B8d hyperlinks are left intact.

Colonial Style Porch Ceiling
Colonial Style Posts At Entryway

How to Shop for Laminate Floors Online - What to Look For and What to Know

With all the different styles, types and fancy terms, how can you tell if you are getting what you want? The following information will assist and inform you, so that you can make a choice based on the facts not just what a salesman tells you.

First, you need to find a color that fits your needs. Get free samples of your flooring so that you can match them up with the other items in your home. If you need a larger board or two to get a better idea as to how it would look, spend the money and get them. A small investment today may save you a lot of time and money later.

Next determine the kind of traffic flow you are going to have. How many people walk on that area of flooring each and everyday? Kids and pets are normally hard on flooring so make sure you choose an AC wear layer that fits. The AC wear layer is how they rate the durability of laminate flooring. Using a piece of 180 grit sandpaper then counting the number of revolutions (cycles) it takes to expose the core of the laminate determines the wear layer. Listed below are the different wear layers available.

* AC 1 - Is for moderate residential (approx: 900 cycles) used in low traffic areas (guest room use for visitor once in awhile).

* AC 2 - Is for general residential (approx: 1800 cycles) for rooms that are used occasional (study or living room that are rarely used). Some of these may offer stain and wear warranties.

* AC 3 - Is for heavy residential or moderate commercial areas (approx: 2400 cycles) excellent for family rooms, game rooms and bedrooms. Most of these may offer stain, wear and fade warranties.

* AC 4 - Is for general commercial areas and extra high traffic area in residential (approx: 4000 cycles) entry ways, kitchens any other residential area where kids and or pets are present. Most of these offer stain, wear and fade warranties.

* AC 5 - Is for heavy commercial areas (approx: 6200 cycles) for your high volume business, normally to rough for residential applications.

Our recommendation is to use an AC 3 or AC 4 wear layer for your residential areas.

Core density is the next attribute you should look at. Core density is the amount of pressure that is applied to the core of the laminate during manufacturing. It is normally measured in KM, and is rated between 500 and 950. Laminate products that have a lower core density act as a sponge when they get wet retaining water. The products that have a higher core density resist water more as the density rises. Most of the high core density products offer some kind of water surface warranty. Some products offer a green core which is said to be even more water resistant.

Sound, echoing and clicking are also affected by the core density. The higher density products reduce that hollow sound that was related with wood flooring. Lower densities will sometime bow and make a clicking sound when you walk across them. With larger room sizes a higher core density will cut down on that echoing sound. Keep in mind that a 9mm product with a 550 km core density has less wood in it than an 8mm product with an 825 km density. Products with higher core densities are much stronger and will last longer. If a products core density is unknown a good test is to snap off a corner of a sample, the higher the density the harder it should be to snap it off.

Our recommendation: Don't get anything under an 800 km core density, the higher the better. If the product you are examining does not offer its core density you should move on to the next. As an installer my self, and I feel this is the most important feature you should look at when purchasing laminate flooring.

The connection is another major criteria you need to consider. There are many different snap together products out there, some tap and some click some use both options on different ends of the product. The tighter the connection the more resistant the product will be to water or dirt entering the seams of the wood. This can cause the wood to bow making the ends stick up. Connections that use a boat tail connection (click system) seem to make a tighter seam. Tap together product sometimes can separate easier through out time. Test your samples by visually checking for an open seam when two pieces are connected. Second, put a small quantity of water on the seam and leave it for 15 minutes. Wipe off any additional water and check to see if the water worked its way in.

Products that have a "V" groove in them will hide seam damage better than the flat seam product. Don't be mislead by flat seam products that have a white line at the connection this is normally the aluminum oxide residue and will wear off.

Our Recommendation is a four sided boat tail connection with a "V" groove that has a seam with no gapping.

