Monday, June 30, 2008

Patio Heater

When it comes to patio heaters, there are several efficient models that come in a variety of sizes and fuel sources, you can even get a patio heater that is a radiant heat system that will warm the people, not the air, for greater and better comfort. Because there are a lot of varieties to choose from and each model has a different feature to offer there are some things you need to know and decide:

1. The first decision you need to make when you are choosing patio heaters is to decide whether you want a patio heater that is permanent or not. If you have an existing gas grill hook up, then a permanent heater would be easy to install, and a wise choice. So, if this is the case for you, then natural gas heaters are perfect. If you do not want to have a permanent heater, then look for one that runs off bottled fuels as it makes it easier to put the heat right where you want it.

2. The next thing you need to decide is how much space you need to heat. You will want to pick a heater that has the ability to warm the area you use most. The amount of room around the heater that you want to have heated is going to depend on how big your patio is, and how many people you usually have out there at a time. A good general rule of thumb is you will want to heat a 20-foot circle around the unit. Make sure you know what the heat range of the unit is, just because it is bigger or more expensive does not always mean that it provides the most heat for your dollar, so know what you are getting yourself into.

3. The next feature of the patio heater you want to consider is the safety of it. Be sure the patio heater you choose is carefully engineered for safety so that you can comfortably have people of all ages on the patio without fear. Look for designs that have features like safety tilt switches, sealed burners, flame controls, electronic ignitions and emergency cut-off valves. The safer the heater, the better the purchase. Obviously the patio heater will get hot, because that is the point, but make sure there are protection measures.

4. The next thing to consider when choosing a patio heater is what fuel type will be most economical and available for you. While a kerosene heater may seem like the best option, if it is difficult or expensive for you to obtain kerosene, then you won't use the heater much. So, if you are not getting a permanent patio heater that hooks right into a fuel line, then be sure to choose a heater that uses a bottled fuel that is the most economical and available in your area. Your choices are basically as follows: kerosene, butane or propane as well as natural gas.

5. Next take a look at the heating unit, you want an infrared heater, look for elements with sturdy aluminum, this will mean that the reflectors will direct the radiating heat down and out. Basically be sure that the heating element is sufficient and sends the heat where it is most needed, and will be best used.

6. Last but not least, look for a heater that offers you the look that you want, whether that is cast iron, aluminum, etc. you may not mind a clunky heater, but why not shop around some and find an attractive patio heater that fits your needs and budget?

HomeBuildingRemodeling.com is your source for top quality home building, remodeling and home decorating information. For free articles delivered daily by email, visit http://www.HomeBuildingRemodeling.com and enter your name and email under the Free Home Building and Remodeling Updates section.

Steel Buildings - Understanding the Steel Building Industry

The rising trend

Increased population, expanded businesses, advanced technological processes leading to an insatiable demand for quality, attractive and low-maintenance cost buildings have made the world extol and accept the steel building industry. Building steel buildings from concert halls to hospitals to schools to churches is the new trend in todays day and age.

Why steel?

Steel buildings have numerous advantages over the more conventional sort of buildings and thus are the preferred choice:

* Sturdy: Steel buildings are not only stronger than others buildings, like that of wood, but also more economical. Dimensions noted and requirements taken care of; steel structures are shipped where wanted when they are fully constructed, hence saving time, labor cost and energy over on-site constructions.

* Utility: Compared to the conventional mediums of other building material, the wastage in the case of steel is minimal if not nil. The heavy amounts of wastage in materials such as wood is excoriated by all in sharp contrast to steel where ALL amounts of steel used can be recycled easily.

* Need: With steel buildings, another factor to be taken into account is that steel buildings can be designed according to requirements. To take an example, high ceilings needed in churches or the height to accommodate big machinery in factories is easily arranged with steel buildings where machine construction ensures fulfillment of exact needs.

What to take care about?

All advantages of steel building may be disparaged by a single unwise decision. It is prudent to be careful about certain things beforehand and be invulnerable instead of falling prey to money-centric predators:

* Price: Needs and budget given a thought, one must not be driven by the price alone when getting a steel building built. Steel building industry has its own share of scam artists who can make you an unsuspecting victim of a steel building rip-off. Make sure that you check the history of the company and compare prices of the steel being offered. As you may falsely believe, all steel is NOT same. Hiring a professional steel supplier is a sensible choice to make.

* Requirements: Ask questions and minute details and dont settle for anything but the best. In most cases, steel skeletons are directly transported to the location decided making it indispensable for you to know exactly what you want beforehand. The height of building for an office, the number and type of doors at residence, the mapping of a factory before order, according to the machinery to be installed are common examples.

* Professionals: When you want the best, make sure you get the best professionals. Any pre-deposits or advance money should be made after contract-signing. Care needs to be taken to see that all aspects covered are those already discussed and decided. If any company offers a-ready-to-deliver building or something at an out of the way discount or shying away from paperwork; make sure you are not foisted a deal.

Mike Zhmudikov is a professional copywriter and seo consultant.

Finishing A Basement

You have saved enough money to hopefully build a new house. You also hope to have it built with a veryFDA spacious basement. You know that it will be used for a lot of things. Perhaps spending your time with friends there or use it as a recreation area. For what it's worth, a basement is a place in your house that can be valuable. But you are also aware that your budget must be well spent.

A great deal of estimating the cost is needed. Or else you might end up having only about thirty percent (30%) of the basement done. So here are a few design tips to help you save and minimize the cost of finishing a basement.

- When doing your cost estimate, allow a fair percentage from your budget to allocate for the cost of finishing a basement. Do a list of those things you want to use your basement for. You know that by planning this out well, your basement could be one of the best places in your home. Later on you will realize that what you have invested is all worth.

- Design your basement windows to fit other purposes. It's a given that the window is used for ventilation. Since the basement is an underground facility, the room temperature will be a little bit different. The opening of your windows should not only allow more air to come in but also daylight. Basements are usually dark even at daytime. The more daylight, the less electricity. Having this anticipated will not only save you the cost of finishing a basement now but also when it is in use.

- Fashion your plumbing system and ducts to give head room. The clearance of the ceiling height in basements is usually low. This is because this is where the end ducts and pipes pass. You can still have enough for the cost of finishing a basement if you have it designed in a way that it would be easier to clad or hide. This idea can also be an advantage if in the future you hope to renovate your basement again.

- Use the right materials for your basement. It pays to know what attributes to the condition in a basement. For example, since a basement's floor can have a lot of moisture, consider using tiles. Not only is it practical, it prevents accidents from slippery floors. Moisture in tiles is easy to mop off.

- Lastly, try not to see your basement as a basement. Most household owners see their basement as a last priority in their list. If you can do away with this attitude, you have a good chance to save cost of finishing a basement. Some households have beautiful and functional basements because they never treat it as one. A basement is basically just a room under your house. Therefore it is a room that you can use. And while you have this thought, consider having a basement design that you don't have to spend so much on.

Actually, the last tip is the best tip. There are a lot of ways to use your basement for. You can use it as a mini-bar, a small gym, a guest room, or what have you. In areas where light cannot penetrate deeply, some people use it as a theatre area. The cost of finishing a basement is not really that costly. It's just another extra room in the house. So while you're still saving for this new house, include another room in your budget.

