Saturday, February 28, 2009

Build New Or Remodel?

There are three possible scenarios involved in that question:

1. Stay where you are and renovate

2. Move to an existing house and renovate

3. Build a new house for you to move into

There are numerous considerations, not the least of which is how you feel about your existing location. That word - LOCATION - should be your primary focus. Do you prefer to remain where you are, or not? Is staying where you are an option, or are you forced to relocate due to a job change, or other issues?

If you wish to stay where you are, there's no reason to read this article. Remodeling and/or expanding the place where you now live is the least expensive alternative - by far.
Your aggravation levels will increase during the construction, but they will do that with either of the other choices as well. If it gets to be too much, you can move to a motel for 2 months, eat dinner out every night, and still come out cheaper than either option 2 or option 3. If you want to be in your present home, case closed.

So let's assume you have to move, and we'll concentrate on option 2 vs. option 3. There are two important aspects of this topic which apply to both.
In both cases you have to research the property with the building department to make sure you will be able to do what you wish. Verify zoning, lot size restrictions, and access to utilities.
You will have unknown costs (moving, insurance, taxes, financing costs, etc.) in either case.

Advantages of remodeling an existing house:
Fewer hidden (or unknown) costs. New homes often have impact fees, ground preparation fees, and higher permit fees than those imposed for remodeling.
Hard construction costs will be less (usually, but not always).
You can move into the house much sooner. If you have to leave your existing home quickly, you may not have the ability to wait for a new home to be built.

Advantages of building new:
Unrestricted design potential, allowing you to end up with a more modern, better insulated home, with better traffic flow than you would have in an older building. Also, older homes have less closet/storage space than new ones.
Your long term energy costs will be lower because all of your equipment will be running more efficiently.
Less disruption to family routine. While construction is happening, you're still living in your present house. Then you move into a finished product (possibly with some decorative items to complete).

I'm sure you noticed that I haven't listed costs in either list. The determining factor is going to be the extent of the renovation to the existing building. Depending upon the condition of the house, age, building codes and other factors, it can actually be more costly to remodel than to build new.

In either case, allow an extra 20% in your budget over and above any quoted costs you've obtained. 10% is for upgrades that you decide upon after initial pricing. The other 10% is for the rising costs of material and labor. If the price of oil goes through the roof again, 10% might not be enough.

If the older home was built between 1950 and 1978, there might be issues having to do with asbestos and lead paint. Make sure you get a professional inspection performed. You may also be required to bring the plumbing and electrical systems up to date.

In conclusion, renovating a home might be very rewarding, as well as the cheaper alternative. However, you have to do your homework before making the commitment, in order to insure that you're not stepping into a money pit. Every situation is different. Your decision will probably come down to what your sixth sense tells you. Regardless of how you choose, anticipate that moving into a new home will take more time and more money than expected.

Charles Gueli

Home Helper

http://www.continuous-home-improvement-help.com

How to Install Ceramic Tile - Proven Steps to Success

You can quickly learn how to install ceramic tile and have stunning success with your project. Sure installing tile is usually left to the pros. But with the right tips, most people can build beautiful surfaces. It's just a matter of getting the right tools and learning how to prepare the surfaces and put the tile in place. Following are the four basic steps for getting tile installed the right way.

Gathering the materials is the first step. Now materials includes getting the few basic tools required for tile installation. There are just a few special tools required. The most important tools you don't already have are the tile cutting tools. That would include tile nippers, maybe a tile cutter board and usually a tile saw. You can rent a saw or start with a very inexpensive saw too.

The other part of gathering materials is deciding on the tile you will use and how much tile you need. That may be the hardest part of the whole project. That's because you have so many tile choices. After you decide how much tile you need, you'll know how much tile adhesive and grout you'll need too. Your tile supplier can help you figure quantities of all the materials. Once you have your materials you're ready to get started with the installing.

An important preparation step is getting the base for the tile solid and clean. A surface that moves will cause cracked tiles. Often the easiest way to get a solid smooth surface is to put down cement board. But that's not necessary since tile can be installed over many different materials. Once you have your materials and your surface preparation done, the actual installation is not very hard.