Textures and "V" grooves Texture gives the laminate a real wood look, some products use a straight line texture and others use a grain style. Some have no texturing at all. Texture on a board is a personal preference, all though a board with non textured surface does not grip as well. To check the texture on a board hold it up to a light source (window or light) just below your eye level and the texture will reveal itself. Flat surface or with a "v" groove- they both perform equally. The "V" groove gives the flooring more off a real wood look by separating the boards with a 45 degree slant on the sides. Some have the "V" on two sides and others on all four. Flat s583eams give a clean level floor look and have no brakes making the floor look as one piece. Both floors clean and endure the same; personal preference should be your deciding factor.

Customer service is important when purchasing flooring, a knowledgeable, honest sales person can walk you through most issues.

Warranties will range from 15 to 25 years, some cover stain, wear, fade and surface water damage. Be sure to check the fine print.

Is laminate flooring right for you? Find out more at LaminateFloorsCheap.com - your source for cheap laminate floors, do it yourself floor installation information and professional flooring advice. For more home decor and remodeling options visit the home and garden directory.

Carlsbad Remodeling
De Luz Remodeling

Water-Flood Damage Information and Tips

Water and Flood Damage Information For Your Property

Water damages requires immediate attention to minimize further losses. In case a water damage occurs in your home or property try to locate the problem. By doing so you can help prevent further damages. Examples are turning off the water line for faucet,washing machine or dishwasher.Call a plumber to report a leak for service and report the damage to your Insurance Company. Your insurance adjusters will guide you through the process and will give you advices on what to do. Then move Items in advance such as furnitures, boxes, clothes, beds, etc. to a room which is unaffected. The basic idea here is to Move and Protect your personal belongings and documents. Standing water and wet materials are a breeding ground for microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, and mold.
"Allow molds to grow on home and or a building, materials that are soaked wet for more than 24 hours, and in "48 hours of wetness, the deadly toxic mold Stachybotrys can begin growing in the damaged areas." This is a fact and documented by mold experts.

Water Damage Tips

*Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping the area or using a wet/dry vacuum.
*Wipe as much excess water from wood furniture as you can and remove tabletop lamps and other items from the furniture.
*Turn the air conditioning on for maximum drying in the summer and open the windows in the winter to release trapped for an improved indoor air quality.
*Remove any artwork and paintings from the walls if affected. *Remove any area rugs from the floor and hang to dry outside or inside.
*Remove wet upholstery cushions from the frame and prop them up to dry immediately.
*Place plastic or aluminum foil under any furniture legs that are not plastic to prevent discoloration or bleeding. *Punch tiny holes in a sagging ceiling to relieve trapped water make sure to place something underneath the holes beforehand to collect any A25trapped water.
*Make sure that electrical appliances are turned off while standing on wet carpets, floors or especially on wet concrete floors to prevent possible electrocution.
*Report your damage to your insurance company.
*Get help from a Professional for water damage restoration service.

Hazards caused by a Water Damage in your Home

Growth of Mold
Mildew or Strong Mildew Smell
Unpleasant or Bad Indoor Air Quality
Growth of other kinds of Micro-Organisms

Flood Damage

Most Flood Damages are from natural disasters. To minimize your losses it is good to check always the area of your Property in case you need to purchase additional coverage. Ask your Insurance Company about flood insurance and if you qualify for it.It is always best to have additional coverage if your home or facility is in in a Flood Prone Area.
Remember that water which comes from outside of your home mostly are not covered by your regular home insurance policy. It is always best to read and understand your policy.

In cases of severe storms or hurricanes always be prepared.
Here are some Immediate Thingst that you might need .

* Handheld Radios and Batteries to listen for Warning Updates
* A Good Supply of Bottled Water
* Flashlights with Batteries
* Cellphones Fully Charged
* Jackets or Raincoats

This is a safety reminder by RJ Cleaning and Restoration

Jude Deguzman
RJ Cleaning and Restoration
Serving Maryland / Washington DC / Northern Virginia
Water and Flood Damage Restoration Specialist
http://www.rjcleanrestore.com

Fallbrook Kitchen Remodeling

Choosing Exterior Paint Colors

There are many reasons why you may be considering repainting the exterior of your home. Perhaps you are trying to sell your house, your original exterior paint is fading or damaged, or you may just be in the mood for a new look for your home.

