Great video on how to fix a hole in your wall .
Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a Home Buyers Guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.
If your looking for some more home inspection or home building ideas.
Upside Down Electrical OutletHome foreclosures have become a huge problem as of late. Many people can't even afford to pay their credit card bill much less a house payment. It has even become harder to get a reasonable home loan due to the economic crunch. This is why some homeowners have turned to the mortgage short sale. The problem with this line of thinking is that it could negatively affect your credit score. Keep in mind this is only an alternative to filing bankruptcy or going into foreclosure.
You may ask what a mortgage short sale is. Well the answer to this is quite simple. A mortgage short sale is the sale of a persons' property when the owner is financially strapped. The home is sold for much less than the standing mortgage balance. The money gained from this sale is then used to repay the lender or home mortgage company. The lender accepts this partial payment and releases the borrower from their mortgage. This is a more beneficial deal for a lender than a costly foreclosure. The problem is not all lenders will accept a short sale or any type of discounted payoff. The other problem is that not all borrowers or even all properties will qualify for a mortgage short sale.
There are several different options at the borrowers' disposal and the mortgage short sale is just one of them. If you happen to run into any type of financial difficulties you should ask your lending institution about forbearance on your mortgage. A short sale mortgage is utilized when the borrower has longer lasting financial difficulty. You can also use a deed in lieu of a foreclosure or you could try a short refinance as another option. Something else to keep in mind is that there could be drawbacks if you decide to purchase a mortgage short sale home.
For more Information on this topic visit http://www.buildwish.com a free Online Home Improvement Directory in 100 Cities in North America. Featuring over 2 million Real Estate classifieds, helpful articles, contests, home improvement videos, virtual home tools, Qualified Trades people, ask an expert, a moving center, get free quotes for Insurance, Moving, Mortgages, Contractors, Find Foreclosures and a finance blog that will save you money on bank rates & credit card rates.
Door Fill In With DamageOver the years, I've talked to thousands of homeowners considering a remodeling project. They are at a decision point. The questions are often similar, often complex, and always cover many facets of life. One of the biggest issues is economics, and the five most common questions on that front are:
1. What do we need?
2. What do we want?
3. What will it cost?
4. What will it be worth?
5. What should we do?
The Big Shift
The way people answer these questions is changing along with the changes in the housing market and economy. Does this mean people won't remodel? No. In fact, I think it means more people will remodel (since less will be building new homes!).
Merge the economic factor with the Green Movement and you get some pretty interesting changes in the answers to these five questions.
What do we need?
Old answer: "More space, more storage, more garage bays...MORE!"
New answer: "Better use of the space we have; better storage, creative solutions, well designed nooks-and-crannies, better flow...BETTER!"
Areas like a small home office are going to be a big part of the future. Not only do people want to make better use of less space, but the trend toward working from home marches on. Home offices are a great place to get creative with design. You can use built-ins to take advantage of even the smallest areas of open space.
What do we want?
Old answer: see "MORE" response above. People haven't always been all that interested in trying to differentiate between wants and needs.
New answer: "We want to create an environment that has great design and feels great to be in! We want to eliminate clutter without giving up amenities. We want to live in a space that speaks to who we are and what we love. We want to vacation in our own home!"
American homeowners are willing to give up some space, but they aren't at all interested in giving up quality!
Words like environment, design, and feel weren't a big part of the ideas of ten years ago. At least not for the masses. That's different now.
The growth of places like Starbucks and Panera show that people want to be surrounded by a thoughtful design.
What will it cost?
Old answer (homeowner): "As long as I can refinance and the cost will be less than $____ per month, let's do it!"
Old answer (contractor): "It's not going to be cheap!"
New answer (homeowner): "It can't cost more than $________ because that's how much cash I have to put into this."
New answer (contractor): "It's not going to be cheap, but it will cost less than it would have last year, and I am willing to work creatively to get you more for your money."
Times have changed, though surprisingly the cost contractors pay to get work done really hasn't changed much. Amazingly, all the price increases attributed to the high price of fuel remain exactly as they were. Labor rates haven't dropped and workers don't work faster.
