Saturday, December 29, 2007

Stair Handrailling Guide


Stairways shall have handrails on each side, and every stairway required to be more than 88 inches in width shall be provided with not less than one intermediate handrail for each 88 inches or required width. Intermediate handrails shall be spaced approximately equally across with the entire width of the stairway.

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Stairways less than 44 inches in width or stairways serving one individual dwelling unit in Group R, Division 1 or 3 Occupancy or a Group R, Division 3 congregate residence may have one handrail. 2. Private stairways 30 inches (762) or less in height may have a handrail on one side only. 3. Stairways having less than four risers and serving one individual dwelling unit in Group R, Division 1 or 3, or a Group 4, Division 3 congregate residence or Group U Occupancies need not have handrails.
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Fallbrook Vinyl Siding Help



Simple Home Improvement Idea: Vinyl Sidingby: Michael Clem If you've been looking for an easy way to completely transform the exterior of your home, look no further than vinyl siding. Vinyl Siding is an excellent way to spruce up your home's exterior, and this easy home improvement can dramatically increase the value of your home. There are many advantages to installing vinyl siding including saving you money and giving you a look you can be proud of for years to come. Vinyl Siding is virtually maintenance-free due to its resilient nature.


You don't even have to paint it -- a task most home owners dread! Vinyl siding sustains less environmental damage than wood or other siding alternatives, and it maintains a fresh look for years with very little cleaning. If vinyl siding is installed properly with good insulation, it can mean lower heating bills in the following years. It is estimated that vinyl siding could save a homeowner hundreds of dollars in heating bills over the life of the product. Some manufacturers even guarantee savings up to 20 percent, which is an impressive reduction indeed.


Read More about Vinyl Siding

Sunday, December 23, 2007

Home Automation

Discover What Home Automation Systems Are All About
by: Kelly Hunter



Do you remember George Jetson? His futuristic world gave a whole generation of cartoon viewers fantasies about having the ability to complete even the most tedious chores with only the push of a button. Well they don’t look like the Jetson’s Rosie, but robot housekeepers are actually already available. They are called home automation systems and look more like a fancy thermostat than a metal maid.

A home automation system allows the homeowner to control all his home’s systems via the World Wide Web from virtually anywhere Internet access is available. An automation system harmonizes the air conditioner, heater, water and appliances. Each subsystem is wired and connected to a hub, or a central processing unit, that ties them all together. Have you ever been rushing on your way to work and had a sinking feeling that you forgot to turn off the stove, or didn’t turn the answering machine on? If your home was automated, you could take care of those things as soon as you get to your computer and have absolutely no house related worries for the rest of the day.

A home automation system can make your entertainment systems even more fun. No more missing your favorite television shows because you forgot to set the VCR. The system would allow you to start your recorder remotely so you don’t miss a minute. Imagine being able to adjust the volume on your stereo, for just the right mood music, with just the click of a button. You wouldn’t even have to walk away from your guests.

Security is probably one of the first things people associate with home automation. All the entrances and openings to your home can be wired so you will virtually have an electronic barrier against intruders around your home twenty-four hours a day. Like all the other subsystems in your home, it can be operated off-site, so you never have to worry about whether or not you locked everything up tight. Most automated systems are also armed with smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If the barrier is breached in any way, or danger is detected, then it alerts the proper authorities. It could save your life, if you were injured and unable to do so yourself.

Of course, there are fancier home automation options for the rich and famous. According to U.S. News, the Gates family home is full of them. That’s right; Bill Gates’ home contains about 52 miles of electronic wiring. Every flooring surface in the building is heated, including the driveway and sidewalks. Theoretically, Mr. Gates could start his favorite music, draw a bath and light his fireplace on his way home from the office. You can visit http://www.home-automation-systems-guide.com to find more information on home automation.

There is a place on the home automation spectrum for every household and every budget. Whether your priority is safety, convenience or just to show off, there are many options available to you. Who knows, the next step in technology evolution might mean hover cars for everyone!



About The Author

Kelly Hunter operates http://www.home-automation-systems-guide.com and writes about Home Automation Systems.