Laying the first tile is the hardest part. That's because the position of the first tile determines how much cutting of tiles you'll do. It also determines how straight the joint lines will be. Getting the tiles lined up correctly will make for a neat installation. The best way to get the lines straight is to use your chalk line early and often. Actually setting the tiles involves some art. Setting tile is easiest if you gently twist the tiles into position. You don't want to drop the tiles into place or slide the tile into place either. Make sure you have enough mud on the tile so you have a little extra so you can bump the individual piece into place.

Once the tiles are in place, the grouting of the joints goes quickly. Grout does come in several types. Whether you choose sanded or unsanded grout depends on the size of the joint. Another option is using epoxy grout where the tile is in a constantly wet place. After the grout sets briefly, it is easily cleaned to finish the job.

You can learn how to install ceramic tile with the right instruction and some practice. There's no reason why you can't do a professional looking job on your first project. There are quite a few tricks to learn to make it easier to lay tile.

Video tutorials showing how to install ceramic tile can be found at our website.

Al Bullington invites you to visit http://InstallingCeramicTile.net for answers to your tile questions.

Drywall Manufactured in China is Not Dry - Neither is it Safe

Respiratory issues, other health problems and frequent appliance failures are only a few of the problems claimed to be caused by "Chinese Drywall". Drywall is a flat board made from gypsum plaster. It is used to create interior walls for its economical cost, smooth appearance and fire-resistance. However, it seems that many Florida homeowners are having problems in homes where drywall manufactured in China has been installed.

The housing boom in the early-mid part of the decade has been noted as the beginning of this problem. Normally, drywall is bought from domestic producers, but the boom caused shortages, so some home builders, particularly in Florida, purchased drywall shipped in from China. Only a few years later, in 2009, there appears to be something rotten in the State of Florida.

Home owners have reported everything from sore throats to unexplained personality changes in their pets. Everything in between includes: respiratory problems, headaches and nosebleeds, pet ill health, nasty sulfur odors with no apparent source and a general feeling of malaise. Homeowners with young children or those who are expecting are refusing to return to the houses they bought, for fear it might damage their children's health.

Despite the Florida Department of Health's assurance that there is "no immediate health threat", homeowners remain unconvinced about the "un-immediate" health threats lurking in their homes. The experience of some homeowners, who felt 'miraculously' better when traveling away from their residences for an extended period of time, has convinced many that the problem lies within the homes and could constitute a threat to their continued health and safety.

One theory is that the drywall isn't gypsum at all, but a less appetizing mix of waste from power plant scrubbers. This would explain the high content of sulfur-based gases that are being emitted from some of the drywall examined, and for the rapid deterioration of electrical connections and household appliances. Some gases named as being present in tested board include hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, carbon disulfide, and carbonyl sulfide. Fumes from hydrogen sulfide can cause severe respiratory distress and death.

Sulphur-based gases produce something else when they come into contact with moisture: sulfuric acid, which eats away at many materials like a beaver in an aspen grove. This can explain while many people have gone through three or more appliances in five years when the appliance itself should be lasting for ten or twenty. Air conditioners, TVs and other common household appliances are being affected as well as medical equipment. While not having a TV working can be an annoyance, not having one's dialysis machine or heart monitor functioning can be serious or even fatal.

The drywall problem, combined with other issues relating to toxic materials found in other items produced in China is leading to a demand for tighter regulations and inspections. Also, for provisions that address the needs of homeowners faced with homelessness because they dare not re-enter their homes due to health concerns. Some home builders are addressing this by relocating families while they conduct tests, but many homeowners are fighting with their home builders who say that there is no appreciable health risk.

The "Chinese drywall" problem is something we are likely to hear more about in the very near future. For now, it behooves those who are purchasing new homes to find out where their drywall comes from and avoid anything with a "Made in China" label.

Jerry Clifford has received the prestigious 100% Club award for his success as a real estate agent in the Minneapolis real estate area. He is certified as an ePRO and prides himself on attention to detail. If you need help in your search for Plymouth Minnesota real estate, visit JerryClifford.com.

Where You Can Find Porch Ideas?

Porch ideas can come from anywhere. With the many online sites offering pictures and information about porches, you can easily get an idea for building a porch or remodeling your existing porch. Home improvement magazines are also another source you can use in your search. While there may be many different kinds of porches that catch your eye, you have to really look into each one of them to make sure that the design will complement that of the exterior of your home. You also have to ensure that you have the required amount of space to use one of these ideas.