Do you need an estimation of the cost of finishing a basement? Consult the experts for your basement remodeling idea from start to finish.

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

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Have Fun With DIY Bathroom Plumbing

DIY bathroom plumbing should not be as scary as many would lead you to think. In many cases it is a matter of patience as well as determination that will allow you to do the work that you need to be successful in your endeavor. Many of the DIY plumbing projects that you will take on will appear to be a much bigger hassle than they really are. It is a matter of having the ability to see what needs to be done and determining a way to make that happen. In many cases you will discover that what appears to be a large project is not really nearly the task that you think it is.

Getting Started

When you do take on a project of do it yourself plumbing, you will want to make sure that you have all of the appropriate tools and supplies in order to make the project go as smoothly as possible. Do your research, know what you are getting into when it comes to what you will be doing. There are a variety of options for you to consider when it comes to installing plumbing into your home. Along with deciding what it is that you want to do, you will also need to look at the building codes for your area and decide what you can or cannot do in your home. Make sure you have a plan laid out as well as a determination of what you want to accomplish from this task.

Sources

There are many sources that you can go to when you are looking to upgrade your bathroom plumbing. In many cases you will be able to find all of the information that you need by looking online or even by going and purchasing a book to help you. If you look and see all of the different types of materials and sources that are available to you. In many cases you can go to the library to find the information that you will need in order to do the project successfully. Try to look into what is out there and do not be afraid to consult with a professional to give you guidance as far as what it is that you should or should not do. Think of what you want to do and make sure that it is something that you will actually be able to do while you are in the home and something that you can do on your own.

Adam Peters is a consultant who writes on many consumer topics for http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com - You can find more information and resources on bathroom accessories at his website.

Metal Shingles

Metal shingles were previously seen as roofing material for low-slope houses. Over the years, they have been found out to be a significant roofing alternative for steep-sloped roofs as well.

Metal shingles are usually meant to look like traditional asphalt shingles, wood shakes, or tiles, but metal shingles come with a greater guarantee to ward off rough weather. Many consider these shingles to be the strongest roofing material available. Contrary to popular belief, modern technology has made metal shingles very light, and they are a feast for the eyes, and also have very high fire-resistant ratings.

These classic shingles give a building a593 timeless look and often come with permanent color warranties. They can be made out of a wide variety of metals like aluminum, copper, stainless steel, zinc and phosphate coating, and alloys of tin and zinc. The different metals can be suitably chosen by the prospective buyer according to his geographical location and climate.

There are other minor details that a buyer should keep in mind. Stainless steel shingles are said to weigh less than most other traditional roofing material. Metal shingles made with alloys of zinc and aluminum should ideally not be painted. Tin roofs should be painted at an interval of eight years. Zinc and tin alloys are perfect for rough coastal weather. These are the various issues that should be considered before making one's choice.

There are a number of benefits that the owner can enjoy once he chooses metal shingles as his primary roofing material. They come with excellent resistance guarantee to strong wind, fires, hail and storms, earthquakes, and other such natural calamities. They are also well protected from pests and are extremely anti-corrosive. Most manufacturers offer a fifty-year warranty on their metal shingles.

Metal shingles are mostly recycled and statistics show that they are, in most cases, 100% recyclable. Installation is also relatively simple, but consulting a roofing professional would probably be considered a smart idea.

Shingles provides detailed information about shingles, cedar shingles, fiberglass shingles and more. Shingles is affiliated with Home Foundation Repair.

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

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Metal Shingles

Metal shingles were previously seen as roofing material for low-slope houses. Over the years, they have been found out to be a significant roofing alternative for steep-sloped roofs as well.

Metal shingles are usually meant to look like traditional asphalt shingles, wood shakes, or tiles, but metal shingles come with a greater guarantee to ward off rough weather. Many consider these shingles to be the strongest roofing material available. Contrary to popular belief, modern technology has made metal shingles very light, and they are a feast for the eyes, and also have very high fire-resistant ratings.

These classic shingles give a building a593 timeless look and often come with permanent color warranties. They can be made out of a wide variety of metals like aluminum, copper, stainless steel, zinc and phosphate coating, and alloys of tin and zinc. The different metals can be suitably chosen by the prospective buyer according to his geographical location and climate.

There are other minor details that a buyer should keep in mind. Stainless steel shingles are said to weigh less than most other traditional roofing material. Metal shingles made with alloys of zinc and aluminum should ideally not be painted. Tin roofs should be painted at an interval of eight years. Zinc and tin alloys are perfect for rough coastal weather. These are the various issues that should be considered before making one's choice.

There are a number of benefits that the owner can enjoy once he chooses metal shingles as his primary roofing material. They come with excellent resistance guarantee to strong wind, fires, hail and storms, earthquakes, and other such natural calamities. They are also well protected from pests and are extremely anti-corrosive. Most manufacturers offer a fifty-year warranty on their metal shingles.

Metal shingles are mostly recycled and statistics show that they are, in most cases, 100% recyclable. Installation is also relatively simple, but consulting a roofing professional would probably be considered a smart idea.

Shingles provides detailed information about shingles, cedar shingles, fiberglass shingles and more. Shingles is affiliated with Home Foundation Repair.

Building Wainscotingsiding

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

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Japanese Bathtubs - A Tradition For The Future

A Japanese bathtub, sometimes called an Ofuro, is usually around twice the size of a standard American style bathtub. It is deeper and often rounder, to allow the bather to sit comfortably with their knees bent. The water, which is kept at a high temperature, is up to the bather's chest. This position is said to aid relaxation and meditation, which makes for a very therapeutic bathing experience.

The Japanese bathtub is rapidly gaining popularity throughout the world. As people become more interested in personal wellbeing and healthy living through homeopathy and natural remedies, the Japanese style of bathing compliments these ideas perfectly. The hot water is said to stimulate blood circulation and have positive effects on the overall health of body and mind.

Another benefit of these unique bath tubs is that they are generally much more compact - deeper, but more upright - and therefore suitable for smaller spaces than the standard size tubs. They can also easily be adapted to become walk-in style tubs for the elderly or infirm.

The original style of Japanese bathtub was always made of wood. The natural wood was said to add to the therapeutic powers of the bath and was particularly favored in hot spring facilities and spas. Nowadays ceramics, porcelain, fiberglass and even stainless steel models are available to suit a range of pockets.

Bathtubs from Japan are traditionally for soaking rather then washing. In fact, actually washing in your tub would be seriously scorned by most Japanese people. Washing, scrubbing and hair washing will take place before entering the bath and soaking for up to one hour in hot water. The body should be clean and pure before bathing as any residual soap or grime will contaminate the waters.

In a Japanese public bathhouse - which are still very popular and well worth a visit if you ever have the opportunity - ritual and tradition can be rather tricky. Do a bit of research before you go and follow the lead of the locals. The overall experience is sure to be blissfully relaxing.