But budgets have changed. People have less to spend or at least less they are willing to spend. It will be interesting to see how these forces meet. I think we'll see an increase in people going the D.I.Y. route.
What people must be careful of in a time like this is to NOT hire unlicensed contractors or worse! Even a complete beginner would wish they had just done the job themselves if they end up in a serious mess as a result of bringing in the wrong help to save a buck.
What will it be worth?
Old answer: "It's gonna be worth at least __% more than I pay for it!"
New answer: "Unless I buy this extremely well, it's going to take at least ___ years before I can get my money back."
This does not mean people won't remodel. It just means that they will remodel for themselves, for what they want and need, not for some future, "maybe, maybe-not" ROI.
What should we DO?
My answer: Create a retreat; make an environment that makes you feel amazing when you're home. Be sure it encompasses both indoors and out. Don't let economic worries or budget concerns stop you from making the most of the place where you spend so much of your life.
Whatever the budget, there is a solution. Especially if you're willing to do a little research and get your hands dirty!
Tim Layton
Remodeling Guy
Visit The Remodeling Guy Blog - Helping you build your dream, without losing your mind, your money, or your marriage!
Fungus On Roof ShinglesWho wouldn't love the look of glazed kitchen cabinets boasting a touch of vanilla bean over the raw naked maple which is exposed on the edges. While antique painting kitchen cabinets is a hot trend, the price tag associated with this style is not. It is out of range for many who are hoping to update the look of their kitchen- not rack up debt to the tune of the price of a luxury vehicle.
The kitchen cabinet paint ideas discussed in this article will help you achieve the look of transforming your kitchen from blah to amazing.
Glazing kitchen cabinets gives the newly painted kitchen cabinet an older look which is very trendy now. It also complements the look of your kitchen, while muting the modern look of stainless steel which is so popular in kitchens today.
The one thing to remember with glazed kitchen cabinets is it is not a textbook process. It is one that takes a certain flair for artistry when deciding where and how much glaze to remove to achieve the 'aged' look. Before you panic, remember it is also a very forgiving process. Glazing kitchen cabinets allows one to wipe the slate clean if you don't like the look and start over. Just make sure to work quickly before the glaze begins to dry.
Basically the steps involved are mixing the paint and glaze together to
achieve the color you desire, apply the glaze to the door and wipe off as little or as much as you choose. Let paint dry thoroughly and move onto the cabinet drawers and bases performing the same steps. Let everything dry at least a day to assure the surfaces are not tacky when rehanging doors. For free, detailed step by step instructions in the glazing process, click the link in the resource box below.
Things to keep in mind when painting or staining your kitchen are as follows. Remember your kitchen will not be 100% functional again until the entire project is completed. Do you have a place to prepare and store food and dishes during this time? Plan ahead and decide where you will be doing this. Remember that you will be removing your kitchen cabinet doors from their frame and will probably have then laid out throughout your kitchen to apply paint and dry, unless you have an enclosed garage or workshop this can be done in during the summer months.
Check the surface of the cabinets you are working with. What techniques have been done previously to these? If they've been stained or a urethane coat has been applied you must first apply a base coat of a special primer-sealer to ensure adhesion of the paint you are applying.
If you prefer a more weathered look in your glazing treatment, apply the glaze compound after the paint is fully dried. For this treatment it is recommended to use a light base coat of paint and a darker glaze. Always apply glaze first then a little at a time apply the dark paint color until you reach the desired consistency and color. It's better to go light by adding a little at a time than to add a lot of color right away. When removing the glaze mixture with a rag leave additional glaze in corners to achieve the aged old world look.
To finish off the look, update your kitchen cabinets with new hardware to set the tone for the style you are portraying in your kitchen. Before you know it you will have a kitchen that looks like a million bucks for not alot of bucks!
Phil Rimstidt is passionate about helping others achieve the results they desire in their home without spending alot of money. As a result of his own experiences he has created a website dedicated to helping others who are attempting to update their kitchens by changing its style to reflect the trends of today. For further information visit http://www.kitchen-cabinet-design-ideas.com/index.html to find free, DIY friendly tips on recreating the kitchen of your dreams.
