Thursday, July 31, 2008

Building Inspections - Permits and Problems

Things to Know

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

Who are They

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

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

When Don't I need a Building Permit

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

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

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

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

The Dreaded "Task Force Inspection"

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

Construction Inspections

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

Fighting the BDI

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

The Hearing

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

Howard Bell
yourpropertypath.com

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

Paying Contractors And Subs

If you decide to use a contractor or subcontractor, often referred to as a sub, then you will want to understand how to pay them. Your leverage on them to get the job done and done right is payment and their good name. If they don't have a good name then payment for their work is your only leverage. Hence, you will want to determine before you hire them how you will compensate them for their work.

You must understand the basics of how the laws are written to understand the dynamics of paying a contractor. If a contractor does work on your home and you don't pay them, they can file a lien against the house in order to get payment. They can even foreclose on the house if you refuse to pay them. A lien will also keep you from refinancing or selling the home. Hence, you will want to make sure you cover yourself when you pay your subs and contractors.

If you are using a general contractor to do a remodel, he may bring in specialists to do portions of the work. If you are paying him a set rate for the remodel, he is using your funds to pay the subcontractors. However, it is possible for him to take payment from you and then not pay for the work done by the subcontractor. The subcontractor could then in turn put a lien against your house even though you have already paid for the work done.

You can avoid this issue by paying each subcontractor directly. When you make the contract with the general contractor, you can demand to pay off each sub that works on the house. Then when you make payments to the sub, require that they write a release for the work done before giving them the money. This gives you an opportunity to inspect the work first to make sure the work is up to standard. Now that you have the release, they should not be able to file a lien.

Also, when paying the general contractor, you may want to pay for all of the materials directly too. This prevents the suppliers from filing liens for non-payment. Additionally, you should never pay the entire amount to the contractor up front. What is to keep him from skipping out on you and not completing the work? You should pay him in segments as the work is completed. This will motivate him to keep working and if something does go wrong and he leaves, you are only out a portion of your money and you still have enough funds to hire a new person to finish the remodel.

You will want to screen your contractors and subcontractors before you hire them. If they have a history of poor payment activities then you want to avoid working with them. You will want to ask for references and then check them. Also, inspect the work they have done. If you do your research properly, you shouldn't have to deal with shoddy work and mechanics liens.

Even though you may hire a general contractor to handle all of the day to day worries, you will want to pay close attention to the remodel. Inspect the work periodically and make sure that the work is being performed correctly. If you don't, you may be surprised by a few errors before the work is completed and after the work is completed.

In summary, you will want to work out the details of payments before hiring any work done on your house. When you do pay for the work, you will want to have letters of release signed so that contractors will not be able to enforce liens on the house.

HomeBuildingRemodeling.com is your source for top quality home building, remodeling and home decorating information.

For free articles delivered daily by email, visit HomeBuildingRemodeling.com and enter your name and email under the Free Home Building and Remodeling Updates section.

Monday, July 28, 2008

Renovating The Exterior of Your Home the Easy Way

While many people do minor repairs and interior remodeling jobs, they often hesitate about doing exterior remodeling or renovating. There's not really a big difference between the interior and exterior of your home except for the size of the DIY jobs.

Most of the time when homeowners choose to remodel their home, there is something on the outside that needs to be done. If you allow yourself enough time, you can look for great deals on many of the supplies you're going to need. Some of the exterior jobs that may need to be done are gutters, siding, windows and window trims or perhaps adding a patio or deck to your home.

If you plan ahead, you can not only save money but also get yourself organized, whether this means getting the time off from work or arranging for the rental of some of the tools you'll need for the job. You'll be spending enough on the supplies, so you won't want to have to buy tools as well, especially when you can rent them for a fraction of the cost.

If purchasing new siding is not quite in your budget this year, repainting your home is a great DIY job that will brighten and spruce up your home. Again, planning is very important. You may have to prepare the siding for painting such as sanding old paint off or washing the home. Some people don't understand the logic of washing if it's going to be repainted. It's the best way to give it a professional look. If your home is tall and needs ladders and scaffolding, doing one section at a time will save you a lot of time and energy. Many make the mistake of trying to get the whole house done at one time. You'll find working in sections at a time not only is easier but also makes you feel you accomplished more at the end of each day.

If you are going with new siding and windows, you may want to hire a professional if you have no experience in this type of work. However, many books and online sites have step-by-step guides for the DIY jobs. The stores where you buy your supplies (siding, windows, roofing, etc.) may also be able to give you many much-needed tips. If you're lucky, you have a friend or family member knowledgeable in home renovations that are willing to help you. You will save a fortune on labor costs!

Rob Carlton regularly edits newsletters on things associated with compressor designs. His articles on air compressor cooling systems can be discovered on http://www.insidewoodworking.com

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Patio Door Security

Patio door security is not reliable in and of itself, however, it is not hard to make your patio door more secure, in fact there is a very easy way to do so and that is with a security bar. We have all seen them, the broken off broom handle placed in the patio door runners to keep someone from being able to open the door without removing the broom handle first.

While this seems rudimentary, and almost archaic, it is wise, as six out of ten burglaries, begin with entry through the back of the house. Three out of ten require no force at all; they are through open doors and windows! Thus, by even using a very archaic method to better secure your doors, you significantly reduce your chances of being burglarized etc. If you watch television you know that by breaking glass you not only have the problem of noise, but you also have the problem with DNA testing if blood is left at the scene. Thus, breaking in by literally breaking, does not happen much more. So, having some sort of patio door security besides the flimsy door lock is a great idea!

The locks that come as a basic with patio doors are generally put together with materials that are soft and brittle. Most will snap off or break if put under pressure. So, the best way to improve the patio door security in your home is to add additional and also visible locks. If you want the best patio door security possible, then look for a security bar with a patented locking device that can withstand up to 1,000 pounds of force. Look for patio door security bars, and make sure they have features that also prevent thieves from lifting the door off the track.

Why would you want to have your patio door security be visible? Well, for one, if a burglar can see how secure the door is, they are less likely to damage it at all in an attempt to get in. many times they can see that their feat is hopeless, and they may not even try to begin with.

It makes sense to add additional locks as they are relatively inexpensive, do not take much time or effort to fit to your patio door, and are generally not much of a hassle, and are easy to operate; thus, your life becomes more secure, and you do not have any inconvenience.

Part of your patio door security is for your own security, you will need to have quick and easy ways out, not just in, so if you have patio door security that that requires a key, it would be wise to keep the key near the lock, but hidden from outside view. This will mean that should you need to exit your home quickly, you won't have to search for a key, or break glass, but simply leave quickly.

Another form of patio door security is found in the glass. You can improve security not just with a security bar, but also by replacing single glazed glass with polycarbonate or wire-embedded glass.

Another problem with patio door security is that often the glass is not broken or whatnot, but the door is actually lifted right off the track. Drive a screw into the top of the upper track to keep thieves from lifting the door off the track.

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.

Fantastic Bathroom Wallpaper Decor Tips

As everyone knows there is more than one way to skin a cat, quite why you would want to skin a cat I don't know. There are also many ways to decorate your bathroom. Bathroom renovation projects can be fairly inexpensive and can enhance the appearance of your bathroom. You can add accessories such as towels and rungs to tie in with the rest of the theme of the room. Bathroom renovation projects can be something as simple as simply painting the walls or ceilings of your bathroom, or changing your bathroom cabinets. Painting your wall will allow you to transform your bathroom so that it is much more beautiful. Adding matching or contrasting towels and accessories is a fantastic way to tie everything together.

How To Start

Before you start decorating your bathroom you need to think about how you plan to do it. You should think about every single bathroom you have ever been in, try to find ones that you liked. You should then imagine this room in your own home. If you think it's possible to get a similar bathroom in your own home then you're all set. If you know what you plan to do then you should start going to home hardware stores to look at some of the wallpaper, and color schemes that might be of interest to you. Once you've looked at everything you can get an idea about what you can afford to do. You don't necessarily need to buy new things for your bathroom, you could just as easily use items that are already in other rooms in your house. You might also find some interesting accessories at car boot sales, charity shops or garage sales. It's fine to use old items, you shouldn't be put off by the idea. Quite often these items will look like new when you use them alongside other fixtures and fittings.

It can be great fun to design your own bathroom, you really can go wild. It is important that you plan the complete project properly, failure to do so could result in a disaster. If 478you really don't think you can handle such a project then you should consider hiring a professional interior designer. These interior designers are experts and will know how to get the most from your bathroom.

Vince Paxton's news can be found on plenty of web pages associated with how to install drywall. From his works on how to drywall ceilings and how to drywall the reviewer demonstrated his capability on the topic.