One of the main thing that will determine which of the many ideas you have for building a porch is the amount of money you have available for such a project. It is a good idea to purchase all your materials first so that you have everything you need. There is nothing worse than thinking you have enough materials only to find that you run out halfway through the project and have to wait until you can afford it to buy the rest of what you need. This will make your home look unsightly during the waiting period.

You also have to make sure that the ideas for porches that you really like are practical for the area in which you live. Some porches are well suited for windy areas, whereas others are not. If you live on the coast and het frequent high winds and rain, then a porch that consists mainly of glass may not be a good idea unless it is an enclosure between two offsets on your home.

The purpose for which you want to use the porch will also affect your ideas. If you want this to be a space where you can sit and enjoy the sunshine, then you may want to look for an open design. If you want to have it as a protection for the entrance to your home, you may want to consider having closet space inside so that it serves as a mudroom.

For more information onfront porch designs, different types of porches and related topics, visit AboutPorches.com

Adding On

About half of the work in our office is new construction and half renovations and additions.When designing a home from scratch some of the most important elements to study(besides the clients wishes) are views, site features, sun and wind direction, and the approach to the site.

The most important single element in an addition/renovation is the existing building. Sometimes the portion you save and restore is key to the rest of the project.Although it is almost impossible to perfectly match the 200 year old materials which have aged in place, flooring recycled from salvaged barn beams comes pretty close.In the northeast we are particularly lucky to be working with craftsmen who take their work as seriously as the people who built the original homes

A case in point is a project we recently finished which included additions, renovations and restorations.Like most old homes it had been added onto by successive generations of home owners.Also like most old homes, some additions were done well and others were not thought out quite as fully.The historic portions of this home set the tone for the rest of the project.In addition to relating to the existing home and meeting the spatial requirements of our clients, it was critical that we save two large very old very large oak trees.Needless to say the oaks are doing fine.

When adding to a very old home every wall that is opened reveals the secrets of the carpenters which has been hidden away for sometimes centuries.Those carpenters often recycled posts and beams from even older structures.When times were tight, it seemed they used every piece of scrap wood they could cobble together to make the building stand.Most of all those explorations inspire awe and respect for the people who built these wonderful buildings by hand.

Not every renovation/addition project has a great existing building to take inspiration from.Often the portion which is added becomes the stronger design element and therefore influences the rest of the existing home.I don't know if that is the tail waging the dog, but sometimes perhaps the tail should do the waging at least in home design.

I must admit, that adding onto an historic home is like working with a colleague whom I respect and admire.We are challenged by those homes to do our best.

http://www.crisparchitects.com/. James M. Crisp, AIA is an architect working in New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts.

Glass Sunrooms - What You Need to Know

If you're building a sunroom, more than likely it is going to have a lot of glass in it. In fact, many sunrooms actually are about 75-90% made of glass. Of course all the glass is wonderful for allowing you to enjoy the sun and almost feel that you are outside without all the bugs and nasty weather. However, while these glass sunrooms have many wonderful features, there are many things that you need to consider when you are having one installed. Before you start choosing the glass for your sunroom there are a few things that you need to keep in mind.

Consider the Location

First of all the location of your sunroom should be taken into consideration when you are trying to choose the glass. If you are putting a sunroom in a place where you want a great view to the outdoors, then floor to ceiling glass may be something that you want to consider. Also, if you want a great view of the sky, you may even want to be able to consider going with a sunroom that has a glass roof as well, providing you with more sunlight and a great view of the night sky as well.

Use Tempered Glass for Safety

When you are choosing the glass you need for glass sunrooms, it will be important that you go with tempered glass for your safety. You must have tempered glass, since it is much safer and works in the same way the glass in your car does. Going with tempered glass is important for a couple reasons. First of all, it is much stronger so that you avoid having a problem with the glass breaking. Also, tempered glass breaks differently than other glass. It actually crumbles instead of shattering, which means that you are safer if something does happen to break the glass.

Go with Insulated Glass for a 4-Season Sunroom

If you want to have a glass sunroom that you can use all year long, then you'll want to make sure that you go with insulated glass. You should never choose single pane glass for a sunroom that you want to use all year long. It won't keep out the heat of the sun or the cold during the winter. Double pane glass is going to be a bit more expensive but it will provide you with the insulation that you will need from your windows.