Rusted Electrical Box ExteriorThe truth is, there are a number of kitchen remodeling contractors in York, PA. In fact the other day I decided to look them up online and I stopped at just above 100. Be that as it may I have created my own short-list based on certain criteria, one such being location.
I recommend that you read the review right to the end as you will gather more useful information as you read on.
Coggeshall & Lentz
Here is a contractor that prides itself on delivering quality workmanship, excellent service and great pricing. The truth is nearly all contractors I have come across do offer this promise but what made me to list these is the fact that they fulfill one of my most important prerequisites.
That is, they are a member of some industry associations like the York County Builder's association and the The Remodeler's Council of York County Builder's Association.
York County Home Remedies
This is another one of many kitchen remodeling contractors in York, PA but what sets them apart from the others is the fact that they have been in business for quite some time. I personally love that.
This contractor does not only offer kitchen remodeling services but they are general home improvement specialists. That is they specialize in whole-house remodels.
Yorklyn Construction Co Inc
There are five factors that made me include this company in this review. Their focus on dependability, business ethics, customized budget, time consciousness and years in business. They have been remodeling kitchen since 1964 and to me this is a major plus.
Others to consider include, Factory Direct Windows Inc and Wayneco Inc. These two also have a lot of experience.
To avoid being biased I have provided an option for you to make your own decision from an independent pre-screened list
Visit http://www.findkitchenremodelingcontractors.com to find a contractor that will be more suitable to you. Do not just hire any contractor without being sure. The list above is only based on my opinion. You need to find one that suites your budget and timeframe
The site mentioned above is a great source to help you find the best kitchen remodeling contractors in York, PA with ease
If you are focusing upon DIY renovations around the home then one place which you might be reluctant to touch is your home's exterior. However, when it comes to DIY exterior projects, they really don't have to be as challenging as you would first imagine. As long as you have the right tools and a good level of knowledge on the job in hand then that is all that matters.
It all really depends upon how much you know about exterior home improvements as to what you can actually do yourself. So it could be that you can install new guttering, do a window trim or add new sliding to the home. Or perhaps you would love to add a patio or a pool to the garden? Whatever you want to achieve you can do it yourself just as long as you take the time to learn how.
How to Remodel the Exterior of Your Home
The first step to getting any DIY project right is planning. You need to understand the task in hand and you also need to look at every angle of the project. Break it down into steps and ensure that you understand exactly what it is that you will be doing. Remember to get all of the tools that you will need. If you are not sure what tools to purchase then it would be a good idea to pop into your local DIY store and ask a member of staff. They will be able to give you advice on the job you are planning to complete and point you in the right direction with what you need. If you find that the equipment needed is a little on the expensive side then you could always rent the equipment instead of purchasing it.
Generally painting the outside of your home is one of the easiest jobs you can do. However before you can paint it you will first need to prepare by cleaning it. As long as you take the time to prepare the wall before you apply any paint, you will end up with a nice, smooth, even finish.
One of the biggest mistakes which people tend to make with exterior home improvement projects is that they try and do far too much too soon. Ideally you will need to break everything down into small steps. That way the task will not seem impossible to finish and it will be a lot more enjoyable to complete. So set up everything well before you start and try and complete everything in baby steps. This will save you time in the long run and it will also be a lot less hassle.
Overall exterior home renovations really don't have to be overly difficult. Just as long as you do not try to attempt to do more than you can handle, you should easily be able to complete basic remodeling jobs by yourself.
Vince Paxton's long articles can be found on many online sites tied to information on vinyl garden windows. His comments on garden replacement windows can be encountered on his webpage and also different websites.
The first step toward certification is to register the project either online or by mail. To earn certification, a project must meet all prerequisites and meet the minimum number of points outlined in the rating system. All new projects must apply for certification using the online submittal process. Applications for certification must be accompanied by:
a) The rating system which is being applied for.
b) Project contact, type, size, number of occupants, and scheduled date of construction completion.
c) Project narrative including three highlights. Project checklist including project prerequisites, credits, and projected total score.
d) Copies of submittal templates and supporting documentation.
e) Complete list of all CIR's (Credit Interpretation Requests) used.
f) Drawings and photos of site plan, typical floor plan, typical building section, typical elevation, and photo or rendering of the project.
g) A check for the appropriate amount.