The basic things to remember are that no soap is to be used in the tubs. No outside or 'toilet shoes' (these are for use strictly in the toilet areas, and changed as soon as you depart the area) are to be worn in the bathhouse. Bare feet are not really acceptable as your feet should be clean to bathe. Nudity is expected, and since male and female segregation is the norm this is not an issue for most. Lastly, the water is very hot - enter the waters slowly and be careful.

Japanese bathtubs are noth the only accessory that can go into your bathroom. Visit us today to learn more about how to install a bath tub and why a corner bathroom vanity is something you should check out.

Broken Concrete Used To Build

Home Remodeling and Renovation Ideas

No matter how old a home is, or what condition it is in, most homeowners start to get ideas for renovation projects after a while. The project in mind might make home more comfortable, create some space or make an existing room easier to use. Renovation ideas like these are always at the back of a homeowner's mind, just waiting for the right opportunity to become a reality.

Of course, you are probably happy with most aspects of your home. After all, there is a reason you bought it in the first place. Even so, you might want to think about making additions to accommodate a better entertainment area or rearranging your current setup so that conveniences are in easy reach. Many excellent renovation plans include simply replacing the light fixtures or incorporating a dining area and kitchen into a single, spacious room. Other ideas may call for a lot more work and require that new utilities be installed.

Cabinetry in the bathroom and kitchen might need to be updated, or you may just want to incorporate some extra storage. The size of your home renovation dreams can be as big as the space you have to work with, your budget and your determination to alter your existing living space. Simply patching up some holes and giving the walls a fresh coat of paint can improve the interior, but some home renovation plans can give your residence a whole new vibe.

If you are content with the interior of your home, you could still consider installing an enclosed patio that extends from the back door of your home. Or, you might even think of adding a sliding glass door that leads to the patio. If you are considering this option, you could also go a little further and build a deck around the patio which makes the larger outdoor space for the summer but useful in spots of bad weather.

Often, after a home renovation is done, further projects start to form. As part of a room is changed, other changes suggest themselves. For instance, if you replace outdated, unattractive appliances with newer models, you could start to be of the opinion that nice granite counter tops and custom cabinets would be an excellent addition as well. Installing a second oven is a huge convenience for big families and to make space for it, a homeowner could decide to add a kitchen island with a range and sink.

The copywriter Peter Wilson is especially interested in themes corresponding to husky compressor. From his documents on husky tools and husky compressors the reviewer affirmed his depth of understanding in the field.

Fallbrook Contractors

38493

6098

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Refinish Your Hardwood Floor Like a Pro

This article is written by a pro of refinishing hardwood floors since I have done too many to count. Maybe 300 would be a good guess. My father was in the business full time (as well as aluminum windows and doors (which I'll write another article about that soon) and while I attended college, and for a short time after, I worked with him as well as on my own refinishing hardwood floors.

In fact, I just did my mother-in-law's last summer and my back still hurts!

Before you even think of stBD6arting this DIY project, you need to be fairly good shape. There is a lot of bending, kneeling and scraping...if you do it right.

Ok, you still are here reading so I guess you are serious :o)

Here are the easy? steps to a beautiful, shiny hardwood floor:

  • Determine what kind of finish you would like first. There are a couple choices, flat, medium gloss and high gloss. It's strictly taste as they both wear the same. I prefer a polyurethane paint but some like varnishes. I found urethane to be a durable finish and won't yellow over time. Look for 'non-yellowing' on the can. They come in either oil or water based, and I prefer water base for the ease of clean up.

  • Go to your local hardware store that carries floor sanders, edger sander, pain scrapers, sandpaper (medium) and the floor paint.

  • Prepare your floor by filling in any blemishes, depressions, cracks and nail holes.

  • Sweep and then vacuum floor. (at this point I would hang a plastic sheet over any door openings if the door has been removed (new construction etc).

  • Sand main floor being careful to keep sander going in same direction. Start with a coarse sandpaper and switch to finer for second sanding. The first sanding is to get to bare wood and the second for a finished look.

  • Sand the edges. The trick here is to use a fairly light touch and rotate the sander in semi-circle reducing sand marks.

  • Now the fun part. Take your scraper in scrape the corners and under heaters. Don't worry about under heaters too much as it won't be that noticeable.

  • Whew! The hard part is done. Now the fun part. Sweep and vacuum floor and if you see a swirl or sanding marks scrape the out.

  • Put the sealer down. Wait at least 2 hours, hand sand the whole floor, vacuum and apply the urethane. If you don't have air conditioning, put a fan on the floor to dry it quicker.

  • I usually waited at least 4-5 hours for it dry, most of the time overnight. I recommend at least 2 coats of urethane for a durable, hard finish.

    You're done! Wow not so bad was it?

    Oh yeah,

    Email me for a chiropractor lol

    Dan Farrell is the owner of http://www.closet-organizer-plan.com where you can get a free closet organizer plan and other home improvement ideas and articles.

    House Mold Problems
  • Wireless Home Security

    Traditional home alarm security systems rely on sensors that, as long as someone has remembered to turn them on, can detect windows or doors opening. It is a simple cause and effect relationship: a trigger sets off an alarm to alert neighbours or passersby, or an alarm goes off at the police station or the local security company.

    The paid, and often expensive, local security company maybe phones to hear if everything is OK, or maybe even drives by. The police might show up if they're not too busy, but the system is prone to many loopholes. The proclivity of false alarms and the dull routine of the job means that security forces are often slow to respond, and the Police are often too busy. However, that was then, this is now. Wireless home security has changed the way we protect our homes. Let's take a look at some of the benefits a modern domestic security system has to offer.

    Wireless: Just One Feature of Many
    A wireless home security system is more than simply a traditional alarm system minus the cables. There are two keys to the system:
    1. The whole system is digital, so you can program it to function in the way you want.
    2. The system is part of your home networks.

    What does this mean for your home security? If your house is broken into, the system could ring your mobile phone, or send a text message. You could set it to send messages to more than one cell phone. It could be connected to webcams positioned around the house, all accessed from your cellphone or Blackberry. In short, if it can be programmed, it is possible.

    The Central Nervous System to Calm Your Nerves
    Once you have a wireless home network with a powerful CPU at its heart, you can pretty well add any kind of detector. Why not cover every eventuality and hook up smoke, carbon monoxide, temperature or motion detectors? If anything abnormal takes place in and around your home, you can get a message via your mobile phone. If your mobile phone can access the Internet, the possibilities are even greater. You could call up your browser and get some live footage from your array of webcams, switch to infra-red if it's dark and maybe listen in too. The security possibilities are obvious, but it also sounds like something that would be great fun to play with... so with motivation that high, your home would be safer than ever.

    Suddenly you can monitor all kinds of things going on at home without having to be there. Motion detectors and webcams can let you know whether the dog has curled up on your favourite armchair again. You can monitor the temperature of your greenhouse in winter and your wine cellar in summer. And you can even send a message via the network to regulate the temperature before anything gets spoiled. I'm not sure what you'd do about the dog though. 'Train' it when you get back, I suppose.