Look for a Warranty

Last of all, no matter what type of glass you decide to go with when it comes to the glass for your sunroom, you should look carefully for a good warranty. You want to make sure that your glass has a warranty on the seals and on the glass for breakage as well. A warranty can save you if something happens to your glass, so make sure you only go with glass that comes with a good warranty to keep you protected if something should occur.

For more information on sunrooms and sunroom additions visit TheDiyHomeGuide.com

The Pure Water Benefits Of A Water Filter

Water is the main element in our body which we need to survive. Doctors recommend eight glasses of water a day, at least sixty-four fluid ounces. Our blood contains 83% water, the brain 74%, the liver 90% and our muscles around 75%, which makes water a must in our routine diet. The tough part is that the water we get at our taps is not as clear as we think it is and often carries bacterium along with diseases that can cause severe illnesses therefore installation of water filters is a necessity.

Clean Water Available Every Day All The Time

One of the biggest benefis of water filters would be the ability to drink uncontaminated water any time of the day or night without having to prepare or acquire long procedures to get it such as, boiling or buying it in a multitude of bottle sizes. There are water filter types for just about any use in your home from tap substitution water filters, to the shower heads and refrigerators; they all are extremely beneficial and provide a cleaner, fitter way of life for you and your family.

Inexpensive And Extremely Effective

If you dont want to make the investment by installing water filters for your whole house, you can get the substitute water filters that can be situated on any tap you want when you need it; in fact they are best left on kitchen taps where you need drinking and preparation water all the time but remember to turn it off when washing dishes or when in use for other purposes other then drinking.

Water Filters For A Better Skin

While the first thing that comes to mind when we think about water is using it for drinking purposes, water is ill-used for cleansing ourselves as well and it can be very damaging to the skin when contaminated by causing dry, cracked and an itching sensation to the skin. You can find water filters for your shower as well and assure that your skin receives uncontaminated water from the outside as well as from the inside; you will also sustain a great change in your hair as you do away with the severity of the water and the bacterium found in it.

Helpful Water Filter Tips

Help yourself, your family and the environment by filtering the water you use from drinking and cleaning; even your appliances will last longer especially the washing machine, dish washer and coffee maker when you use water that is free of bacterium and other grating substances.

You can find more information by browsing through our other articles about water filters.

Water filtration is so important for everyones health. Show your family that you care by visiting Water Filter Types.com

Learn more and see what is available when it comes to choosing a new water filter system. Water Filter Types.com will help you along the way.

Log Home Preservation Methods - Borate Wood Preservatives

Log Home BorateTreatments - the options and how and when to use!

One of the most important ways to protect your investment, your home, is to use a wood preservative on your logs. There are only two times that you can effectively use these products on your logs. When the home is built, before it is stained, or after cob blasting a finish off of your logs, before you re-stain. The wood preservative must be applied to raw wood, so it can soak in and dry underneath the stain.

All wood faces the possibility of rot and insect infestation, even in dry climates. Fungi and insects actually consume the cells of dead wood, often causing severe structural damage that often requires log replacement-a costly repair. We use Penetreat to help protect your home from costly damage of rot and insect infestation. Penetreat is a borate based wood preservative. Borates are well known across the world for their protective qualities. Penetreat provides a protective "shell" coating which helps defend your home against dry, wet, and brown rot, as well as termites, house borers, powder post beetles, and carpenter ants, (to name a few).

Borate is not toxic to people and animals. It will not harm you or your pets. Borates do not affect the natural color or strength of wood. They are completely odorless, and are not corrosive to metal fasteners, nails or screws. When a "Penetreat" home is properly sealed against moisture, the borates can provide many years of effective protective.

Impel Rods are a highly concentrated solid form, water diffusible borate rod. They are ideal for both preventative treatments of high risk areas and remedial treatments in areas with existing decay. Because Impel Rods stop decay when properly used, there is no need to replace decay damaged, yet structurally sound logs! Decay prone and rot hot spot areas at greatest risk include: base logs, corner construction, exposed rafters or overhangs, and below windows, doors, and dormers.