After the project is registered, the next step is to either complete a Design Review (reviewing all of the design credits) after completion of the design, followed by the Construction Review (reviewing all of the construction credits) after substantial completion of construction. Or project teams may submit a Design and Construction Review (reviewing all credits) after substantial completion of construction. Supplementary submittals or clarifications may be requested. Upon delivery of the final review, project teams have 25 business days to either accept or appeal the rating. If a project team feels that they have grounds to appeal a denied credit they may appeal individual credits via the online process.
If a question arises concerning applying credits to a particular project, the project team may submit a Credit Interpretation Request (CIR). Before submitting a CIR, the project team should consult the reference guide to find answers to their questions. After that, the project team should consult the Credit Interpretations Rulings page online to see if there have been any relevant CIR's filed in the past. Finally, if the question remains unanswered, the project team may submit a CIR online. The CIR shall apply to a specific credit, and shall be based on the intent of the prerequisites of the credit. Each CIR costs $220.
Free Leed ap exam resources. Special offer for 12 full length practice exams. For new construction NC v2.2 based on LEED New Construction v2.2 Reference Guide Third Edition published by (USGBC).
http://www.leedblog.org/
Stair building tips for installing lights and decking, handrail tips and some deck advice.
For more helpful home improvement information visit: http://www.gregvan.com
Home Plumbing BooksArticle on Green Houses (version 2J)
By now, everyone has heard never ending stories about how bad our current housing market is. However, there are still plenty of people searching for a home to purchase. So whether you are looking to buy your first home, or have bought more than a few homes in your lifetime already, buying a home is one of the largest financial decisions you can make. Additionally, the size, type, area, and cost of your next house, along with what you decide to do with your new house, can have a very large impact on your environment.
If you are concerned about the environmental footprint you leave behind for your loved ones, while at the same time enjoying a beautiful home, read on and learn about purchasing a "green" home.
Cut your homes energy bills by reducing its energy usage:
Nearly anyone can conduct their own, quick and easy energy inspection of their own home or a prospective home to see what is needed to make the home more green. It is a simple process which begins with simply looking for leaks or drafts in the home. Check common problem areas such as doors, windows, baseboards, and even power outlets. Wherever you find a draft or see sunlight, seal the areas with common items such as spray in insulation or window tape. Your local hardware store can usually assist you if you have unique situations or difficult to fix locations. Also, make an effort to use a full load for household appliances such as your dishwasher, washer, or dryer. Over or undersized loads create unneeded energy waste by inefficient use of the appliance's motors.
Purchase an energy efficient home:
If you are looking to purchase a home, you can choose to have your Realtor search for "green" homes. Modern home builders are constructing "green" properties that come with upgraded insulation, energy saving blinds and windows, along with appliances that are designed to conserve energy. To find houses like this, consult with your local Realtor. Owning an eco-friendly home in this current marked is a smart choice because the homes are becoming increasingly popular and in demand, and have a better potential to sell quickly and at a better price. Every day, a larger percentage of the population is putting greater emphasis on either saving money, protecting the environment, or both!
Location.
People who live in crowded, dense populations, in general, leave a smaller ecological footprint than people who live in suburbs. This is not necessarily because people from places like New York City are in principal more eco-conscientious than people in suburban areas, but more likely because they tend to live closer to work, shopping, and entertainment than suburbanites. Furthermore, individuals who live in dense populations are generally more likely to use subways, busses, or public transportation to get to their destination than non urban dwellers.
The lesson? Chose the location of your home carefully and pay close consideration to commuting distances, proximity to shopping and your method and options of transportation.
Live Large, while Buying Small.
It's the newest mantra for eco friendly individuals: Small, is really the new big. The smaller your living space, the less heating/cooling, and lighting it will need. Thus, you will have reduced energy usage and utility bills.
With some careful interior design, you can create a tasteful and beautiful living area out of some surprisingly small living spaces.