Woodworking Tools

Woodworking: Tools Of The Trade, Part 2 - Tools For Cutting

A civilization's maturity and intelligence is judged, in part, by the diversity and sophistication of its tools. When it comes to woodworking, the human race is quite advanced. There are general tools that work well in many situations, and there are specialty tools made for one specific purpose. There are tools that require only manpower and a rudimentary knowledge, and others that utilize computer programs, a wide range of knowledge, and a powerful motor. We have even learned how to harness power for our tools and package it in a small battery component, giving us the freedom to take our tools wherever we need them.

It is truly amazing and wonderful to contemplate the vast number of tools and all that woodworkers are capable of doing and creating with the help of these tools. And for many people, working with tools is one of the thrills, or even obsessions, of woodworking.

Woodworking and related tools have become111C so popular that there are numerous companies that manufacture these tools and thousands of places to purchase them. Combine that with the vast numbers of different types of tools and it can get overwhelming, especially if you are new to woodworking. Our experts helped us focus on the basics to develop an overview of those tools needed to get a good start in woodworking.

In the most basic terms, a woodworker needs four kinds of tools. They need a place to work, tools for cutting and shaping, tools for assembly, and finishing equipment. This simple statement provides the basis for the following discussion of woodworking tools.

The tools listed and described here represent just the tip of the iceberg. In keeping with the philosophy that it is best to learn the basics first, and to not invest large sums of money until a person is certain that they have an ongoing interest in woodworking, the emphasis is on hand tools, with a few basic power tools thrown in. These tools should prepare you for a variety of beginner projects and give you a solid foundation of equipment and knowledge to build upon.

Tools For Cutting
For the most part, cutting of wood is done with a saw. Typically if a woodworking cut is needed, whether it be straight or curved, it is done with a saw.

Saws
There are many different types of saws, each made for a specific purpose, but they generally fall into three categories. Handsaws are used to convert large pieces of wood into the appropriate lengths and widths. Usually made with a triangle-shaped blade, they include the ripsaw and crosscut saw. The ripsaw is for cutting with the grain, such as when you need to cut thin trim pieces from a full plank. As the name implies, a crosscut saw is for cutting against the grain. It usually has more teeth than a ripsaw to provide for a finer cut.

Backsaws are for the majority of joining work you will do on projects. In this category, the tenon saw and the dovetail saw look similar. Both have square blades and a back strip to hold the blade in place. This strip is usually made of brass in a good quality saw. The difference between the two is that the dovetail saw has more teeth per inch to make finer cuts, such as a dovetail. A tenon saw is for more basic joint cuts such as a bevel. It will likely get used a great deal. A third type of backsaw is the bead saw, which is often used for carving miniatures.

Narrow-bladed saws are for cutting curves. The thin blades with many teeth allow for fine cuts and advanced maneuvering. There are several different types, including a bow saw and a keyhole saw. The coping saw, such as that shown here, is perhaps best known. It has a swivel handle and is often used for cutting holes in plywood and getting the right curve on trim and small project pieces.

Many woodworkers prefer the fretsaw, which is similar to the coping, but has a deeper U-shape and clamped blades, which allows for more versatility in blade selection. A keyhole saw is similar to a handsaw except the blade is long and narrow. It is ideal for cutting curves and holes.

Selection Tips
When buying a good manual saw, it is important to look for a removable handle that will make care and replacement easy. If the handle is held on with rivets, it is not easily replaceable. Be sure the handle feels comfortable and fits your hand well. A thin blade is best for woodworking. Test the quality by holding the ends and bending the blade. It should bend evenly and smoothly. Also, tap it to see if it produces a pleasant, clear ring.

Care & Maintenance
Even if you start with a new saw, you will eventually need to give it a tune up. The following is a checklist to perform general maintenance on your saw.

  • Sight down the length of the blade to see that it is straight and free from kinks. If the saw blade has a crack, it cannot be repaired. If it has a small buckle or kink, lay it flat on a block of wood or metal plate with the buckle side up and strike it firmly with a flat-faced hammer. If straightening a backsaw, remove the brass backing first. If the buckle is severe, replace the saw or take it to a specialist for repair.
  • Remove the handle, use a wood cleaner to remove dirt and check it for damage or rot. If it 5B4is cracked, you can break it along the crack to create a clean break and glue the pieces back together. Rotted handles should be replaced, and can either be purchased or made from a pattern drawn using the old handle.
  • Check the blade for rust and debris. Clean brass pieces with polish and the blade with fine steel wool. Some people treat the blade with a wax material that can be made or purchased from a hardware store. Wipe clean with a soft cloth. If the teeth of your saw are no longer sharp or are uneven, it is best to bring it to an expert for sharpening and jointing until you have been taught the proper way to perform this essential and delicate maintenance. If done incorrectly, it can ruin your saw.
  • Proper storage of your saw can help maintain its quality. Hang from a hook so the blade stays straight, or make or buy a holder that keeps the blade straight, teeth protected, and handle stabilized.
Power Saws
Expert woodworkers typically are divided on the need for a power saw. Several feel that beginners could do just fine without the power equipment, while others feel that a handheld circular saw or even a table saw was an important investment. If you have the budget, have worked with the basic manual saws, have a project in mind that requires many cuts, and are likely to stick with woodworking for a number of years, a circular saw or table saw can be a good investment. They rang5B4e in price from about $40 for a good circular saw to several hundred for a table saw.

A huge area of woodworking consists of creating plaques and figures using a scroll saw. If you plan to work with these types of projects or designs where you need to make many curving cuts and patterns, you will likely want a scroll saw.

Tool Summary
This completes part 2 of the condensed overview of some of the tools that are commonly used in beginning woodworking projects. As you can see, this topic could and has provided the content for entire volumes of books and in order to fully understand the possibilities in woodworking and create quality projects, it is critical that you develop a more in-depth knowledge of the tools you plan to use.

It is also important to note again that each type of tool has its own care and maintenance needs that are often more specific than what has been touched on here. The details have been left out of this book to avoid overwhelming someone who is brand new to woodworking. However, their omission does not mean they aren't important.

"Failing to care for your tools is ridiculous from a financial standpoint," stated shop teacher, Kevin Warner. "Why spend $20 on a good quality handsaw or clamp and then allow it to go dull or rust? Not only will you loose money, your work will suffer because your tools won't perform as intended. And it will take you more time in the long run. Tak500ing good care of your tools is one of the first steps in becoming a serious woodworker."

Copyright 2005 by Ferhat Gul. All rights reserved. You may redistribute this article in its unedited entirety, including this resource box, with all hyperlinked URLs kept intact.

Ferhat Gul is the publisher of the brand-new "Woodworking Beginner's Guide - Tips From Experienced Woodworkers to Help You Get Started", made just for people who love woodworking. This comprehensive, yet compact woodworking introduction for beginners is easy to read and helps to save time, money and effort.

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Using a Digital Camera in Home Renovations

A digital camera can open you up to a whole new world of home renovation. With today's computer technologies, a talented designer can take digital photos of your rooms and recreate them into rooms that you could only dream of. You can also track your progress throughout the process of renovating and have some great after photos that you will be proud of.

Have you ever painted a room and then wondered a few years later, "What color was that room?" Before and after digital pictures are great for not only those moments of reminiscing, but are excellent for insurance purposes as well. With before and after pictures you are able to compare the changes and renovations that you have made to a home. These pictures can help you to prove the changes you have made and the value those changes have made to your home. There are also several programs that will allow you to store photos of your home and belongings for home inventory purposes. If your house were ever to broken into, burnt or destroyed by a natural disaster. These images could come in very handy for insurance purposes. If you are taking digital photos for this purpose, then you will want to be certain that they are also stored off site at a friend or family member's home. This will ensure that you will have them in the event that something does happen to your home.

If you are doing your home renovations by yourself, pictures of your progress can be excellent confidence boosters. You will have pictures that you can show to friends and family and say, "Look what I did!" You can also have pictures that show the different stages of design, implementation and the finished product. Many individuals also choose to keep a scrapbook of their home renovations. This is an excellent idea if you are completely renovating and refurbishing an old home. Share the photos on the Internet and show the world the changes that you have made to your home. Who knows, you might be an inspiration to another looking to do home renovations.

If you have digital photos of your home, it can make it very easy for an interior decorator to use your pictures as inspiration. When you have a consultation with the decorator, they can take your pictures and show you things that they would like to change or add. With digital photo software such as Adobe Photoshop, there are various ways a digital photo can be adapted and turned into a completely new room for a renovation idea. You can also have consultations with decorators from different parts of the country, as digital photos can be instantly sent via email to anyone in the world.

Don't overlook the convenience that digital technology can provide you. Whether you are planning a project, in the process of completing one or just finished, digital photos can be very useful throughout your home renovations.