    The Home of the Panic Button
    An often overlooked, but extremely useful feature of a wireless home security package is the addition of a panic button. If you have an elderly or infirm family member, a panic button is a must. If someone sounds the alarm, you can pick up your cellphone and find out what is going on by taking a look, listening in or answering the distress call. Perhaps the sound of your voice coming from the loudspeakers would be enough to sooth your confused aunt with Alzheimer's or your sick child off from school. Perhaps you could even shout at the dog to get out of your lazy-boy.

    Finally, the big advantage of building up a wireless home security system is its inherent flexibility. You can add, reposition and take away different components such as motion sensors or webcams without having to rip out lengths of wiring. As the hardware becomes more readily available and commonplace, it is falling in price. Upgrading your entire home would have meant employing a team of professionals just five years ago. Now you can do it all yourself after a brief and relatively inexpensive trip to the mall. Nervous about your home security? Give your own central nervous system a break; give your home its own central nervous system.

    Chris Lee Ramsden is a freelance writer and editor. He writes both short fiction and non-fiction for both online and print publications. Although he stems from the UK, he currently lives and works in Copenhagen, Denmark.

    Find out more about Wireless Home Security and home improvement at Where We Live.

    Building Wainscotingsiding

    House Plan Renovation Ideas

    There are hundreds of different and exciting home renovation ideas that are out there, it's definably worthwhile making sure that you know all about them. By knowing all of these renovation ideas you stand more of a chance of being able to do home renovation projects by yourself.

    The Bathroom

    We're going to start with one of the most important rooms in the house, the bathroom. Many people want to upgrade their bathroom, but it seems like such a complicated project nobody is sure where to start. The first thing that you need to do is look at your cur5B4rent bathroom. Work out the size and shape of it, and also work out how much you could afford to spend on doing it up.

    You should also decide what you would like to achieve by doing this renovation project. If you think your bathroom is a bit on the small side then perhaps you could consider taking down walls to make it bigger. Of course this would require a bigger budget, and more skills.

    You may be considering a much simpler project such as just changing the color or flooring in your bathroom. Even doing something this simple still requires a lot of thought; you need to make sure you will be happy with the complete outcome.

    The Bedroom

    You can have a lot more fun in the bedroom than the bathroom, and that's true for decorating too! Sorry I couldn't resist! Most people don't see your bedroom it's very personal for most people! This means you can do pretty much whatever you want in this room.

    Saying this however, you do want some sort of theme throughout your bedroom. The best way to go about this is to decide on a color scheme. Chose a color that you really like, don't settle for one that you will get bored of after a while. If you already love your sheets then why not choose colors to complement this.

    No matter what you are planning to do to renovate your home windows you should make sure that you do them righ4E7t. For this to be the case you should really talk to a professional, ask them for some advice. This way you can be sure you're doing everything in the right order and you're doing it right. It's a good idea to make sure you know how to do everything before you start spending any money!

    Guy Morris repeatedly edits news on news associated with locks. You can come across his contributions on locks and hurricane window over at http://www.replacement-windows-tips.com

    Get A Home Remodeling Estimate

    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

    Diy Window Replacement Project

    How to Choose the Floor For You

    If you're thinking of investing in your home's flooring, you're going have to have to choose what type of floor you want to install. In this article, we'll cover the basic benefits and disadvantages of laminate, hardwood, tile and carpet.

    1. Laminate

    Laminate is versatile, durable and inexpensive - making it a popular, contemporary choice. Laminate is made of bonded layers and uses several materials, including wood, resin and paper which are all compacted together and then carved into planks.

    The wood-like surface of a laminate floor is actually a picture that's been printed onto the top layer. Because laminate is easy to clean and very durable, it's often preferred for kitchens, bathrooms, mud rooms and any other area that has to hold up under a lot of traffic.

    2. Hardwood

    Rich and warm hardwood is a classic favorite. With care and maintenance, it rarely needs to be replaced and will even increase in beauty over time despite the foot traffic over it.

    There are two types of hardwood flA75oors - engineered and solid hardwood. Engineered floors are made like plywood, by gluing or laminating several thin sheets of wood together. Meanwhile, solid hardwood floors are made from solid pieces of wood which are milled to standard building specifications. Typically, engineered floors are less expensive than solid hardwood.

    3. Tiles

    Tile gives the beauty of a natural product along with a durability that's priced accordingly. Best for high-traffic or spill-prone areas, tile is easy to clean and remarkably strong. Homeowners like the variety of design patterns available to them along with the color combination possibilities.

    Remember, choose a tile that's "rated" for the room where you're installing. For example, some tile is rated for light traffic areas like bathroom floors while others are rated for heavy traffic spots like commercial zones or busy homes.

    4. Carpet

    Carpet is warm, comfortable, stylish and often luxurious. It provides additional insulation, softens noise and offers innumerable design and color options.

    When selecting a carpet, you should base your choice on the fiber, which is the type of material used in the carpet; the pile, which is the height of the carpet; the density, which is the number of fibers per square inch and; the texture, which is the style or manner in which the fibers are looped, gathered and cut. Carpet typically comes in wool, nylon, olefin, polyester and acrylic fibers with most homeowners opting for stain-resistant treatments.

    For information on practical home flooring recommendations, please visit http://www.home-flooring-styles.com, a popular site providing great insights concerning help with floor renovation ideas, such as Armstrong Vinyl Flooring, Mannington Flooring, and many more!

    Building A Concrete Patio

    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, bedsFCD, 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 trapped 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

    Riser Spacing Problem

    Wednesday, June 11, 2008

    Preventing Injury On Construction Sites

    Did you know that 6 construction workers die every day in the US, from largely preventable accidents? However, there are many safety precautions that can be taken, let's look at a few of the most important hazards and precautions for them:

    Air Purifying Respirators

    These can be worn to prevent inhaling toxic fumes and particles from painting, sandblasting, road construction and more. Using a filter or blower method to keep breathable air around the head, they do not provide oxygen. Use of these can help keep workers lungs clear and healthy.

    Asbestos

    About 10,000 people die each year due to asbestos related diseases. While most uses of Asbestos have been banned, Asbestos is still used in some roofing panels and packing gaskets. If you will be working with Asbestos, great care should be taken. Use a respirator, but also use a HEPA vacuum to remove additional particles from the air. Make sure to wear throw away clothing, which you can remove and throw away after your exposure to Asbestos. If you'll be removing Asbestos, many states recommend or require that you leave it to a professional or have a professional on hand to make sure you are removing it correctly and safely. With such a dangerous material, it's better to be safe than sorry.

    Back Injuries

    Back injuries account for about 25% of all construction site injuries. If you do any type of lifting, pulling, lowering, carrying etc, you are at risk for a back injury. However, you can protect yourself by using carts, forklifts, dollies and hoists whenever possible. Also, if materials weigh more than 50 pounds, get another worker to help you. When lifting, keep the materials close to your body and try not to twist yourself. When you pick something up from the ground, try to support yourself by leaning on something and don't bend over, instead make sure to kneel, on a pad if possible.