Don't be afraid to make changes:
Don't expect to find the perfect home when you are shopping for any home, let alone an eco-friendly home. Whatever home you purchase, you will likely want to make some basic changes to make it more aesthetically pleasing for you and your tastes and needs. A fresh coat of low VOC paint in your favorite color is easy and affordable. However, ripping up the old, leaky, rusty, lead leaking plumbing is a much bigger task, but something to consider depending on the house's needs. These are important things that you should consider when purchasing a home. An experienced Realtor can assist you with some of these considerations.
Recycle:
When you are looking for your next home, don't rule out a home just because of an out of style kitchen or bathroom. Typically, these are two of the rooms in a home that will get you your best return for your renovating dollar. Assuming you don't have to gut the place and change the structure of the rooms to get something that will make you happy, you can perform a modest remodel based you your ecological principals and obtain a greener, more efficient home which suits your style and needs, and likely increase your home's worth and resale value when it is time to upgrade to your next home.
The importance of Shade:
While some people want trees close by for hugging, others look at trees for their climate control abilities. The foliage that comes with your new home can influence your home's energy usage. In the summer, a trees leafy branches will block the sun and help keep your home cooler and use less energy. Conversely, in the winter, when the leaves fall, the bare branches let in more sunlight and in turn heat your home, resulting in cost savings to you.
More on the Outdoors:
A large yard with a lush green lawn maybe what you always wanted growing up, but remember, the lawn will use up a significant amount of water and need the appropriate amount of upkeep . A smaller yard will use less water, require less upkeep, and give you more time to enjoy your home!
Good luck and happy home hunting!
Find a great green home in Arizona: Green Homes for Sale in Chandler AZ and Equestrian Property in Phoenix
Stairs With Treated WoodMost of us would agree that we want homes that are stylish, clean, fragrant, and harmonious. When our Evaluation of the home using the 5 senses as a guide, helps make sure that the needs of all the household members are taken into consideration at the beginning of the design planning process. A thorough assessment about how you and your pets currently live together, determining what is working well, and what is less than ideal is made in order to optimize your new interior design.
One of the aspects of the assessment is an evaluation of the home from the perspective of the 5 senses for both the 2 legged and 4 legged family members.
Smell, Sight, Touch, Sound, and yes, even Taste
The questions that need to be asked and answered are:
Sight
How do I want my home to look?
This is the one sense that is more important to
the two legged family members. While your dog certainly could care less
whether your neighbor will ooh and aah over your new paint color or wallpaper,
there are considerations for the 4 legged members too. Both cats and dogs like
a sunny place to gaze out a window and watch the world. This has implications
for the types of window treatments that we recommend.
Smell
What do I want my home to smell like?
What type of cleaning products are being
used? Candles being burned? Air fresheners being sprayed?
Dogs and cats have a discrimination of smell that humans can only imagine. We
should not forget to consider this reality when answering the question.
Touch
What types of textures and materials feel good to us?
Chenille fabric feels warm and cozy to all of us, what are the pros and cons
of using this type of fabric when your household is composed of 2 and 4 legged
family members? What do we want our bare feet or paws to tread upon, and
what are the pros and cons of the different options in a home with 2 and 4
legged family members?
Sound
Are there noises that I want to highlight? Mask?
Dont forget, hearing is highly acute in dogs and cats.
There are soothing sounds that can be brought into your home that also can serve a dual function for the 4 legged family members. Dont forget the expression music soothes the savage beast.
Taste
What items in your home can your pets 'eat'?
Cats are notorious for eating houseplants. The reason is that cats are hard-wired
to crave green grass. There are attractive solutions to provide a tasty treat for
your cats,without destruction of your houseplants.
Most dogs have a reputation for eating just about anything they can get their
teeth on. With that in mind, there are smart, attractive choices for how and
where to keep your garbage cans, laundry baskets and kitty litter boxes even if
you dont have the luxury of keeping them behind cabinet or closet doors.
A few facts about cats and dogs versus humans when it comes to the 5 senses:
Cats and dogs sense of smell is far superior to humans.
Cats have 19 million odor sensitive cells in their noses, dogs have 200 million and people only 5 million.
While dogs can smell better than cats, a cats sense of sound is better than a dogs.
You know how some dogs seem to be willing to eat almost anything, but cats are often referred to as finicky eaters?
Well that is because a cats sense of taste is keener than a dogs. This is one of senses that is actually stronger for people than for a cat or dog.