Bill is a regular contributor to Orangepics, a Photography Resource.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Bathroom Bonanza - Creative Remodeling Ideas for Your Bathroom

Your bathroom is one of the most important elements in your home. It is a known fact that when a property owner wants to increase its value the bathroom renovation becomes a top priority. Today, more and more Americans are looking for luxury and comfort when it comes to their bathroom.

Here are some of the best new bathroom ideas out there!

Retreat to a Spa

A long, luxurious bubble bath, aromatic oils, lit candles, soft music. Is this a two hour spa treatment? Or is it perhaps your very own bathroom, in your very own house? Do you like the luxurious spa atmosphere? Why not apply it to your bathroom so you can enjoy it without having to go out? Soothing colors, niches for candles, a large bath, and an overall atmosphere of pampering and self indulgence is the key. This bathroom, with its towel racks, separate Jacuzzi bath and glass shower, the double sink and soothing lighting, is a masterpiece of "spa" feeling. Just lie back, and enjoy!

Turn Up the Warm

Give cold, uncomfortable bathrooms a break, and warm them up! Avoid chilly colors like snow white and blues, and go for C57the creams, browns, and golds to give your bathroom the warmth it deserves! Color can make a huge difference and turn your bathroom into a completely different experience. A bathroom can be instantly transformed to a more inviting place, just by changing the color palate. And since it's your bathroom, shouldn't you feel cozy and warm in it?

Tile it Up

Tiles are back, but not in the way you think... usually, when people think tile, the first thing that comes to mind is that weird floor from the 70's with all the different colored stones. Yet tiles can provide beautiful design elements for your bathroom. Since tile was originally designed by the Romans specifically for their baths, it makes sense to use this element in creating our own modern bathing rooms. Bathroom tiles are back! Whether you decorate the entire walls with decorative patterns or just use a subtle row design - it is definitely back in fashion. A certain ancient world feeling comes to mind, and you may just imagine yourself reclining in a Roman bath with slaves feeding you grapes...

Modern Sharp

For those who like stark looks, clean comfort, and straight lines, this is THE look to have. The black counters and stainless steel sinks, the stainless steel cabinets, the glass and high sheen of the black counter, all give this bathroom a kind of bachelor pad look (only a lot more comfortable!). Clean lines often create a sense of spaciousness and luxury.

The Asian Invasion

Still clean lines, but with an Asian touch, as the Buddha statue serenely emphasizes. The bowl-like sinks have a distinct feel of rice bowls, the large jars, and the open space give it a Zen feel. This is not the opulent East, rather the calm, insightful, Zen feeling underlying so much of modern Asian design. Truly, all that's missing is a rock garden outside the French doors...

Romantic

Sometimes, a romantic, softly lit, fantasy inducing bathroom is all a girl really wants in life.

A haven of light, warm and inviting, and an overall feel of warm fuzzy butterflies, give this bathroom a lilt in its song. A room designed for sensuality and softness, the romantic bathroom can be a place to share, and just as importantly, dream of love.

MyHome is a full service New York general contractor offering kitchen remodeling and bathroom renovation in New York.

Driveway Gates - Guarding Your Home With A Driveway Gate

A driveway can be defined as a private road. It is a private road for local access. It provides access to one building structure or a small group of structures. A driveway is often owned, managed and maintained by an individual or group or individuals.

Driveways can be decorated, like in ways that public roads which can not be. This is due to their lighter traffic. It is also due to the willingness of an owner to invest in their construction. Driveways are often not resurfaced or snow blown or kept up by any governmental body. These gates are often designed to conform to the often age old architecture of home or other building to which the driveway is connected home or other building.

The cars are often parked in longer driveways and that leaves the streets clear from the traffic. In the city of Pasadena, there is a certain time limit for parking. The cars cannot be parked from 2 am till 6 am. This results in deeper driveways having been built. Residential driveways are also frequently used by their owners for things such as a Garage Sale or an auction, auto washing, repair, recreation etc., most notably in North America for playing a game of basketball. Material used for building driveways includes concrete and cement, decorative bricks, in combination with grass or other ground cover plants.

Driveways, like all personal property, need to be protected. To aid you in protecting your driveway is available many driveway gates, which we often call, driveway entrance gates, driveway security gate etc.

Driveway gates are the first defense that your home has against unwanted elements. Driveway gates are very useful to keep intruders at bay. Driveway Gates, also known as driveway security gates are often the cause of many a foiled robbery plans. Driveway gates are often customized according to the wishes of a house owner. Driveway security gates are the best resource available to protect your property against unwanted elements and to keep them at bay.

Driveway gates are of many types. Some of them are Electromechanical while others are mechanical. You also have hydraulic driveway gates. Electromechanical Driveway Security Gates use power from the mains. This power is used to open the driveway gate to let in the person standing outside. Generally there are three types of electromechanical driveway gates i.e. Worm driven driveway gates which are also called Screw type driveway gates, articulated arm operated driveway gates and underground operated driveway gates. Electrical and automated driveway Gate openers are designed for both types of driveway gates i.e. the sliding gates and the swinging gates and also the fences. These gate openers can be programmed to open with a manual device. One can also use a wireless transmitter. These automatic driveway gate operators are also many a times fitted with solar panels. This ensures their smooth function during blackouts or during loss of electricity.

The second type of driveway gates is the hydraulic gates. Hydraulic driveway gate openers are used to open a hydraulic driveway gate. They have less moving parts as compared to the other driveway gates and are often more effective.

Rob Hargreaves - An American Locksmith working in Mr-Locks Inc - Locksmith company New York City. For any information and suggestion related to Driveway Gates please visit: www.mr-locks.com.

How to Install Shower Tile

It's not a fun job, but one that has to be done from to time: installing new tile for your shower area. After a period of years, the old stuff gets cracked, broken, or sometimes just doesn't go with the new decor. Here are some tips to remember for how to install shower tile.

First, buy some adhesive for the project. Ask a knowledgeable person at the hardware store for a waterproof mastic. Spread just enough of it for about a half hour's work, using your trowel's flat side. IMPORTANT: The mastic can dry rather quickly, therefore do not spread too much of it on too large of a surface. Otherwise, by the time you've applie5B4d tile to one section, the rest will be dried already. The mastic should remain wet enough for use for about a half hour, so only apply what you know you can tile in a half-hour's time.

After applying the mastic on a wide area, turn the trowel to the notched side, running it at a 45 degree angle. The purpose is to create wide grooves. Caution: As you're doing this, make sure you don't obstruct your working lines.

Now we'll start to install the shower tile itself. Find your vertical and horizontal working lines. Set your first tile along one side of them, gently twisting with your hand. It's important that you twist rather than sliding the tile into place, else you risk moving too much adhesive. Next, make sure your tiles are firmly seated on your batten, if you're using one.

Line up the tile's top edge along the horizontal line. You should use small shims under the tiles along the lip of the tub for securing the tile accurately along the line.

Keep following this process, laying the tiles row by row. It's critical that you watch constantly to ensure correct alignment with your working lines. You should check this with each tile laid.

One last word about spacing your tiles accurately. If you use 4 1/8 inch square tiles, they'll probably have small lugs on each side. These are put there to serve as spacers, to keep things on the right track. Don't worry, they won't be visible, as grout will eventuall41Ay cover them, making the lugs invisible. If you want to see how this entire process should look, consult a how-to video that shows how to install shower tile.

If you would like to learn more before you start your project so you are totally prepared. And know all of the ends and outs before you start. CLICK HERE to learn what you need to do.

Single Pane Glass Repair in an Aluminum Frame

This week we are going to continue our series on single pane window 5B4glass repair. Let's talk about broken glass in a fixed window, usually referred to as a picture window. The most common type will have metal stops on the outside, around all four edges of the window glass. Sometimes these stops will be held in place with screws, and other times there will be aluminum stops that snap in place. In some rare instances there will be a rubber material in place of metal. If you have the screw type, you remove all of the screws and each piece will come out. If you have the metal snap in stops, carefully pry the stop from the frame using a small, flat screwdriver or a putty knife. You want to start in a corner and work along the stop until it comes out. Don't pry too much because the stops can bend very easily. If you have the rubber type, pry a corner away using the screwdriver, grab it with your fingers, and pull out the rubber. The glass shouldn't fall out because there is a glue or tape on the edge, holding the glass in place.