Impel Rods depend on moisture to work. When moisture contents of wood reach levels suitable for decay attack, i.e. (around 25 percent) Impel Rods slowly dissolve and begin to diffuse throughout the moisture saturated wood. The preservative will migrate into the areas of highest moisture, which are at the highest risk from fungal decay. The diffused Impel Rod will adequately and effectively prevent the wood from rotting and decaying because it will not allow the fungus that causes rot to grow. When moisture levels drop below 25 percent, the preservative becomes dormant and provides a reserve, ready to reactivate should decay conducive conditions reoccur. We feel that Impel Rods are an essential part of the protection of your log home, and include them as part of our prevention and restoration system.

We hope this article has been helpful and look forward to giving you much more information in future articles to help you preserve your log home dream!

Jamie Fonder

Top-Coat Log Home Restoration LLC

http://topcoatloghomerestoration.com/

Remodel Your Home For Ease of Use - Universal Design and Aging in Place

As aging baby boomers consider staying in their homes, Universal Design and Aging in Place will be gaining more momentum in the years to come. Here are some practical home modification tips to promote safety, comfort and independence in everyday living.

What Is Universal Design and Aging in Place?
Universal Design is a concept that focuses on comfort, ease of access, and maneuverability within homes for all people, while aging in place is a popular lifestyle option for older homeowners preferring to safely and independently live in their homes.

Did You Know?
89% of people 50+ wish to remain in their own homes indefinitely, while National Association of Home Builders cites 75% of remodelers have seen an increase in requests for aging in place work.

Suggested Universal Design and Aging in Place home modifications include:
- Installing lights strategically to maintain a well-lit hallway

- Having non-slip interior and exterior flooring

- Replacing knobs with levers handles

- Setting up pantries and cabinetry with rollout cabinets and lazy Susans

- Mounting adequate handrails for stairways and ramps

- Building or installing a roll-in shower with multiple showerheads

- Installing a no-curb shower

Local Certified Remodeling Professionals
To address the growing number of consumers looking for local specialized professionals, the Remodelers Council of National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has created a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) resource directory for homeowners. You can visit their website for a list of local specialists in your area.

When remodeling for ease of use, look for simple and practical products which are safe to use and easy to maintain. With these simple and practical home modifications, you can design your home for how you would like to live now and for the future.

You are welcome to publish or reprint this article, free of charge, as long as the article remain unchanged, all hyperlinks are active, and the "About the Author" section is included in the reprint. The author is not liable for any loss profits, expenses, or any other damages resulting from the use or misuse of articles published on this website.

Villette Nolon is the President and CEO of HomeSavvi.
HomeSavvi provides free home remodeling instant inspiration. Online guide features home remodel design ideas, photos, expert advice, including bathroom and kitchen designs, budgets and costs and other helpful information.

Surface Protection Products Save Builders Money

Houses are expensive to build. From the basic framework to the finishing touches of the perfect flooring, the right cabinetry and the decorative front door, everything costs money. Contractors know that even with the best of intentions, accidents happen, and something expensive needs to be replaced or repaired. Contractors and builders can save time and money by using surface protection products to prevent damage to fixtures.

Surface protection products will more than pay for themselves in the time and money saved by not having to replace or repair anything in the home. Products are available to protect just about any surface in the home during construction. As word spreads that these surface protection products are used and save the new homeowners money by preventing costly delays, a builders image will improve.

FLOORS/CARPETS - Instead of nicking that beautiful wood floor that was just laid, or tracking stains all over the pure white carpet the homeowners have chosen, floors are easily protected while the rest of the job is finished by using surface protection products. Tacky mats are also available to trap dirt and debris from being tracked through the new home.

WINDOWS - Window protection prevents scratching of the glass while allowing natural light inside. It is easy to install and easy to remove, providing protection with UV resistance.

DOORS - Doors can easily be wrapped in a protective sheet to prevent dirt smears, dents and paint overspray. Door protection is light colored, so any important site information can be written on it by the construction crew without damage to the door. Door protection is cost effective and can be ordered in custom sizes if needed.

COUNTERS - Easily modified to fit any surface, counter protection products come in economy, standard, deluxe and premium varieties. All but the economy style are made of thick durable corrugate attached to strong plastic sheeting to provide protection not only to the countertop but to the front of the cabinetry as well.

CABINETS - Durable cardboard sheeting is easily attached to cabinet fronts to protect them from dings, scratches, overspray and dents. It can be re-used until it is torn.