About the author:
Suzanne Lasky, Allied ASID is the owner of S Interior Design. S Interior Design makes homes harmonious, functional and beautiful for families with 2-legged and 4-legged members. Suzanne has an M.B.A. and an A.A.S. degree in Interior Design. Suzanne offers years of real world experience, giving her clients the peace of mind to know that their projects will be professionally handled from start to finish. She is an experienced residential and small commercial interior designer and is the exclusive provider of Pawprint Design Services Stunning Interiors with Pets in Mind. For more helpful tips visit http://www.sinteriordesign.com/
Copyright 2007 Suzanne Lasky, All Rights Reserved, http://www.sinteriordesign.com You have permission to re-publish this article as long as the Resource Box is included with the article. All rights reserved.
Diy Window Replacement ProjectAre you looking for a professional to do some work for you in your home? Here is my take on what you need to know before you commit to hiring someone.
First things first, do your homework. Don't just hire someone because they are the cheapest in town. Ask many questions. How long have you been in business? Are you listed with the Better Business Bureau? Do you provide free estimates? Can you provide a list of references that I can call on? Can I check out some of your work? Do you do the work yourself or do you hire subcontractors? Do you have a license to do plumbing and electrical? ARE YOU INSURED? Whatever else you can think of to ask, ask!
Here are some other things to consider:
Red Flags: Signs of the Un-Professional Remodeler
Doesn't have license and insurance.
Doesn't write contracts.
Requires cash or payment in full before starting the job.
Vastly underbids all other contractors.
Cannot provide customer references.
Poor credit.
Difficulty contacting the remodeler.
You are online right now. Do some research on how to hire a professional. I've heard too many horror stories from my clients and have my own horror stories as well, both as a consumer and as a professional.
Professionals will present themselves as such. His/her appearance might say a lot about the quality of their work ethic, but he also might show up in work clothes because he hammering away at a job. That tells you that he doesn't only sell the job, but works it, too. A professional should also explain the process, a reasonable timeframe for completion, and should be able to handle events and occurrences beyond their control.
Another thing to consider is the number of ongoing projects. A number of factors come into play here. A professional wants to remain productive at all times. If a contractor can work two or three jobs at a time and can do so effectively for all of his/her clients, excellent! Some pros just wish to work on one project at a time. Either way, feeling confident that you will get the best from your pro is very important. Some parts of the job include processes, for example, tilework and drywall; one can only do so much before having to wait for the adhesive or mud to dry. In that down time, a professional may go on to another project and begin to work the next phase, sanding or grouting for instance.
All in all, know your pro before you hire him or her. Get a couple of estimates and compare them. If you have questions as to why one is higher than another, ask. Every pro is different in the way they handle their business and none should be offended by your education.
What kind of experiences have you had in the past with pros you hired? Post them here for others to see.
My name is Ryan M. Bruzan. I own and operate my own home improvements business, Little Things Home Improvements, LLC.
http://www.littlethings.biz
Going green is a smart moral choice, but you have to consider the bottom line. With federal tax benefits, you can have your pie and eat it to.
The Internal Revenue Service tax code is not an easy thing to understand. The federal tax benefit though can be found in Subtitle A, Income Taxes. It is under Chapter 1, normal taxes. You must look in subchapter A, Determination of Tax Liability. Then you go to part IV, Credits against Tax, and finally to Subpart A, nonrefundable personal credits. You just have to love the IRS.
In case you do not have the tax code handy, the tax benefit is not that complex. It allows a 30 percent credit on any expenditure for a qualified photovoltaic property used on a private residence within the tax year. It also allows a 30 percent credit on any qualified fuel cell property used on a private residence. The same 30 percent credit is allowed on a solar water heater under the same conditions.
This credit does have a limit of $2000 on the photovoltaic and fuel cell credit, and $500 on the solar water heater. The code also explains how the credit is to be divided in the case of multiple occupants or change of ownership. Although the tax credit is limited and only covers a certain portion of the green construction spectrum, it is an indication of the interest of the federal government. The credits basically deal with items that reduce energy consumption or use alternate energy sources. This is a reflection of the desire to reduce the burning of fossil fuels and the continued waste of energy in the country.