From here, You can get your measurements for the new piece of glass. The glass edges will be exposed, and you can hook your tape measure to the edge and get your width and height. If there is a hole in the glass, measure the glass thickness. If there isn't a hole, put on some gloves and carefully push on the glass where the crack is located. This will expose the edge so you can measure it. When you go to get the new glass, you're going to need a tube of silicone to replace the g5B4lue or tape holding the glass in place. Once you get the glass home, you need to remove the old glass. Go inside and cut between the glass and frame using a utility knife with a new blade. This will cut away the silicone or tape that is holding the old glass. Be sure to wear heavy gloves during this process to avoid getting cut. Start at the top and cut across from one corner to the other. Then cut down one side, from top to bottom. Do the other side the same way. At this point the glass should fall out. You should place a tarp or sheet under the window to catch the glass as it falls out. Using a stiff putty knife, scrape off the old silicone or tape from the frame. If there were setting blocks on the bottom, be sure to reuse them. They act as shims to raise the glass off the bottom.

Now run a bead of silicone about 3/16" thick around the perimeter of the opening. Grab your new glass on the sides, angle the bottom in and the top out, set the glass on the setting blocks, then slowly raise the glass up into place. Push just hard enough that all four edges of the glass contact the silicone, but not so hard that the glass makes contact with the metal frame. Install your outside stops. Don't clean the glass for 24 hours so the silicone can set up.

Next week I will continue this series on window glass repair.

John Rocc340o has been installing replacement windows since 1978. To learn more, visit How To Install Windows

Renovating A Commercial Property

Commercial real estate investing, just like residential real estate investing, has a strong renovate and sell component to the overall calculus of profit and loss. Many commercial real estate investors see properties they hold solely in the context of the revenue stream generated every month, rather than as an asset that can be improved over time. In the current competitive commercial real estate marketplace, this could have you falling behind the curve on getting your maximum return on investment.

There are several good reasons to renovate commercial real estate. Renovate your current property to greatly improve the re-sale value. Buy another cheap property in a good area. Then renovate it for future resale. Consider subdividing your property into smaller offices and retail spaces to increase the number of tenants and therefore, the amount of rent collected. Or, simply command higher rents for premium facilities. All of this is about improving the attractiveness of the property for tenants and potential buyers, making it easy to get a solid return on your investment.

As with all real estate investing, you need to determine if your strategy is to buy-and-flip or to buy-hold-and-lease. In particular, if you're planning on hosting your own office in the facilities, buying and leasing makes a fair amount of sense; on top of this, there are tax incentives available for commercial real estate held for seven years or more, to help fund and encourage renovation work. This is all part of the process of encouraging businesses to remain in communities, and foster a good employment market.

Once you've chosen to renovate, for any, or several, of the reasons above, the question becomes "what sort of renovations will return the best value for the money invested." If your property under renovation has tenants, they're the first people to ask. If it's just been vacated by a tenant, it's also a good time to ask what sort of renovations and remodeling would be desired. Typical renovations that are worth doing include checking the plumbing, adding conferencing space and making the foyer more open and airy. All of these renovations will help you qualify for the tax relief programs being offered for long term commercial real estate holders.

If you don't have any5B4 tenants, the renovations possible are much more extensive - you aren't disrupting someone's business workflow while you undergo the renovation process. Consider green renovations first. These can be as simple as replacing the windows with triple glazed thermal protection windows to a panoply of more extensive changes, like elevators that capture electricity when they descend, using regenerative breaking. If you're looking to sell the building, using recycled materials in a renovation can greatly improve your ability to sell it, particularly to younger business owners who consider green buildings to be a mark of prestige, or a moral obligation.

While it's possible to sink more money into green renovations than the property is worth, there are several things to seriously consider. The three most common include solar collectors on the roof, rainwater collectors that can be used for the toilets and other gray water facilities, and using a solar wall with black piping to let the sunlight do part of the hot water heating for the building. Regrettably, much of the furor about making green housing pay for itself in reduced utility bills boils down to poor math. Most businesses will spend more on green features than they'll earn back over the expected time they'll remain in the business at foreseeable energy prices. What you're doing when you do these sorts of capital investments in your property is staking a fiscal position that t5B4he price of energy is going to rise in the near future, and that you're improving the resale value of your facility. This isn't to say they aren't worthwhile - a lot of the green innovations in building construction make the building more habitable, and they do reduce the costs of operation. The unquantifiable benefit is the price value of reduced environmental impact.

The hazards of renovation include the usual hazards involved in any sort of construction endeavor. Contractors can run late, or run over budget, or both. You can have renovations that result in disasters. When looking to do renovations, take the time to interview your contractors carefully. Work through the entire process with them, and set up metrics for what needs to be done as well as when it needs to be done. Work with your contractors as closely as you can afford to, without joggling their elbows or "backseat driving" the job.

Above all else, make plans and stick with them - renovations are big projects and big projects more than anything have a tendency to take longer and go over budget, as the final specification becomes more and more of a moving target.

If you're going to be building a new facility on a lot, you're likely going beyond the bounds of renovation. That being said, there are several options that are easier to facilitate into a new building, than into an existing one. Among them are baseline water heaters (which heat and cool 5A9rooms by running water through pipes under the floor), energy capture facilities like solar arrays integrated into south facing walls, a property designed heating and cooling system with an energy star compliant ventilation system, and proper insulation.

Make your renovation budget work in your favor to increase the value of your property. The capital outlay now will give a substantial return on the investment, either as a flip, or through increased leasing revenues.

Anthony Seruga and Yolly Bishop of Maverick Real Estate Investments, Inc. work with builders, developers and other players in the commercial real estate industry to acquire and develop properties. They use progressive investment strategies that have proved extremely profitable. In addition to their own deals, they teach both seasoned and inexperienced investors how to be big players in the game. Visit the website for more info.

Monday, July 14, 2008

10 Tips for Keeping Your Ceramic Tiles Looking Great

You enter the bathroom. You turn on the lights. You dream of having a nice, relaxing bath or a cold, invigorating shower. What you get instead is a strangled shriek and despair.

Yes, ceramic tiles sure brighten up any bathroom or kitchen with their artistic and wonderful designs. We all love that glossy finish and the pearl-like shine. But moldy and dirty ceramic tiles are a big turn off, especially to those who have a fetish about bathing in a spotlessly clean bathroom.

What about your kitchen? Can you bear placing your food atop a surface that looks dubious? Can you imagine the germs sticking themselves to your favorite vegetable? Ewww

Alas, help from professional cleaners may cost us hundreds to thousands of dollars. That money can be better spent on other worthwhile items. All we need to know is how to properly care for our ceramic tiles so theyll keep looking clean and brand new.

1. Wipe Em Daily

Keep this as a mantra to yourself. This is easy enough to do, especially on kitchen counters, and it wont take you more than 15 minutes. All you need is a wiping cloth and some water. Always wipe surfaces after use. This is the best method from keeping dirt and debris from piling up. Dry tiles with a cloth or a sponge to prevent mildew formation.

2. Felt and Pads

Do you have heavy furniture made of wood, metal, aluminum or even plastic? Try to place felt or similar pads to their legs. This111C will help reduce the wear and tear on the tiles and will also facilitate easier shuffling and movement.

3. Protection with Mats

All houses have spots where heavy pivoting occurs. This could be your doorstep, or in front of the kitchen sink or the bathroom door. Situate mats of good quality to protect your tiles from pressure, weight or friction. These mats can also reduce dirt, grit, sand and oil that is deposited in your tiles since the fibers of the mat trap them nicely.

Make sure to wash the mats every once in a while to remove the deposits. Replace worn mats if possible.

4. Weekly Appointments with the Damp Mop

Aside from the daily regimen of wiping them, your ceramic tiles can also benefit a great deal from mopping them with a solution of vinegar and water. Mix cup of vinegar to a gallon or so of water and use this to mop your floor.

Let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Then mop the floor again with tap water to remove most of the vinegar and odor. The mild acidity of the vinegar will promote the death of mildew. Also, refrain from using soaps on the tiles as they will dull they surface.

5. Kiss Grime Away With Bleach

Ooh, your neighbor tracked his mud-soiled boots on your spotless white tiles. Even though you want to beat him up bad, you might want to hold in the urge because you need to act on that dirt, fast! Wipe off most of the dirt with a wet cloth. If there are stubborn streaks remaining on your beautiful tiles, its time to bring out the bleach.

Add about half a liter of bleach to a bucketful of water. Make sure you have your rubber gloves on, since bleach is very harsh on the skin. Mop the floor with the solution and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. After that, try rinsing it with water.

If stains still remain, repeat the process until you get back your shiny, sparkly tile. Remember to wipe it dry with a clean cloth after the procedure.

6. Clean that grout!

Grout is the cemented space between your tiles. White tiles usually have a white grout and white grout is a breeding ground for mildew, molds and dirt.