BATHROOMS - Tub damage is a very common event and can really add unexpected costs to building a home. There are various styles of tub protection on the market from liners to covers. Each has their merits but the keys to preventing damage are eliminating the use of bath tubs as garbage cans and preventing contractors from standing in the tubs, grinding screws or nails into the finish of the tub or shower pan.

Toilet protection is available as well. It locks on securely and protects the entire fixture during construction.

HVAC - Inexpensive HVAC protection is worth its weight in gold - it keeps screws, nails, dust and debris from falling into the heating ducts. This simple product can save you a lot of money spent in cleaning the duct work after construction is finished.

Builders and contractors everywhere can benefit by using surface protection products during the construction process. Many of the products are reusable from job to job, and can be printed with the name and/or logo of a business for promotional purposes. Time and money is saved by reducing the amount of replacement and repair needed when finishing up a construction job.

Mike Blake is co-founder of Blake Products and has several patented and patent pending surface protection products. Through his experience in the construction industry, he recognized opportunities to save builders money through preventable damage. For a complete line of surface protection products, please visit http://www.blakeproducts.com your Surface Protection Center.

Friday, February 27, 2009

Laminate Flooring For the Bathroom

The flooring that you choose not only makes an impact upon the dcor of your room, but it can also affect the budget and your maintenance needs. Laminate flooring is one flooring choice that is wonderful for bathroom renovations. It comes in many different colors and styles, to allow you to find just the right look for your bathroom to turn it from boring and dull to extravagant and inviting. It is not just beautiful, however. It is also easy to clean and take care of, which is why many homeowners turn to laminate flooring for their homes. There are other benefits to adding laminate flooring, too.

If you are a do-it-yourselfer, then you will be happy to know that laminate flooring can easily be installed by you. Laminate can be installed over most existing flooring or over a concrete subfloor, which will save you time and energy in the installation process as well. It is a floating floor, which means that no glue or nail is needed because the pieces "float" on top of the existing flooring. The pieces lock together to create a cohesive and strong floor that will withstand wear and tear, giving you a durable and beautiful floor that you will enjoy and be satisfied with for many years. All you need to do is click and lock the pieces together and you will have a beautiful, inexpensive floor for your bathroom renovation or other room's renovation.

You want to take the health needs of your family into consideration when choosing your flooring, too. If you or a family member suffers from allergies or asthma, you will be happy to know that laminate is one of the easiest floorings to keep clean and healthy for you. It only needs to be vacuumed and/or damp mopped to help keep it dust and dirt free. It stays shiny without time consuming waxing and if you happen to scratch it, you can easily repair it. Most laminate flooring manufacturers include directions for caring for your laminate floors to keep it looking as beautiful as possible. Laminate is dust resistant and does not harbor any bugs that could cause an allergic reaction as well.

You can use laminate flooring in any room in your home. This is what makes it such a great choice. Kitchen and bathroom renovations are excellent choices for laminate flooring, simply because laminate holds up well to the activity that takes place in these much loved rooms. It stays looking beautiful and shiny with very little effort, too, which makes it great for any home. Laminate flooring will also work well in the living or family room. Adding the warmth of a wood grained laminate flooring can help to add just the right touch of welcomeness and warmness that you have been looking for.

No matter what color or type of flooring that you have been considering, you will want to check out laminate flooring. It comes in many different styles and designs from casual to extravagant to allow you to create the perfect look and feel for your room and your home.

Leroy Calstard very often creates publications on ideas corresponding to husky compressor and husky compressors. You can have a look at his publications on husky tools and husky compressor at http://www.insidewoodworking.com

Customizing Your Home Exterior With Moldings After an EIFS Or Stucco Renovation

Deciding to renovate your home's exterior with EIFS (Exterior Insulation Finish Systems, or "synthetic stucco") raises a lot of unforeseen questions and possibly expensive extras, which you may or may not be able to defer. Home owners are often hit with expenses they weren't expecting, including replacing sheathing, deciding whether or not to replace windows to properly tie them in, removing and reinstalling soffits, and cleanup. Among the seemingly limitless decisions you're pressed for time to make, is that of choosing the exterior decor that will represent you, your house and your style.