    Electrical Safety

    Every year, about 140 people are killed on construction sites due to electrocutions. Before working, make sure to contact your local electric company to make sure they will turn off or insulate any overhead or underground power lines near your site. Make sure to lock out or tag out any machinery or equipment you will be working on. Also, make sure only qualified persons will be working on the electric and most importantly, that the current is turned off. Stay clear by at least three feet from all live electrical equipment. Keep metal or conductive objects away from any electrical equipment or circuits. Only qualified persons should replace items like fuses and circuit breakers.

    Fall Protection

    Thousands of construction workers fall each year, more than 300 of them die. Whenever guard rails or nets aren't available, you can use personal protective equipment including personal fall-arrest systems, fall restraint systems and work positioning systems. With each of these systems, you'll need a full body harness. Always make sure the harness is strong and safe, it should be inspected regularly.

    Heavy Equipment Safety

    Over 100 people are killed each year by heavy equipment. Only trained and experienced workers should operate heavy equipment, and operating, safety and shutdown procedures should be reviewed and followed every time heavy equipment is used. Always check and inspect equipment and controls before using.

    Lydia Quinn writes for Brandon Safety Lights, a leading provider of barricade lights, barricade light accessories and traffic safety supplies. Visit us at: http://www.brandonsafetylights.com/

    Home Remodeling Books

    Cold, Drafty Windows

    If you have cold, drafty windows then you need to change them as soon as possible because they will have a negative impact on the energy efficiency of your home. What you really need is energy efficient and top quality replacement windows. There are many people out there who have received replacement windows quotes that sound exorbitant, so what is the best option you have?

    There are plenty of options and each of them can be customized according to your requirement. But the first thing that you need to understand is that however hard you may try, you can't always control the environment or air inside your home. One of important aspects that most people overlook is the small holes or cracks, which can add up to anywhere between 100 and 400 square inches. This means that the small cracks can develop over a period of time and create a bigger space equivalent to a 2-feet wide window. Imagine such a huge gap being open through out the year. You are bound to feel too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter! Not to mention the added cost of repairing or filling up the gaps.

    Most of the times, the cold air comes from the hidden holes within the ceiling cavities and some of them are also located on walls. The second thing that many people have noticed is that the warm windows in the summer become cold, drafty windows in the winter. So what are your options?

    We have the perfect solution and it is vinyl replacement windows. There are different types of energy efficient replacement windows to choose from like the:

    Double hung vinyl replacement windows
    Slider vinyl replacement windows
    Casement Vinyl replacement windows
    Bow & Bay Vinyl replacement windows

    You are probably wondering what the various benefits you will derive are, and if these replacement windows will be the best alternative to cold, drafty windows? The truth is that there are several benefits, and some of them are:

    1. Use of low maintenance material will ensure that your vinyl replacement windows are completely scratch proof and will not corrode unlike aluminum windows.
    2. They will be color fast and have a long-lasting appearance.
    3. Vinyl replacement windows have a higher insulation value than wood or aluminum and as a result, it will be able to maintain the room temperature even when the temperature outside your home is humid, freezing, or hot.
    4. These replacement windows have better resistance to water and do not let water penetrate.

    The other easy option is to seal any air leaks and thus, save money. But honestly speaking, this is a short-term solution and after a few months or a year, you will be back to square one with cold, drafty windows. So what you really need to do is, look for energy star replacement windows. All of our windows are energy star compliant replacement windows and ensure that your home remains warm even when the temperature outside your home is freezing.

    Feel free to visit our web-site and post any of your questions in our blog area.

    http://www.replacementwindowpros.com

    Or visit our new replacement window forum to discuss your window project with other home owners and industry experts.

    http://www.replacementwindowsforum.com

    Home Repair Help

    Targeted List Building - 3 Steps to Quickly Build a List

    In every business entity, more so to those who are involved in sales and marketing, the need for a larger and bigger database of e-mail list is indispensable and immense. This is because, when the e-mail list becomes bigger the more prospective clients you tend to have. For this reason, a lot of business people are engaging into massive marketing plans in order to generate more and more e-mail lists. So, if your database of e-mail listing is still not on the targeted quota, better start working on it before it becomes too late. Below are some of the ways on how one can actually build his e-mail listing.

    a.Create a sign up method very easy and clear. To make sure that potential clients will not have difficulty in locating the sign-up place, position your sign-up box on a highly strategic place. You can put it somewhere on top that it does not serve a destruction on the way a client reads your content. Putting the sign up box at the bottom can sometimes lead to not even having it seen because many people would not even scroll down the page.

    b.You can make an invitation to potential clients the manual and traditional method. You can engage into distributing leaflets and flyers where included on it is your request to sign up for the opt-in box seeking for personal information. You can also engage into having it broadcasted via TV and radio announcements. These methods are after all the offshoot of all newer methods.

    c.Always include the request to have their e-mail information. By doing this, you are showcasing your respect to their privacy and your commitment to non-enforcing means to collect data. This will in effect give you and your company positive feedback and thus will not be having problems of being branded as a spammer.

    Do you want to learn more about how I do it? I have just completed my brand new guide to article marketing success, Your Article Writing and Promotion Guide

    Download it free here: Secrets of Article Promotion

    Sean Mize is a full time internet marketer who has written over 1574 articles in print and 11 published eBooks.

    Homefacts

    Building Rapport With NLP

    Ever met someone with whom you hit it off with straight away? Someone who seemed to have exactly the same views as you and mirrored the excitement that you felt at having met someone so similar? If so then you know what real rapport feels like.

    Imagine being able to touch people on a level that they have never been touched before. Imagine being able to walk into a room and have the people in there instantly like you.

    Using NLP you can deliberately create the feeling of rapport with anyone you want.

    First of all lets look at how rapport is created in the first place.

    Rapport is essentially an act of communication and communication is more than just verbal. Communication means body language, tonality and facial expressions. Ever had someone tell you what a great idea that was and you not believe them? The chances are that some part of their communication voice, body language or facial expression did not back up this statement which set of your internal alarm bells.

    So what you need to do is convince the person you want to create rapport with that the two of you are very similar. Most NLP practitioner courses will teach you to mirror that persons body language but quite frankly unless you are very practised this lack subtlety and can actually annoy the person you are doing it to thus creating the exact opposite result that you wanted.

    In fact you need to also mirror such things as breathing rate and speaking patterns if you want to develop a deep level rapport. Studies have shown that people who are in love tend to breathe and speak at the same speed thus helping to create that feeling of having met someone special who understands you on a level that few have before.

    There are of course even more advanced techniques which, if used wrongly can assist in the development of stalkers but you will not find these techniques written down or talked about and few people will teach you them. There are also techniques for destroying rapport and getting rid of people but yet again these are considered by many in the community to be dark and are therefore rarely talked about or taught. The fact is that few people can teach these techniques effectively as an extremely deep level of understanding about NLP is needed.

    Individuals who are practised in these techniques have a definite advantage over other people. Picking the right NLP practitioner course with the right trainers will ensure you get to understand these advanced techniques. You will find some of these ideas on pages on my website.

    An Exercise in Building Rapport with NLP

    Lets do a basic exercise find a person that you want to create rapport with. Now as you are talking with them start to notice their breathing rate and speech patters. These two will tend to reflect each other. For example does the person speak fast? If so then chances are their breathing rate will be quite fast as well. Start to subtlety match these (without being too blatant or out of character). Also start to notice such things as emotional intensity and start to match that. Over the next few days start doing these things with people and see what it does for you. As you start to become effective you will begin to notice a difference in the way people respond to you and you to them.