If you already spot mild discolorations on your growth, its time to mix about of a mild detergent to a bucketful of water. Splash some on the grout and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. After that, try scrubbing the grout with a soft cloth. The color should fade away quickly. Again, wipe your tiles with a dry cloth after the procedure.

7. Abrade me not

NEVER use abrasives and harsh soaps on your tiles. They reduce the shine and polish as well as make cracks and pits that would be a more ideal ground for dirt and grime to settle in. Use only mild soaps and detergents. Always dilute strong acids before using them on your tiles.

8. Can you hand me that toothbrush?

Stubborn dirt and grime in your grouts? Well its time to give them a little push. This will involve getting down on you hands and knees but its all worth it when you see your tiles looking like theyre newly installed.

Again, make a mild detergent solution from cup of detergent to a bucketful of water. You can add a small amount of bleach if you want, but remember to protect your hands and knees. Let it sit for a few minutes.

After that, get a used toothbrush and start scrubbing your grout. Be careful not to damage the side of the tiles. The ugly dirt should give way even with only a little force. Rinse with water and wipe dry.

9. Stock on Drying Cloth and Sponges

You might have noticed that every procedure call for wiping your tiles dry. Thats because there is no sense in performing the task yet leaving molds and mildew for a chance to attack. Remember that these organisms grow best in moist surroundings.

With all that cleaning going on, youll get tired from washing and drying the same cloth everyday so stock up for convenience.

10. Be Patient.

The thing is, people look up handy tips and tricks to cleaning their tiles. But some mail back, feeling very unsatisfied with the results. The usual problem here is PATIENCE. If a specific procedure tells you to wait for 15 minutes, its best to follow it. See, waiting allows the solution to seep into the layers of dirt and grime. The solution loosens up impacted dirt and facilitates removal. This is the key to a successful clean3ABing venture.

With that said, have fun in cleaning and remember: Always wipe it dry.

Lee Dobbins writes for http://tile.pagechic.com where you can learn more about types of tile and tile installation.

Friday, July 11, 2008

Basement Finishing Ideas You Should Consider

Coming up with basement finishing ideas is the first step to utilizing the space in your home. Whether you are thinking about finishing your basement on your own or you want to hire a professional you have to decide how you want to use the space before you can get started. There are many different aspects you have to look at when you are coming up with basement finishing ideas. Not only do you have to decide how you are going to use the space and what rooms will make the best edition to your home, you also have to decide on the dcor.

When you are finishing your basement you need to make sure there aren't any moisture problems. Sealing the walls and floor so that you have no seepage before you put up your walls is important, if this step is forgotten you will not only have more work to repair the problems, but you will have the huge expense of replacing the materials that were ruined as well as starting the project over.

One great basement finishing idea is to use the space as an office or workspace. Basement offices are great for starting your own business or keeping up with your work at home. A basement library is also a great idea when you are looking into finishing your basement. If there is space that you can place book shelves, add good lighting, and keep warm and quiet you have a perfect home library. Families with teens and preteens can use a library for a study area before important tests.

Basements are also a good place for an entertainment room. When you are coming up with basement finishing ideas you need to look at costs. If you decide to make an entertainment room you not only have to look at the cost of building materials and the construction crew (if you hire professionals) as well as remembering the cost of the furnishings for the entertainment room. It is not very entertaining to have a large empty room. Keeping your ideas within your budget is important.

When finishing the basement you will want to think about the floor coverings. Carpeting is an effective way to cover the floor and keep the room looking nice while adding warmth and personality. If you choose to carpet the area you may want to double pad the carpet. Unlike the other levels in your home the basement is on a concrete floor. If you don't add to the padding then standing on the basement floor for long periods of time can cause leg and back pain.

While you are coming up with your basement finishing ideas there are several things to think about. Keeping in mind what your budget is and what you want to use the space for will help you to be able to meet your goals. Once you have come up with the basement finishing ideas that you find appealing you can then move forward with your remodeling plans.

If you're looking for more basement refinishing ideas or some really creative basement ceiling ideas then visit us to learn more about the Owens Corning Basement System

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

How to Buy a Safe Backyard Playset

Parents are buying their kids backyard playsets or jungle gyms today more than ever. We know they're good for our kids development and it allows everyone to have fun. However, a lot of parents dont know what to look for in a backyard playset when buying one. This lack of knowledge can even be a hazard to their children if they buy dangerous products.

One of the most important things in buying any kind of playset is safety. You should never buy anything that can fall apart or hurt your child in any way. Check and make sure the screws are going to fit where they go. If a screw point is sticking out it can cut your child or even take out an eye. I know that sounds like it will happen but stranger things occur every day and its best to be prepared.

Another thing to watch for is splinters. Make sure that the wood is cut and sanded correctly so that nothing can hurt your child. Also make sure the wood is treated for rot so that there is no chance it will fall apart for a long time. Buying a wooden playset is an investment for your childs physical growth and happiness and you dont need that investment falling apart in only a few years.

Another thing to look for is accessories and add-ons. Ask yourself if your kid will want things added on at a later date and also if it has enough accessories attached to it now. You dont want to get home and realize that the backyard gym doesn't make everyone happy. The best way to help with this is get backyard swingsets that already have everything attached (rope ladder, fort, slides, slings, etc).

One important thing to look for is value. Shop around and dont just stick with one store. A lot of people cant afford to spend a few thousand dollars on a nice wooden playset. However, most people can spend a few hundred for one, maybe even a used one. A used playset is a very good option if it has been taken care of.

Overall, the main things to look for when shopping for a playset are value, durability, and accessories. One of the best solutions is to take your kids with you when you shop. You can473 then tell them how much to spend and let them pick one out themselves. This means that the kids have pride they picked it out and you have pride that your kids are happy.

Our homes are becoming the castles we dream about. And now, more of us are building the backyard playsets our children need to be safe and have fun at home. Learn more about backyard fun at http://swingsets4kids.info

3 Trade Secrets Revealed That Cleaners Don't Like To Talk About!

1. Paying For A Maid Service By The Hour: One contentious issue that you and your cleaner might have is time. You will both have different expectations of what can be cleaned in any given time period.

When a cleaner starts to clean your home it's going to take them longer at first. As they get familiar with the lay out of your home they become more efficient. You see that the cleaner has now got spare time, and will ask for extra things to be cleaned. The cleaner thinks they were given a set list of task to do, and now it's been changed. You're thinking, I am paying for x amount of hours, I don't expect to see the cleaner standing around or going before the time is up.

As with many industries much has changed over the years, as you might know it has be come harder to find people to do this kind of work. So in an effort to encourage people back, changes have been made. The payment system being one. The language of payment has always been on a hourly rate basis. Because it was Easier to understand.

It is now common practice to pay for the jobs to be done; this is a list of jobs agreeAF2d by both parties.

One last point. You must make it clear that the work must be of a good standard; never reward poor performance this just encourages it in the future.

2. Beware of cleaners that take advantage of you: Knowing what is to be done each visit, clears the air of any potential This list of tasks should always be out for when the cleaner comes, so they know that you expect this fix list of weekly and monthly tasks to be carried out. Stops misunderstandings.

Then if any cleaner try's to take advantage of you, normally they want to decide what gets done. Problem here is that they avoid things they don't like doing. They can't, because they now have a written plan to work to, and you have a check to to check the work.

3. Familiarity breads contempt: Trying to keep a professional relationship when somebody comes into your home on a week to week basis can be hard. After all it's your home and not a work place.

Chatting helps build up a barrier that you will find hard to cross when bringing up issues about cleaning standards.

The very best way that we have found to combat this, is for both ourselves and all our staff call our clients by their surnames. Some people find it hard to do this and think it old fashioned, Please believe me when I say from experience that both myself and my staff don't mind, as it reminds us all that we are in a professional relationship.

About the Author
Ian Harper owns and operates a carpet cleaning company, http://www.carpet-upholstery-cleaner.com which specialises in the Bio and Eco friendly cleaning of carpets, and soft furnishings, using the most up-to-date efficient methods and micro-splitting, detergent-free, bleach-free solutions. You can learn more about these technologies by visiting the website for his Carpet Cleaners Network . also he gives marketing and start up advise on his forum and blog http://www.pro-forum.carpet-upholstery-cleaner.com/ his latest project is Wikiclean a wiki for cleaning

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Wooden Playhouses For Outdoor Fun

Wooden playhouses could be just the thing you have been looking for. Playhouses are the key to every child's imagination. They are easy to assemble, easy to look after and can be your kid's special place to go with their toys in good or bad weather. A wooden playhouse can be painted and decorated to match your kids interests and can hold a lot of toys and games freeing up valuable space in your house.

Outdoor play is very important for a child's development and to ensure they get enough exercise. Wooden playhouses will unlock your child's imagination along with their friends during the long summer holidays whe5B4n they need a lot of interesting things to be doing so they don't suffer from the dreaded and tantrum starting boredom.