The true benefit of EIFS (besides the "small" one of saving hundreds of dollars on bills and reducing the risk of moisture problems in your walls) is the beauty of what you can do with it. Sometimes referred to as "stucco moldings", these details are made of the same materials as the synthetic stucco itself and add a touch of your personal style and character to the exterior of your home. It has never been easier to customize your home to make it stand apart from all the others that look exactly the same in a subdivision. Although having it planned out in advance in the best case scenario, decorative elements such as pre-coated architectural moldings, columns, keystones, quoins and pilasters are some of the items which may be deferred to save some money.

Deferring the addition of decorative elements also gives you time to really take a what is available to you. It always amazes people how much you begin to notice other EIFS-clad homes after you have yours done -- and what elements you'd like to incorporate into your home. Taking the time to pick and plan what style of quoins (be it squared-vs-rectangular sides, square-vs-beveled corners, joined-vs-spaced-apart) or whether you want your decorative elements lighter or darker than your wall color, and by how much -- is a luxury not afforded to home owners who hastily make these decisions among the hundreds of others during a renovation. Although this means having an applicator come again to install them later on, the same contractor will likely be glad to do it, and you have the ability to defer the additional cost to a later date.

The moral of the story is this. Try to have as much as possible planned out and decided on in advance. Realize that without professional help, you're going to have time and cost overruns which will put you at wit's end, and critical decisions won't get as much attention as they should. In the end though, all is not lost. You now know that one of the most rewarding aspects of renovating (customizing YOUR home) can be put off to give you more time to decide what you truly want.

And if you already have a stucco-clad home, start deciding what you would like!

Jim Schwarznoff has taken courses in classical and modern architecture as a part of his Bachelor of Applied Technology in Construction Science and Management, and supervised countless home stucco renovations. For more information on pre-coated styrofoam decorative products, visit http://www.decoramould.com.
If you have an existing home which you'd like to renovate with EIFS or have moldings added to, visit http://www.TorontoStuccoContractor.com.

Creating the Perfect Home Remodeling Priority List

Home remodeling is one of those projects that can be fun or a pain in the -- you know what. It is best to start your home remodeling plan with one room at a time and decide on the value of each room to prioritize where to save and where to spend. This article will look at the value of each room to help you deiced the type of home remodeling project you may consider.

The big debate on what room is the most used room in the house could go on forever. Some say it is the kitchen others say it is the living room while others say the master bedroom. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and you can use some basic rules to see what the highest priority is for you.

If you have kids then you probably spend more time than you like in the kitchen cooking. If you have a smaller family maybe the kitchen is just a place where you are in and out. If you cook allot then the kitchen should get some very high consideration for your home remodeling project.

Do you like to play games and watch TV? If you find yourself or your family watching television often and you perhaps enjoy family night games then you should place the family room at the top of your list. Maybe it is time to add family room to your home remodeling ideas. Perhaps you could remodel a spare bedroom or add a new room to the house.

Do you have guest spend the night often? You may want to think about making a nice guest bathroom with all the luxuries of a five star hotel for your guest. Do not do this unless you love to have people stay awhile and come often. They are likely to really enjoy visiting you.

When planning your home remodeling ideas you will find that they become much easier with a good priority system. Once you know which rooms are the most important to you and your lifestyle then that is where the money should be spent on nicer upgrades. On rooms that are not high on the list, but still need some fixing you could use less expensive things to fix them up.

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

Choose A Bath Over A Shower Any Day

Taking a shower will leave us feeling clean and fresh but it will not provide as many benefits as taking a bath. Let's take a look at the benefits of bathing, and you can decide for yourself, which is better for you.

Showers are quick, but baths encourage us to relax and take our time. Taking a bath is more soothing than taking a shower, will help to draw out toxins from the body and if bathing with bath salts you can actually replenish your body with essential minerals required to keep your skin soft and supple. Taking a bath also will help to relieve stress, and gives stressed people a chance to have a time to take a deep breath and stop for a while, and put things in perspective. You can combine aromatherapy with your bath to create an exceptionally therapeutic experience.

If you have a cold, there is nothing better than a bath to clear congested lungs and relieve sinus pressure. Even breathing in the steam while taking a bath is really healthy and a sore throat can feel a lot more comfortable.

Taking a bath, and especially with bath salts warms your body, eases muscles aches and pains, and is especially nice during the cold, dreary winter months. Bathing can also be very romantic. Between the warm water, sweet aromas and moisturizing bath bubbles, baths are just plain sexy when shared. Light some candles around the tub, play soft music, and step into the bath together - you will have a memorable, romantic evening.