    By now you probably realise that these techniques would be extremely useful to someone who works in sales, management, politics in fact just about any area of life you can imagine. Consider going in to see your boss to ask for a pay rise! What do you think creating a deep level of rapport beforehand would do for your chances? Or how about going into an interview room and creating such a level of rapport with the person interviewing you that simply cannot not give you the job?

    By studying rapport building techniques and practising them daily all of the above and more would be within your grasp. Imagine, for example, if that person you fancied felt as though they were connecting with you on a level that they have never felt before. Do you think that this would increase your chances of persuading that person to go out with you?

    Rintu Basu is the only NLP and Hypnotic Persuasion Trainer in the UK. Having worked with businesses, the police service and the finacial sector. His latest venture is developing NLP in Scotland through good quality public NLP training courses. For more about building rapport with NLP check out the website.

    Concrete Stairs With 3 Handrails

    Tuesday, June 10, 2008

    Internet Presence - When And How To Start Building Yours

    Personal Internet presence? Why should I care about a personal Internet presence? I don't want recruiters bugging me.

    Unfortunately, this is what most people early in their professional careers think about a personal Internet presence.

    Whether you want recruiters bugging you or not, isn't the point about being found on the Internet. The point is the world of business is changing rapidly, and the Internet is driving the change. The Internet is about access to, and the ability to communicate, information (i.e., there is a reason the Internet is called "The Information Highway").

    The Internet is the go-to resource more often than ever to find answers to questions that start with: who, what, where, when, why and how.

    Being associated with the answers is a good thing in the context of your own professional value proposition. Most certainly, just being associated with the answers isn't good enough anymore. You need to be visibly associated with the answers. In today's business reality, that means being associated with the answers via content that can be found on the Internet.

    Again, so you ask, "I still don't get it. Why should I care?"

    Answer: Most business professionals at all levels within corporate hierarchies are paid by employers, clients, and customers to contribute towards delivering results. How do we deliver results? We deliver results by solving problems: our employer's, co-worker's, client's and/or customer's problems.

    It is becoming less and less common professionals spend their entire career working for one employer. Too many people let their careers happen to them. It is becoming every more important a professional take personal responsibility over their career advancement versus leaving it up to their employer to advance their career based on merit and/or opportunity.

    Create an awareness of your ability to contribute to delivering results drives opportunity within and outside of your current employer. Create a buzz that causes people to say, "I want that individual on my team."

    This is important when it comes to your next project assignment with your current employer. Being on the best projects often translates into the best pay, the best raise, and exposure to the next best project at your current employer let alone exposure to your next employment opportunity.

    Consequently, employees need to be responsible for their own value proposition, their own brand image, their own PR. Too many professionals make the statement, "I'm not very good at selling and/or marketing myself." Getting good at selling and marketing yourself has high return on investment in the context of making the most of a professional career prior to retirement.

    Leveraging the Internet to create visibility for your skills, abilities, and value proposition is actually simple no matter how early you are in your career.

    Everyone is an expert at something. For individuals early in their careers, it is simply being expert at solving the problems and answering the questions you are faced with every day.

    When you find yourself answering the same kinds of questions, or addressing the same category of problems, write them down. Then write about these topics, and publish them on the Internet in blogs or articles. Simply make sure you are being generic enough to make sure you aren't violating your employer's non-disclosure agreement.

    Take it one step further and don't simply create Internet content. Actually learn how to create visible content people can find when they do relevant key word/phrase searches in Google and other search engines. The great thing about this learning curve is you don't need to be a technologist to learn and understand a few basic principles you can leverage to create visible content that effectively establishes your visible personal Internet presence. Anyone can do this.

    Leverage content publishing sites:

    Example: Networking platforms like Ecademy whose blogging content benefits from high ranking in search engines.

    Example: Ezine publishing sites like EzineArticles whose article content benefits from high ranking in search engines.

    Combine this with cross linking URLs within content you create, and building key word/phrase association in the search engines by hyperlinking key word/phrases to the URLs of the content you create.

    Don't fail to leverage the Internet to create a visible value proposition. Take ownership of your brand image and PR. By implementing these simple principles, you'll be building a base of visible content, and as a result, a visible personal Internet presence that will propel your career beyond those who don't.

    An expert in mission critical retained executive search, Ron Bates is a Managing Principal with the retained executive search firm Executive Advantage Group, Inc. (http://www.executive-advantage.com).

    Ron has also coached former SAP, E&Y, Oracle, WorldCom, et al. executives responsible for multi-billion dollar business units, and co-founded http://www.CV-Advantage.com, a self-guided executive coaching process and resume development toolset.

    As a recognized talent assessment, deployment and development expert, Ron has been an invited speaker at venues such as the Marketing Executive Networking Group, British America Business Council, Expert Connections, Business of Success radio, a regular on Netshare's "Ask the Coach", and most recently Ron's interview was included in Leadership Without Borders: Successful Strategies From World-Class Leaders, by Ed Cohen, 2007 John Wiley & Sons. With +34,000 direct on-line professional networking platform contacts, Ron has been referred to as "the most connected man on Earth."

    For career info go to: http://www.job-search-campaign.com

    Fireplace Books

    List Building Logic

    List building is a prime component of networking.

    Networking is a prime component of ecommerce.

    Ecommerce is a prime component of a home-based business.

    Home-based businesses are a prime component in dream fulfillment.

    Dream fulfillment if s primary component in experiencing lifes purpose.

    If you follow a trail of logic back far enough it should lead either to an answer that enhances your life or complicates it.

    In this series of events we start with a marketing tool that many may overlook list building. By following the cause and effect motion begun by list building we see that it ultimately aids in the fulfilling lifes purpose as relates to business and personal passion.

    A wise man once told me that I should find a way to make my hobbies pay for themselves.

    For instance if I enjoy fishing I should try to find some way to make that pay for itself. Maybe my love of fishing becomes a catalyst for a business that escorts tourists to special fishing locations that may not show up on a map. Maybe it means conducting boat tours for fishing.

    If my hobby is writing then I should try to find a way to use my writing to pay for itself and maybe make a little profit too.

    Hobbies are often the best expression of our personal passions. Those personal passions may ultimately find voice in an online business. From that point there are natural branches that extend out to ecommerce, networking and, of course, list building.

    List building is the process of seeking out (or welcoming) individuals who are passionate about the same thing you are. The end result is building a list that you can share not only your enthusiasm, but also knowledge and ideas for using the product or service you are passionate about.

    Some people may view list building as either exceptionally hard work on one hand and intimidating on the other. Look at it this way, when you have good news you dont really think about whether you SHOULD share it, you wonder how many people you can share it with.

    If its something you are passionate about the chances are pretty good you will want to share it with anyone willing to listen.

    This is why list building is important. You should work to find ways to welcome new visitors to your website and then give them the opportunity to sign up for information that will help spread good news about a shared passion.