The tax code is very specific about the purposes of the properties that qualify for the credit. They must relate to a building that is used as a private dwelling. The water heater must also be used to heat water for regular domestic purposes. Such luxury items as swimming pools, hot tubs, and saunas would be excluded. The use of items in the structure of the building is allowed. For examples, solar panels that constitute the roof of the structure are still covered under the credit provisions.
This tax benefit does not cover any building done after December, 31, 2007. This means this is the last year to take advantage of the tax benefit as it is currently written. In order to be extended past this date, new legislation must be passed by congress. It will be interesting to see if the tax benefit for green construction is continued. It is generally believed such benefits will not only be continued, but also expanded.
Zack Verde is with GreenBuildingCompanies.com - providing information on going green.
In order for a solution to be a worthwhile mold killer you need two important parts to stop mold growth. The first key ingredient is taking away the food source. The second important factor is changing the molds living environment. In order to be a categorized as mold killers the solution will change the DNA makeup of the mold and change it's local environment. In order to complete both, a great solution is encapsulation to develop a safe shield on the surface.
The system of developing a shield will destroy mold spores and block enzymes from growing back. while in the shielding phase the solution kills mold spores and block future reproduction. This clear surface changes the food source by not allowing the organisms to eat from that surface and killing black mold at the same time.
Many of the markets cleaners do destroy mold to a degree. An issue occurs when there is not future prevention. Thousands of Residential Mold Removal companies have been using mold killers and blockers to prevent future problems for the business and clients. A great mold killer for the famous black mold that we commonly see is about killing and preventing.
Forget about bleach. Although, bleach is a great cleaning product for the house. Bleach is harsh and full of chemicals to the point where they are more toxic than mold spores. The best mold solution to use is an organic product that is safe to use around your children and home. Not many products on the market are doing this because of the technology and possibly long term profits.
I believe if you clean mold and block it's future growth there may not be such a profit for companies. A speculation and you can come to your own conclusion. As a cmc certified microbial consultant is is always a must for my family and i to use a mold killer and block that is safe and organic to use around.e used.
If you have a bigger mold problem do research on finding a Mold Inspector and Asbestos Consultant. They will be a great resource for your family and offer sound advice. Think about a safe shield solution if you have a smaller amount of mold in the house or commercial space. Also, educate yourself on the mold symptoms so there is a better understanding of the mold spores and the effects to the system it can cause.
Markus Skupeika
Finding new solutions for mold and mildew removal. Great listing of sites and cleaning products for the fellow mold sufferers.
Mold Removal Information and Products
Mold Symptoms
It is no secret that one of the easiest ways to save your business money is to run more efficiently. This applies to all aspects of your business, but the printer and copier fleet is commonly overlooked. Many companies simply track the cost of toner, and that can yield a large amount of savings on its own. But the savings can go much beyond toner alone. Managed Print Services (MPS) paired with eco-friendly; super efficient printers, can save money on paper, energy, toner, reduced downtime, increased productivity and more.
MPS, like the name implies; basically means you rely on a specialized IT company to help plan, implement and service your printer fleet. The advantage of having your printing network planned and managed by one vendor is that it saves a substantial amount of time fixing IT problems, ordering toner and implementing new document management systems. Imagine never having to order toner and the time saved by only having one invoice to deal with every month; now this is being efficient.
Another way of being more efficient is choosing an eco-friendly coper and printer fleet. Eco-friendly printers, such as Kyocera, can save up to 40% on energy costs when compared to other market leaders. They can also save you money on consumables. Using less toner and drum units reduces money and waste while helping the environment. The reduced waste is one reason Kyocera won the prestigious, MicroScope Award for Channel Excellence (ACE) as Environmental Company of the Year in 2008.
It isn't only about reduced waste; it is also about reduced downtime. Nothing costs a company more money than downtime. When it comes to reliability, not all brands are created equal. For instance, the Kyocera KM-8030 printed 2 million pages with no unscheduled service required. In fact, it only got a paper jam once every 166 thousand pages. Brands like Kyocera are more reliable and have reduced cost per prints which is why H&R Block has 10's of thousands of them nationwide.