New paint can add curb appeal to your house, and if selling, a new coat of paint on the exterior will have a tremendous effect on the value of your home. Rememb1C84er that, in addition to increased house value, the value of your entire neighborhood will rise with a new exterior paint job.

Choosing the correct paint colors will be critical in determining the final outcome of your decision. In other words, taking the time to consider the effects of your color choices can be the difference between a stunning home and a tacky house.

Color Popularity and Rankings

According to a recent survey conducted by the Rohm & Hass Paint Quality Institute, the most popular color choice of homes across America is white or off-white. Second is beige, tan, or brown with 28% of people claiming those colors as their home’s colors. Next is gray, followed by blue, then green and yellow. Coming in last on the list is red and pink.

A similar study conducted by Realty Time Magazine offers slightly different results, with white again having the majority of votes, but followed by gray, then blue, tan/brown, cream, beige, green, yellow, and red in last again. It may be obvious that white is the most common color, because white is actually the color with the most shades (even though white is not actually a color, but a neutral).

Choosing Your Home’s Exterior Colors

Prominent Colors of Your Home There are many factors to take into account when deciding on new colors for the exterior of your home. Firstly, consider the colors that will be remaining on your home, such as the roof color, decks, or any brick or stone walls or structures. Narrow your options first by finding out which colors will go well with these prominent, fixed features.

Surrounding Neighborhood

Next, be sure to take into consideration the rest of the neighborhood. It is typically a good idea to stay within the same relevant context of colors as your neighbors. Remember that your home’s color scheme will have a direct effect on the value of your neighborhood.

In fact, some restricted communities, homeowner’s associations, and historical neighborhoods may have restrictions on what colors you may paint your home, so be sure to research any constraints your community may have.

Mr. Oliver is a marketing agent for N. Chasen and Son. The interior and exterior painting specialists concentrate on painting jobs throughout the Richmond Virginia area. For more information on a painting contractor in Richmond Virginia please visit their website.

Credit Lines and 2nd Trust Deed Loans

Home Improvement Loans -

Once you own a home, you’ll get the urge to make home improvements. Often, you’ll need a home improvement loan.

Home Improvement Loans

Whether you’ve lived in a home for years or just purchased it, you’ll get the urge to make improvements. It’s a natural urge to want to redo bathrooms and kitchens or perhaps have a go at the landscape. Room additions are also popular, particularly if you’re planning for an addition to the family. Room additions become extremely popular when you aren’t planning for a family addition, but have one coming anyway!

If you’re going to make improvements, you are often going to need funds to make them. This is where home improvement loans come in. Such loans typically come in two forms, a home equity line of credit and a home improvement loan 2nd deed of trust.

Home equity lines of credits, known as HELOCs, are excellent options if you equity built up in the loan. Essentially, a lender will grant you a credit line equal to a percentage of the equity secured by a 2nd trust deed on the property. As you make improvements, you simply write checks off the line to cover the costs. Importantly, check with your tax professional to see if part or all of the repayment of the HELOC is tax deductible. Usually, you’ll get a significant write-off.

If you’ve just moved into the home and don’t have much equity, you will want to look at a home improvement loan. As with the HELOC, a lender will issue you a loan in exchange for a 2nd trust deed on the property. The difference, however, is a lender will issue you a loan in excess of the home value, often to as much as 125 percent of the current appraised value. This gives you the cash necessary to make improvements even though you don’t have much equity in the home.

Improving your home is a natural evolution of the ownership experience. Home improvement loans and home equity lines of credit give you the ability to realize your dreams.

Sergio Haros is with Great Western Mortgage - San Diego Mortgage Brokers - providing San Diego home loans. Great Western Mortgage is a San Diego mortgage company writing San Diego mortgages and San Diego refinance and home equity loan.