    Follow your passion to a logical conclusion. You might find it leads to a business that relies on list building to identify motivated consumers.

    Scott Lindsay is a web developer and entrepreneur. He is the founder of HighPowerSites and many other web projects. Get your own website online in just 5 minutes with HighPowerSites.com at: http://www.highpowersites.com Start your own ebook business with BooksWealth at: http://www.bookswealth.com

    Stair Framing Layout

    DIY Deck Building

    When planning your deck building, you will want to look carefully at the deck railing choices that are available. Many people choose to build a deck themselves as a project, because a deck can make a big difference in the look and feel of your home. It also adds value to your home and may even be a focal point of your home. A deck will also give you a great place to entertain during the warmer months.

    Deck railing comes in many different styles, sizes, and designs. You will want to make sure that the deck railing that you choose blends with the deck pattern that you have chosen. Planning and preparation is an essential part of your deck planning and building. If you prepare and plan carefully, you will find that a deck can give you years of fun and enjoyment.

    Things to Consider

    Here are some things that you need to consider when choosing which deck and railing pattern that you are going to us:

    Location You first need to determine where you are going to build your deck. The size of your home and how it is located on your land will have a big impact upon your deck placement. You need to remember that you may have several options for your deck, including enclosing the deck for privacy or making a walkway to your deck.

    Climate The climate of the area that you live in is also very important. A moist environment will dictate what kind of material that will work best for your deck railings and deck.

    Style You want to choose a deck that will enhance the look of your home. For example, you will not want to put a traditional, colonial railing on a home with a contemporary style. Be certain that you keep the style of your home in mind when looking at patterns for your deck and rails.

    Size The rails that you choose will be dependent upon the size and shape of your deck. You want to check with your local government, neighborhood covenant, or homeowners association because there may be limits on the size of deck and the design of the deck that you can build in your yard. If you build against their wishes, then you could be looking at steep fines or you may have to tear down your deck and rebuild it according to their specifications.

    Shape Consider the shape of your desired deck when you are looking for a deck plan. You can usually find plans for almost any shape of deck, but you will want to carefully look at the plans to make sure that it meets your desires.

    Preparation is the key to finding the best deck and railing pattern for your particular yard and desires. By simply doing some preparation and planning, you will find that your deck choice can give you years of fun and enjoyment.

    Andrew Caxton contributes adding long articles on deck plans for http://www.deck-porch-railings.com A website with tips on deck railing plans

    Carpentry

    Log Home Designs

    If you are looking for log home designs, then you will find many floor plans to choose from. Many people, when they're looking for something special, draw up their own plans. However, there is a drawback with you designing your own in that they cost a bit more than if you chose one of the designs that have been already tried successfully. There is one thing about using plans already used, which is that they will work even if you just make a few changes to them to suit your taste. You will find that already existing plans will be cheaper and faster.

    If you decide to go with plans that have already been tried you can start by looking online or in the stores. Take your time and look through them until you find some you like. If you narrow it down to a few then check them over when you have the time to arrive at the plan that will be ideal to suit your taste and needs.

    Another way to find plans is to contact some manufacturers and request some of their brochures and review some of their floor plans. A great idea if it is possible is to visit some of these manufacturers in person. Then you can speak to the salesperson and ask the questions that have been going through your mind. Most of the staff is friendly and quite willing to help with your choices. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable with the manufacturer that you chose to build your home.

    It is also important that you check out the manufacturer that you chose to go with. You need to make sure that it is a reputable company. When this is done then you can ask them if you can make changes to the floor plans. Make sure you check into the prices while you are there and get a good idea of what this will cost and be sure there is no hidden cost.

    For lots of information on log home kits and related topics, visit DIY and Remodeling at www.diyandremodeling.com

    Installing Drywall

    Monday, June 9, 2008

    Famous Skyscrapers

    Architectural design has advanced to a phenomenal stage where every modern city would like to boast having one of the tallest buildings. While criteria defining the tallest buildings or skyscrapers differ widely, listed below are the ten most popular architectural marvels of our time.

    Empire State Building
    A world famous New York City landmark and sky scaper, it rises above the island of Manhattan, about a quarter of a mile into the sky. The observatory is located on the 86th floor, 1050 feet above the ground and offers the most breathtaking and panoramic view of Manhattan and beyond from within a glass enclosed pavilion. Besides the observatory there are several tourist attractions, including, restaurants, shops and banks. It also has a New York SKYRIDE an independently owned and operated simulated helicopter ride and virtual-reality movie theatre. William Lamb, an architect at Shreve, Lamb and Harmon was chosen to design the Empire State Building in 1930

    Petronas Towers
    Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lampur lay claim to being the tallest twin towers of the 20th century, standing at a height of 1483 feet. They were designed by architect Cesar Pelli and completed in 1998. The 88-floor towers are constructed largely of reinforced concrete, with a steel and glass facade designed to resemble motifs found in Islamic art, a reflection of Malaysia's Muslim religion. The towers feature a sky-bridge between the towers on the 41st and 42nd floors which is 170m high and 58m long.

    Sears Tower
    Architect Bruce Graham designed the Sears Tower of Chicago in 1974. At 1450 feet, and 110 stories, it is the tallest building in the United States of America. The construction system consists of steel fram with bronze tinted glass curtain wall. The Sears Tower Skydeck observation deck and tourist attraction is on the 103rd floor, 1353 feet above the ground.

    Bank of China Tower
    Located in Honk Kong, in addition to being one of the famous skyscrapers in the world, it is one of the most outstanding achievements of modern architecture. The construction was started in 1985 and completed in five years by the architects I. M. Pei & Partners and Sherman Kung & Associates. The building standing at 1205 feet, is a grouping of four triangular glass and aluminium towers of different heights, all emerging from a single granite podium. The changes rising from a square base to a single spire results in a magnificent faade of angles and profiles that reflect the light and seem almost crystalline in composition. On the 42nd floor is a sky-deck providing a panoramic view of the northwest Hong Kong.

    Chrysler Building
    Rising at 1046 feet, it was considered to be an engineering marvel and the tallest building in 1931. However, it still remains the tallest brick building in the world. The tower is a beautifully tapered stainless steel crown supporting the famous spire at its peak. A quintessence of skyscraper design, the Chrysler Building is a perfect example of Art Deco and has a lobby clad in different marble, onyx and amber.

    Taipei 101
    At a height of 1671 feet, this high-rise building has surpassed all to become the tallest skyscraper today. Taipei 101 holds the world record in three of the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat's height categories: tallest to the structural top, tallest to the roof, and highest occupied floor. The 89th floor has an indoor observation area while the 91st floor has an outdoor observation deck, known as the highest in the world. The pagoda shaped design of this building is inspired by traditional Chinese architecture. The sectioned tower is also symbolic of the bamboo plant characterizing strength, resilience and elegance. The towers design specifications are based on the number 8, considered lucky in the Chinese culture.

    Jin Mao Building
    This building in Shanghai symbolizes the progress and advancement made by the Chinese. It boasts of being the first tallest sky scrape in the country and the third tallest in the world. A great blend of East-West architecture it denotes aptly the emergence of Shanghai as a modern global city. It follows the versatility model by offering retail at it base, offices above and the Grand Hyatts Worlds highest Hotel occupying the upper 38 floors. The magnificently designed building combines the elements of traditional Chinese architecture and a vastly Gothic influence.