So next time you think you are in a hurry to take a quick shower, slow down and think again - Maybe it's time to take a nice warm relaxing bath.

Home Renovation - Make Your New Renovation Match Your Old House

A large percentage of people who renovate their homes do so to update, add value or prepare their home for sale. All too often though, home owners plan a renovation with no thought of making the new work blend with their older home.

This can result in the new work looking like an ugly wart stuck onto the original home. This often even effects the resale value of the home.

This is because when people shop for an older home they are looking because they like the style and look of the older homes and bad renovations will turn them away.

This means that you should consider the era your home was built in to make sure that renovations and upgrades flow naturally together in your older home. This is most noticeable on new exterior walls of additions, windows, doors and door hardware, light fixtures and things like heating vents, trim and flooring.

That doesn't mean that you need to forgo any new conveniences or not make improvements to increase energy efficiency or convenience. It just means that you need to carefully consider the style of your home before you act.

Look around neighborhoods that are the same age as your home to get ideas about how other people have successfully blended upgrades in their homes.

When you choose a contractor make sure that he has done renovation work with your age of home and understands your goals. Fortunately there are several companies that offer period style hardware designs in new materials.

A good project should make it hard to recognize where the older house ends and the new work begins.

Bob Current writes about a variety of subjects including tips on home renovation. Get his free report about tips for Choosing The Best Contractor for your renovation at http://www.homeimprovementtips.info

Finding a Suitable Barn to Convert Into a Home

There is a trend lately to find unique and affordable housing and many have turned to converting a barn into a home. In my area of East Tennessee, there are some fine examples of this including the one I converted.

It's needless to say that there are many barns in various shapes and sizes all around. A vast majority are in bad shape. Please don't make the mistake of buying one that is labeled a unique fixer upper opportunity. Don't fool yourself. If a barn has gotten into the shape where the siding boards are starting to fall off, unless you're buying it for parts, my suggestion is to leave it alone. By the time the boards start falling off the sides, there's major flaws. The main trouble would probably be that the horizontal beams are rotting and the fasteners are turning loose.

The best candidate for remodeling would be one that was painted on the exterior walls and roof. This means that it was at least maintained to a certain degree by it's owners over the years. If your barn has some age on it, it would probably be best to first find all the areas that have been effected by weather or urine from the livestock that was kept in that barn. Animal urine sometimes has a high acid content and anything that has been contaminated with it really needs to be removed from the structure.

Look especially in the loft areas where hay may have been stored close to the outside walls. Chances are there may have been some rain water that had soaked in through the hay bales. This is where you will find most of any rotting of the floor boards. Take a look at the underside of the roof. If you see pinholes and sunlight coming through, water can also seep in. You'll either have to replace the tin roofing where you find these holes or dab the holes with a tar patch and then coat the roof with a fibered aluminum paint.

Inspect the interior walls and see what types of columns are used in your barn. 99% of all barns in the US are post and beam construction. If your posts are buried in the ground, check and see if there is any type of rotting. Older barns will probably not have pressure treated wood in their construction. If your barn is built with a wide open floor area, you are most certainly going to have to build masonry piers inside to support your floors and walls and also find a way to tie the existing walls into the new support system.

Check to see that the horizontal beams are not loose or if there is rotting between them and the columns. Look at the top plates for rot from water damage. If your columns are mounted on a rock or cinder block, check the bottoms of the columns for rotting.

Consult your local building inspector to make sure you can get the proper permits if needed. In my part of the country, building permits for remodeling are not required if you are in the county but your local codes may be different. It would be a shame to buy the barn only to find the powers that be will not grant the necessary permissions.

When I first began my project, all I had to work with was the old, empty barn. Being an old structure it was necessary to examine the entire building to make sure there wasn't any type of structural flaws. Thank goodness there was only one place that had to be bolstered. The inside front left corner was starting to slide off it's foundation stone. I solved that problem by hooking the column to my tractor and winching it back into place with a come-along. Then I built a buttress beside the column to keep it from moving again.

Tim Davis is a veteran Architectural Designer who also teaches architecture and drafting over the internet http://houseplandrafting101.net. He has just released an Ebook entitled "How to Turn a Barn into a Home". The info page for updates on this ebook can be found at http://draftingservice.us/barnhomes