Wooden playhouses can be used by both boys and girls and can become and play kitchen, fortress, army base, secret den or hidden cave, the uses are endless. A playhouse can come in a massive variety of shapes and sizes and themes and are easy to put together and will last for many years with only a little maintenance in the form of wood weather protector or paint.

Wooden playhouses can be tucked away in the corner of the garden and will blend in with the surroundings a lot better than metal play equipment such as swings, climbing frames and slides. They also could be made into the main feature in your back garden and as your child grows so can the playhouse with add-ons such as wooden climbing frames, extensions or another playhouse. A wooden climbing frame would be an ideal place for your child to develop their sense of safe play, strength and a brilliant place to show off their climbing skills.

Wooden playhouses can be for everyday use but can also be fantastic and memorable places for special occasions such as a tea party with best friends, birthday parties and a place to open Christmas presents with lots of Christmas decorations making the playhouse into a winter wonderland or Santa's grotto, the possibilities are endless and don't 51Ahave to be restricted to summer.

If you have a little one and struggle to find or afford enough activities to keep them happy and occupied during the long summer months the a wooden playhouse could be the answer you have been looking for, they will give your child a great start in life and will help them get plenty of fresh air, exercise and is a great place for them to socialize with friends and all while in the safety of your back garden where you can keep a caring eye on them.

For lots of choice and information on many wooden playhouses visit our website at http://www.idealwoodenplayhouses.co.uk

Outdoor Living Areas - Design Tips and Trends

Nowadays, the overall trend is to create a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. Many homeowners consider their outdoor living areas as an addition to their homes.

Outdoor spaces should reflect the home's interior design so the areas blend together. Following are design tips and trends to consider when planning them:

  • Ensure compatibility. Your outdoor furnishings should be compatible with the aesthetics of your home and the landscaping. When planning your budget for your outdoor living areas, be sure to account for furnishings. For example, if the interior of your home contains stone countertops and tile, consider adding these elements to them for a seamless flow between the areas.

  • Design by area. Think about how you will use your outdoor living areas - entertaining, lounging, eating, relaxing, etc. - then design by area. For instance, consider the furnishings you will need for eating versus the furnishing you will need for lounging. Make sure your outdoor furnishings are technically designed to withstand weather elements and dry quickly.

  • Be colorful. Be creative with your color scheme. It's easy to add a bit of pizzazz with some brightly colored pillows or throws. Mix solids and stripes with florals or patterns. Design areas that reflect your unique style.

  • Consider the details. Consider the smaller items and furnishings that will create just the right atmosphere in your area, such as fragrant flowers and herbs, comfortable pillows, candles, chimes, or a fountain.

Keep these design tips and trends in mind when planning your outdoor living areas.

Hilary Basile is a writer for MyGuidesUSA.com at http://www.myguidesusa.com, you will find valuable tips and resources for handling life's major events. Whether you're planning a wedding, buying your first home, anxiously awaiting the birth of a child, contending with a divorce, searching for a new job, or planning for your retirement, you'll find answers to your questions at MyGuidesUSA.com.

Find lawn and garden tips and resources http://lawnandgarden.myguidesusa.com

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Budget Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

Remodeling the bathroom is one of the most often tackled projects when it comes to updating a home, but it can get to be quite a spendy endeavor. If you're one of those folks who are looking to remodel the bathroom in your home but are put off by the price tag, consider remodeling in stages.

First, decide what you want to improve. Its easy to say, "Everything!" but if you're on a limited budget, you may want to narrow it down a little. If you're going to remodel in stages, you'll need to decide what it is that bothers you most about the way your bathroom looks or functions--and the answer may surprise you.

Make a list of the things you want to upgrade, in no particular order, and why they bother you. Then, when you've completed your list, assign a number from one to ten to each item, with ten bothering you the most, nine the second most, and so on. Only one number can be assigned to any given complaint.

Now you have quantified what bothers you most, and can concentrate on that one item. Once you've done that, start shopping for a new version of whatever that item may be. If its a new sink, for example, visit your local home improvement store and start familiarizing yourself with whats available as a replacement. You'll want to get a feel for your tastes, and how those tastes will ultimately fit into your budget. That can be especially important when it comes to fixtures that you want to match, such as toilet, tub, and sink, for instance. If you want everything to be the same style, you'll need to price everything, to see if the entire package is within your means.

If you conclude that everything in the bathroom is a ten and you can't decide which item to replace first, think about redoing the floor first. Just changing the look of the floor can make a huge difference in the way the entire bathroom looks. Its entirely possible that once the new floor has been installed, you may decide that everything else wasn't really so bad, after all. Its also a relatively easy do-it-yourself project, so you'll be able to gain confidence in your ability in the process.

Remodeling a bathroom is high on many homeowners' lists, but the amount of mo1119ney it can cost can be daunting. However, if you plan carefully, shop hard, and work in stages, a bathroom upgrade won't break your budget.

Copyright 2006 Jeanette J. Fisher

Want the designer's touch in your bathroom? Have you ever wondered how to achieve that interior designer's high-end look without charging up your credit cards? Bathroom Remodeling Design Jeanette Fisher teaches five ways to makeover your home for happiness. Author of interior design and real estate books, Jeanette Fisher has researched the effects of environment on emotions for over 15 years. She teaches interior design college courses and seminars. Free interior design reports: http://interiordesignpsychology.com

Get to Use Your House

Yes, remodeling a basement is a big challenge, but you can use that challenge to your advantage by taking a few common sense steps.

The worst thing about a basement is that it is cold. Get rid of the cold easily and inexpensively by using radiant heat designed for flooring. You are going to put up interior walls in your basement anyway, so wouldn't it be great to use them to heat the basement as well? Using the right kind of glue, or using nails around the edge, you can simply install the meshing used for radiant floor heating on the walls. You have to make sure you have no moisture or water leaks, but you should do that anyway.

You can just install the radiant heating mesh before you put up wood panels. Just be careful no nails go into the mesh. A drawback to basements is that they are usually dark, but that can make them perfect if for watching movies, or for a hobby such as photography.

To create a darkroom, you will have to have good ventilation, as well as running water. Make sure the darkroom is secure, to no one can "pop in" when you are in the middle of developing.

To create a mini theater in your home, you can start from scratch and put in good acoustics, sound muffling carpeting, proper seating and a great speaker system. Since you are starting with a blank space, you can use your imagination and creativity.

Lighting is critical in a room like this, but track lighting is easy to install with suspended ceilings. You have to be careful that you do not create a glare that will interfere with the show, but you can install reflective guards, or put the lighting in wall sconces so the light reflects off the walls instead of directly onto the screen. Some light is preferable for movie watching.

Another basement problem is moisture, and to turn that into an advantage would take quite some magic. Again, however, imagination can make it work for certain things such as for a sauna or a greenhouse, where you would welcome the moisture.

For a sauna, you need to have the right equipment installed for plumbing and to generate the steam for the sauna. There are many sauna kits that make installation fairly easy. Good drainage is the really important issue here, since you don't want to end up with a flooded basement.

Even though your basement is usually cool, once you have the sauna heated, it will stay hot with good insulation. Investigate some of the many new materials available for good conductivity. Ideally, you should have an area separate from the sauna for a cool down. This should be a bright attractive area, but when you paint, make sure you leave a lot of drying time because of the inherent moisture.

A greenhouse is a great idea for a basement use. You have to avoid mildew and mold, but you can install heating lamps that will give the light you need and also keep the area warm and dry for flowers that prefer a hot house environment.

When you are working in a basement, always be aware of the possibility of water. Electrical systems have to be carefully planned because of this. Most modern building materials can accommodate this and still be inexpensive and easy to install.

Be sure to measure your basement for radon and carbon dioxide contamination before you get started. Allow for good ventilation for your basement.

To save money on furnishings, haunt second hand stores or antique shops. You can make interesting finds that will keep your costs down.

Since you will be spending quite a bit to remodel your basement, using these tips to get the best advantage of it will be to your "advantage"

Adam Peters writes for http://www.allsunrooms.com . A focused website that offers the best articles on sunrooms and furniture

Fix a Leaky Faucet

It's just about time you learn how to fix a leaky faucet if you constantly experience having to wake up in the middle of the night to the irritating noise of drip, drip, drip from a leaky faucet. By doing so, you will eliminate the need for a plumber, and consequently, high plumbing costs. And of course, the best part is, no more sleepless nights.

You might think you really need a plumber to fix a leaky faucet. But no, you can do it by yourself! And with these s5B4imple and easy to follow steps, you will never have to dial a plumber again.