    Burj Al Arab
    The Burj Al Arab rises to a level of 1053 feet, and is known as one of the worlds tallest structure with a membrane faade, 24-meter wide helipad. This is the tallest operating hotel building in the world and the design is influenced by the profile of an Arabian sailing ship. The Al Muntaha restaurant is located 200 meters above the Persian Gulf offering a panoramic view of Dubai while the atrium is situated at a height of 180 meters.

    CN Tower
    At a height of 1815 feet, the CN Tower in Toronto is the tallest building and freestanding structure in the world. It is considered to be the signature icon of the city and hosts almost two million visitors a year. The view from the exterior glass floored observation deck located 342 meters above ground is breathtaking as it is exciting. It also has the Space Deck at 447 meters, the worlds tallest observation deck with a 160 km view and the revolving 360 Degree Restaurant.

    Hancock Place
    A reflective obelisk sky scrape at Boston is an architectural marvel. It is regarded as icily magnificent wherein the surface changes as the day changes, each side reflecting the color of the sky it faces. Moreover, this dramatic effect is highlighted by the parallelogram shape of the prism, which provides uniquely differing reflections on adjoining surfaces.

    The architectural buildings mentioned above are famous creations and literally considered architectural works of art today.

    William Brister - http://www.architecturaldesign.tv - All about architecture

    Room Additions

    Add More Value To Your Home

    Bored with the old paintings and curtains? Want to give a new look to your house with opulent accessories? Worried over money! Dont bother as money solution is at hand helping you make amendments in your home.

    With home improvement loans you can make all the necessary changes to give a fresh look to your home. These are defined as a financial support provided to renovate and beautify your home, which will add up the equity value. The finance availed through this particular type of loan can be used for the construction of a new room, painting the wall, construction of a landscape or a swimming pool, or a conservatory. Many loan borrowers use the loan amount for white washing, purchasing new furniture, replacing of windows, etc.

    There are multiple lenders in the market to provide with the financial help for any purpose. Loan seekers must obtain free loan quotes from various lenders to identify the right loan plan suited with their current circumstances.

    No doubt, the customer after hearing this will be too curious about the interest rates. As there are a lot numbers of loan lenders, in the financial market, the competition between them is a stiff one. This has automatically brought down the interest rates of home improvement loans to a competitive level making it more convenient for the borrower. Depending upon your credit history, current circumstances, debt to income ratio, the interest rate is determined ranging from 6%-20%.

    When home improvement loans are available on easy terms to raise the value of your home, shed down the worries and start with your renovation work. Refurnish your home, renovate the exteriors and enjoy the new breeze of relaxation and happiness. Make sure to scour the market through various free loan quotes to avoid any future embarrassments.

    For more information about free loan quotes, secured homeowner loans and homeowner loans Please visit our website.

    Roof Skylights And Leaks

    Do Stock Plans Contain Everything I Need to Build in the State of "Insert Here"

    One question that we receive almost every day is whether or not the plan package for plan 1234 contains everything that a person would need to build the home in the state of "INSERT STATE / LOCATION HERE"... As such, we wanted to provide some additional information to clarify the subject.

    In most areas of the country, these stock house plans will be everything you need to build, but not necessarily everything you need to obtain a building permit.

    In addition to the house plans you order, you may also need a site plan that shows where the house is going to be located on the property. You might also need beams sized to accommodate roof loads specific to your region. Your home builder can usually help you with this. You may also need a septic design unless your lot is served by a sanitary sewer system. Many areas now have area-specific energy codes that also have to be followed. This normally involves filling out a simple form providing documentation that your house plans are in compliance.

    In some regions, there is a second step you will need to take to insure your house plans are in compliance with local codes. Some areas of North America have very strict engineering requirements. Examples of this would be earthquake-prone areas of California and the Pacific Coast, hurricane risk areas of the Florida, Gulf & Carolina Coasts. New York, New Jersey, Nevada, and parts of Illinois require review by a local professional as well. If you are building in these areas, it is most likely you will need to hire a state licensed structural engineer to analyze the design and provide additional drawings and calculations required by your building department. If you arent sure, building departments typically have a handout they will give you listing all of the items they require to submit for and obtain a building permit.

    Additionally, stock plans do not have a professional stamp attached. If your building department requires one, they will only accept a stamp from a professional licensed in the state where you plan to build. In this case, you will need to take your house plans to a local engineer or architect for review and stamping. In addition, plans which are used to construct homes in Nevada are required to be drawn by a licensed Nevada architect.

    It is always a good idea to check with your local city, municipality, and state building authorities to ensure that your home construction will meet all applicable building codes Hopefully, the above information will provide you with a good basis for evaluatiing your particular house plan situation.

    To find out what documents you should expect with your house plans, see the FAQ at http://www.houseplancentral.com

    Kevin Carden is a publisher of several stock house plan websites and informational resources, the most famous being http://www.HousePlanCentral.com House Plan Central has a large collection of home plans and unique house plans in different architectural styles, from the nation's top house designers.

    Good Looking Contractor

    Self Improvement? Yes You Can! Posted By : Mike Strom

    In the first place, countless people all over the world would live lot better lives than they have if theyre awake to their strong spots and even if they can learn to plan higher.

    Part of the American Dream is to build your own home. To do that, you need to first understand the basics of house plans.

    The internet has helped so many different businesses expand their customer base by reaching out to a wider audience. The home design industry has been one that has benefited from the increased exposure and the potential home builder is able to benefit even more. With very little effort, it is possible today to view thousands and thousands of home plans right from the comfort of your computer room. What are home plans and how can they be used?

    A home plan is basically a design and vision for a home captured in blue prints and specifications. A vision of your own personal dream home is all well and good when it is simply a dream in your mind. When it is time to give serious consideration to actually building it, you are going to need something a little more substantial than just your ideas.

    A complete home plan is also a floor plan. Although it is the exterior of a home that is seen by the public, it is the interior where you are going to have to live. It is the layout and design of the interior floor space that will make or break a home. The interior floor plan and design will specify the square footage of living space and the number of rooms. The number of bathrooms and bedrooms is an important factor. The traffic flow through the home and even the garage space are all examples of design features that are part of the home plan.

    When you are using the internet, it is possible to view thousands of different home plans. When you find one that comes close to matching your ideal home, you are able to get some serious estimates on the building costs of the home based on the region where you reside and the home is going to be built. Construction costs are only estimates, of course, and the home plan blueprints and specifications can be purchased to submit to local contractors for bidding purposes.

    The home plans represent the design concepts of some of the most talented home designers in the world. Even so, it is possible that modifications need to be made in order to fit some personal desire or conform to some local code. The home plans companies can assist in modification of the existing plans as well. It is good to think of a home plan as a design concept that can be changed if necessary. It is the in-between step between the dream and the reality.

    Aazdak Alisimo writes about home plans for http://www.HomePlansPlanet.com

    Sauna Books