Here are some basic tools and materials you will need:

- Screwdriver - Washers

Before You Start

1. Look under your sink and search for a shutoff valve. Turn its handles counter-clockwise (off) to switch off the water supply. Remember the saying "righty-tighty, lefty-loosey". This will guide you in switching your water supply on and off.

2. Keep an assortment of replacement parts at hand. This includes washers, O-rings, and etc.

3. Make sure to plug down the drain (maybe with rags). This is to avoid having small parts like screws and washers go down the drain.

4. As you work, keep in mind the exact order of the parts from the moment it was taken apart and line them up. This will serve as a guide when it's time to reassemble it, so you wouldn't have a hard time tracing what goes in first.

Begin Working!

1. First, take the faucet handles off. You can do this by using your screwdriver to remove the screw that is holding them on. Once you've removed the screws, lever the handles open using a flathead screwdriver.

2. Faucet handles removed, you may now proceed to removing the old washer located behind the handle. If no washer is present, then don't fret. Buy one and use it later on.

3. With the new washer that you just bought, replace the old washer. Put it where the old washer used to be. 5B4Keep in mind that the hole in the washer must be just a little bit bigger than the post where the handle turns.

4. Start putting things together. Put everything in place, according to the opposite order of how you took it apart. After, you can put the handle back to its post and screw it on. When you screw it on, make sure that you don't screw it in too tight so that you wouldn't damage the brass fittings. Just keep it hand-tight.

5. Test it. Turn your water on by turning the handles of your shut-off valve clockwise or to the left.

6. Hopefully, your faucets wouldn't be leaking by this time. That is if everything went well. If not, you can always try to tighten the screws a little bit more or do the whole procedure over again. If you were still not able to stop the leak, it's probably time you face it and call a plumber.

Miscellaneous Tips

In going to the hardware when buying a washer, ask an employee for assistance. He could recommend the specific washer that is used for your sink.

Sometimes, leaky faucets are due to lime build-up. If you notice that a lot of lime build-up is on your faucet handle post, remedy this by using lime away products to clean the build-up.

There's no need for you to stay awake at night and listen to the annoying noise of a leaky faucet instead of enjoying fitful sleep. Learn to fix a leaky faucet yourself and say goodbye to plumbers, high plumbing costs, and34F sleepless nights.

Know how to fix a leaky faucet yourself. Find your faucet guide.

Buying a Sunroom Kit

If you love sunshine then you will love a sunroom. A sunroom can give you sunshine most of the year and gives you access to outside while you stay cozy and warm inside. This is very important during long winter months as people can lose vitamin D when they don't get enough sunshine and if you're thinking of installing a sunroom then the easiest way to go is with a kit.

You do have two choices when buying a kit. You can have it installed or install it yourself, but if you're doing it yourself it is better to know for sure what you're doing because this could lead to a great source of heat loss if it's not installed properly. It can also reduce the value of your home. So if you have any doubts it is better to have it instal168Fled by a professional.

Kits for sunrooms come in many shapes and sizes and you have to research really well before you make up your mind. You also have to decide the best location for your sunroom because installing it in the wrong place can cost you money on your utility bills during the winter months. You need to install it in a location where you do not get full sun but enough that will keep sunshine in the winter months and not too much in the summer.

You have to give a lot of consideration to the kits available. Some of them are basic kits that offer aluminum frames and plastic windows and these are not too difficult to put together. You can usually convert this type to a screened in porch during the summer. Then there are more complicated kits that are preassembled before you get it. It is very important to choose the right kits to get the best that the market has to offer and the one that is most suitable to you.

For lots of helpful information on sunrooms and related topics, visit DIY Home Advice Guide at http://www.diyhomeadvice.com

Utilizing Metal Roofing Panels For Your Home Or Building

If you are deciding on what alternative material to use as roofing panels, metal can be a wise option. Metal is very versatile compared to other types of roofing solutions as it is very durable, fire retardant, and lightweight. It is proven to resist dilapidation.

These are the basic characteristics of metal roofing panels. They can simply be used for many purposes and can be easily installed even without the help of a professional. Here are some of them and their distinct characteristics:

1. Steel is one of the most popular choices in roofing. However, this material is cursed with a cruel downside. They are very prone to corrosion. As time passes by on your metal roofing panel, though, there can be things to do to remedy this. Manufacturers coat them 5B4with zinc and seal them. This kind of application will lessen the probability of rusting and corroding.

Steel comes in different colors and will always fit to any specifications that you need to your home or building. As of today, they can withstand even the worst weather conditions, even other environmental factors are still hard to putting down this sturdy roofing panel.

Steel is known to be heavy and panels are not an exception, it can cause some problems such as imbalance on some homes but it is the most durable of all metal roofing panels.

2. Stainless steel is also a good metal. The first thing you have to consider using them is its cost, stainless steel is very expensive but it makes up for its almost no maintenance, they will never rust, they have the same characteristics of steel but they get by with their no maintenance feature.

3. Copper is another roofing panel that is very light. They are widely used in homes. As they have little weight, they also look great due to its properties. This is the best choice for easy transportation; you can easily transport them from the warehouse to your home. In addition, they have been treated to prevent corrosion for a long time and will never rust.

4. Another roofing panel is aluminum. They are also lightweight and are used in residential areas. It can save you money due to its less shipping weight hence it can be easily transported. Aluminum does not rust. Th2217ey are the choice for most people who have the budget.

For tips on installing metal roofing, visit http://www.metalroofing101.com

Friday, July 4, 2008

How To Cut Your Home Remodeling Cost In Half

Cutting down on your home remodeling cost really isn't difficult. All that's needed is some innovation. Let's talk about cutting down the costs while refurbishing your home.

First of all, what sort of style are you looking into? You might be more into classical d1C84esign. On the other hand, you might be more into modern design. Think about the mood or ambience you want to set up.

An inexpensive way to liven up your interiors is by changing your walls. You may either paint the walls or add wallpaper. To complete the look, all you have to do is replace your old lighting fixtures. Even if you remodel just the living area, this would create a huge impact to your whole house. This is where you sit your guests and spend most of your time in, so it's worth making a change without the large home remodeling cost.

The kitchen is also a busy place. In the modern day, we don't just use the kitchen for cooking. It is also an area for entertainment. Consider extending your kitchen to the living area. Install additional kitchen storage to get rid of the clutter.

When refurbishing your kitchen, think about your health, food and lifestyle. Think about the space you'll require for food preparations and cooking. Think of ways to make cleaning your kitchen less tedious. And lastly, choose a style that best suits your taste. There are so many designs you can set up at a reduced home remodeling cost.

Now let's focus on the details. You can begin refurbishing with accessories and appliances. Consider replacing old cabinetry with built-in shelving. This is relatively much cheaper than purchasing a brand new set of furniture. Plus, you get to have a unique statement while cutting your home remodeling cost in half.

For your kitchen, you can start with appliances, then work around them. Appliances are so easy to replace. Just be creative in choosing their design and color. You can then replace your faucet set or those old cabinet door handles to match the whole surrounding.

Don't neglect your private space. You can easily set up new sinks and toilets, which can already change the whole look for your bathroom. If your floors are discolored, take them off and place new ones. There are lots of inexpensive tiles because there are now more materials available.

If you have carpeting in your bedroom, think about revamping it. You can simply hire a cleaning service to take away those unattractive stains, and this doesn't cost too much. If your carpet is very worn out, you may simply cover some areas with new area rugs.

Refurbishing your entire house will mean dealing with a large home remodeling cost. To avoid the high costs, add a new border around your entrance door or windows for a fresh design. Don't forget your lawn and work on the grass, add garden structures or try landscaping.

You should begin by studying your total home remodeling cost. Factor in building permit fees, home improvement loans and material labor, furniture and appliance expenses. For free estimates and ideas in evaluating your home remodeling cost, there's lots of useful sources in the World Wide Web.

Find out regarding home remodeling cost. Begin your home remodeling.

Fix a Leaky Faucet

It's just about time you learn how to fix a leaky faucet if you constantly experience having to wake up in the middle of the night to the irritating noise of drip, drip, drip from a leaky faucet. By doing so, you will eliminate the need for a plumber, and consequently, high plumbing costs. And of course, the best part is, no more sleepless nights.

You might think you really need a plumber to fix a leaky faucet. But no, you can do it by yourself! And with these s5B4imple and easy to follow steps, you will never have to dial a plumber again.

Here are some basic tools and materials you will need:

- Screwdriver - Washers

Before You Start

1. Look under your sink and search for a shutoff valve. Turn its handles counter-clockwise (off) to switch off the water supply. Remember the saying "righty-tighty, lefty-loosey". This will guide you in switching your water supply on and off.

2. Keep an assortment of replacement parts at hand. This includes washers, O-rings, and etc.

3. Make sure to plug down the drain (maybe with rags). This is to avoid having small parts like screws and washers go down the drain.

4. As you work, keep in mind the exact order of the parts from the moment it was taken apart and line them up. This will serve as a guide when it's time to reassemble it, so you wouldn't have a hard time tracing what goes in first.

Begin Working!

1. First, take the faucet handles off. You can do this by using your screwdriver to remove the screw that is holding them on. Once you've removed the screws, lever the handles open using a flathead screwdriver.

2. Faucet handles removed, you may now proceed to removing the old washer located behind the handle. If no washer is present, then don't fret. Buy one and use it later on.

3. With the new washer that you just bought, replace the old washer. Put it where the old washer used to be. 5B4Keep in mind that the hole in the washer must be just a little bit bigger than the post where the handle turns.

4. Start putting things together. Put everything in place, according to the opposite order of how you took it apart. After, you can put the handle back to its post and screw it on. When you screw it on, make sure that you don't screw it in too tight so that you wouldn't damage the brass fittings. Just keep it hand-tight.

5. Test it. Turn your water on by turning the handles of your shut-off valve clockwise or to the left.

6. Hopefully, your faucets wouldn't be leaking by this time. That is if everything went well. If not, you can always try to tighten the screws a little bit more or do the whole procedure over again. If you were still not able to stop the leak, it's probably time you face it and call a plumber.

Miscellaneous Tips

In going to the hardware when buying a washer, ask an employee for assistance. He could recommend the specific washer that is used for your sink.

Sometimes, leaky faucets are due to lime build-up. If you notice that a lot of lime build-up is on your faucet handle post, remedy this by using lime away products to clean the build-up.

There's no need for you to stay awake at night and listen to the annoying noise of a leaky faucet instead of enjoying fitful sleep. Learn to fix a leaky faucet yourself and say goodbye to plumbers, high plumbing costs, and34F sleepless nights.

Know how to fix a leaky faucet yourself. Find your faucet guide.

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Building Choices That Will Change The Price Of Your Sunroom

Your specific home will have its individual aspects that will make your sunroom construction options and sunroom pricing possibilities different from your neighbor or family members home. However, starting with people who already have a sunroom is a good way to get an idea of what features you want your sunroom to have. For example, if you want an aluminum sunroom with few windows and a solid roof, youre looking at a much less expensive option than a full glass sunroom with wood beam construction. So here are a few factors which will affect your sunroom pricing when you are exploring sunroom construction.

Foundation Considerations That Will Affect Sunroom Prices

When you are building your sunroom, you start with the foundation. However, that foundation must be in compliance with the building codes of your local area. These codes will vary in part due to the climate that you live in. For example, if you have a considerable amount of freezing during winter, then the foundation will have to be deeper than in warmer climates. This will mean more expense in labor and materials. Then you will need to level or grade the area that you are preparing for your sunroom. If you have an existing deck, certain types of sunrooms can be built on top of them, saving you time and money. But again, it depends on your local building codes. However, if you are building an addition from scratch you will do best for stability and insulation to start with a slab foundation. It is a good base for all kinds of sunroom construction. If you cannot grade and level your construction area, then you will need to build a framed foundation, with concrete or cement block outer walls.

Roof Choices and Sunroom Cost

For many homeowners, the roof of their sunroom is not something that they have to think about. They want it to be a solid barrier from the sunlight, allowing the sunroom to get its exposure only from the full or partially glass walls. For others, however, they plan to have a number of skylights in the otherwise solid room. And still more would like their entire room to be made of glass so that they can take full advantage of the room as a potential greenhouse as well as a warm place to spend cool days. The cost of the framing on the roof itself will be done in a traditional construction manner, though the type of material used will affect the price greatly. These material types will be discussed more in the following section. But whats important to remember about the roof is that the more skylights you have, the more expensive the construction will be.

Material Choices for Sunroom Construction

There are a number of choices in materials for building your sunroom. The material you choose will greatly affect the cost of your sunroom not just at construction, but in the future in regards to heating, cooling and maintenance costs as well. The first material is PVC. This is the cheapest material that can be used for sunrooms. It has a number of additional advantages as well; it offers a high level of insulation in order to keep heating and cooling costs lower, it is available in a variety of colors, and it takes very little maintenance. The one drawback is that you will not be able to use it on certain historic buildings. Next in cost is aluminum. An aluminum sunroom is very similar to PVC, but doesnt do quite as good a job at insulating. However, it does have low maintenance issues and can come in a number of styles and colors in order to coordinate with your existing home covering. The most expensive material you can choose is wood. For many people, they prefer wood because it is more traditional, and because they can stain or paint it to custom colors in order to match their home exactly. However, there is one tradeoff besides the higher cost it will also require maintenance from time to time.

A Major Factor in Sunroom Prices Your Windows

Windows in a sunroom are probably the greatest variable in sunroom pricing. Not only does the number of windows that you choose make a difference, but so does the type. If they are fixed, they will be less expensive than if they open. If you choose a size window that is the standard type and size sold, then you will have less expense than if you request a custom-insulation. The type of glaze that you choose to put on the windows will matter as well. You can get windows that control the amount of sunlight that enters, ones that block out damaging rays and even ones that help control the temperature of the room. But the more your windows can do, the more expensive they are bound to be.

Andrew Caxton is a consultant who writes on many consumer topics like house additions and home decorating at http://www.allsunrooms.com . For additional information regarding costs, budgets or patio room designs go to sunroom prices.

Framing Square With Stair Gauges

Home Remodeling: A Few Favorite Kitchen Renovation Ideas

Kitchen renovation ideas range all the way from simply replacing hardware on cabinets to a total remodel of this entire cooking and dining area. Here are some thoughts on a few things people dream about making happen in this room, the favorite gathering spot of many.

Installing a multi-purpose island may be at the top of your list of kitchen renovation ideas. Imagine, finally, enough room to slice, dice, cook, and wash utensils all in the same area! With a custom island kitchen, youd have all that along with room on the regular counter space to perform other kitchen duties. Kitchen islands have become so popular that people in the building industry estimate more than half of all new homes now have them. If you dont, why not consider building one now?

Kitchen renovation ideas that include wood-burning fireplaces also make it to the Boy-Id-like-one-of-those-someday list. Although this means major remodeling that includes tearing out a portion of a wall, constructing a chimney or other venting system, and then working with stone or brick, what a cozy, comforting addition to have in ones kitchen! Just make sure theres room in your kitchen renovation ideas to include the rocking chairs that would go with it oh-so-well.

Assuming youre low on bucks but still want to apply some kitchen renovation ideas that have been rumbling around for awhile, why not consider resurfacing your kitchen cabinets? Doing this costs far less than a complete replacement and can take years off the looks of your current cabinets. You can hire a professional to do this, or you can do it yourself in one weekend if you purchase them already stained and finished.

However big or small your budget, energy level, or your imagination, kitchen renovation ideas can keep you alive with interest for years to come. There always seems to be something that could be done to enliven, invigorate, and refresh this room where so many love to hang out. So why not spend some quality time on thinking up your own kitchen renovation ideas? Like they say, theres no time like the present.

Carlo Morelli writes for OnlineTips.Org, where you can read about laminate flooring and kitchen cabinet ideas.

Exterior Stair Stringer Problems

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Turning Your Basement Into A Guest Room

Turning your basement into a guest room is a basement idea that few people consider. One of the main advantages of this is that it frees up another room in your house for other things.

Most of us own homes that don't have enough rooms. Each child wants their own room, many people want offices in their homes now, and bonus rooms are popular as well. Where do the guests stay if you have all the rooms earmarked for other things?

Another advantage of turning the basement into a guest room is that it gives your guests a special sense of privacy. Using this basement idea will give your guests a space to call their own. It may also get them out of your hair if they decide to stay too long!

In order to make this basement remodel idea work, however, you are going to have to make sure you do a few thing properly. The basement guest room will have to have:

- A good paint job that is neutral
- Clean rugs or carpets to help protect from the cold floors
- A good sturdy bed tells your guests they are welcome to stay
- Some seating for them to relax such as chairs and a sofa
- A bathroom is preferable so that they don't have to go upstairs in the middle of the night

These things all contribute to having the room feel like a real guest bedroom. Basement ideas like this are great if they are done with attention to detail. If done incorrectly, however, the room can turn into a nightmare.

The important thing is that you make the room feel comfortable and inviting and as much as a real room that you can. You want your guests to feel comfortable and welcome in your house. The last thing you want is for the basement guest room to look or feel like a cold dungeon.

Want more great basement ideas and options? There are lots more at my Basement Ideas websight.

Stair Tread Water Problem