Finally, if you really want to increase your savings and decrease your impact on the environment, implement a document management system. Even the simplest document management systems will reduce paper and toner consumption and increase productivity. Document management will reduce the time spent on filing and retrieving documents and make documents more accessible - no matter where you and your employees are.
The opportunity to save money and help the environment is obtainable. Even if your business' printers are new and you believe you have an efficient printer fleet having an outside MPS vendor may help you see the base of the iceberg more clearly. Many times a MPS provider will analyze your network and printer fleet for free resulting in little to no risk of saving your business money.
Josh Collins is a multimedia designer in the Kansas City area. He has designed user interfaces and websites ranging from small business sites to large social network websites. His recent work include:
Logicbright.com an web based small business contact manager software.
Gripable Stair HandrailingHelp with home improvement work should always be welcome with open arms by homeowners with no real experience in the matter. Going at it alone is usually not a wise decision for homeowners when it comes to the more complicated tasks such as painting the house or other complex projects. With a professional approach and help from contractors, homeowners can rest assured that their projects will turn out looking magnificent and the process will go much more smoothly than if the homeowner had hired an amateur or done the work themselves.
A contracted painter is a valuable addition to any remodeling project. With a very important aspect of the project taken care of, homeowners should rest easy knowing that they can now focus their attention on other areas of the remodel. Knowing exactly what they are doing, a contracted painter will take on a project efficiently and with little problems. Knowing how to deal with problems when they arise and hopefully avoid them before they even come up, these professionals prove their worth each time they are hired by homeowners looking for a good paint job. With a well-painted house, homeowners are usually happy they went with a professional.
The value a contracted painter holds often goes beyond physically painting the house. Helping with the planning aspect of the project is widely accepted as a big plus if the contractor is able to do so. With their experience and training, contractors are usually able to offer advice and lend a hand when planning these expansive remodeling projects. This often proves to be one of the most valuable resources a homeowner can hope for when taking on large remodeling projects.
More information on College Works Painting is just a click away.
The garage is a wonderful storage area. Even though the space is limited, it still presents great storage opportunities.
The garage is a great choice when it comes to improving on storage space. There are many ways to go about this task.
One way is to purchase a modular storage kit that has parts and components that you can switch up to assist in solving many storage issues. Another choice is to add to the garage. If you have too much stuff stored in your garage, a modular storage kit may not give you the needed solution. Reduce the clutter of seasonal items and items by placing some of them in a basement.
Some of the solutions that are available are cabinets, storage units and more shelving. . If items need to be protected from dust and moisture then cabinets are perfect. Shelves will give you more space and they are less expensive than some of the other options.
Nifty clear containers for storage can be purchased for very low prices.
Think of how great it will be the next time you are thinking about pulling out your bike and you don't have to search for it in the garage. Consider what it would be like not having to get up an extra hour early just to locate your fishing equipment in the garage. Just think about how great it will feel to walk into the garage and know exactly where things are. Imagine all of the time and stress you can eliminate by cleaning out the garage.
Put like items with like items. This is the best way to keep things in their place. By separating everything into categories you will be able to go into the garage and know that whatever you are looking for will be in a certain spot.
Use you imagination when deciding what to do with your garage. It is a great place for storage but it can be so much more. Clean out the garage and find that extra space you have been longing for. Change it into a place of relaxation or a neat storage area.
When you are cleaning out your garage, toss out those items you never use. Do not flip through every magazine or search through old bags of clothes you haven't seen in years. All of the stuff that you have not used in the past year should be thrown out. If you have not seen it in a year, you really do not need it. This can be a difficult part of the organizing process but once you do it, you will feel so much better. Months later you will have forgotten all about whatever it was you threw out.
Focusing on latest developments in woodworking benches, he works almost entirely for http://www.insidewoodworking.com . You might see his contributions on garage writings bench plans over at http://www.insidewoodworking.com/workclam/workbenchplans.html and various other sources for garage contributions bench plans knowledge.
Bathroom remodeling provides an opportunity to go for an entirely new look. For some, bathroom remodeling is a time for an unusual look something unique.
Bathroom remodeling with rock and other natural materials can give you that unique look. It can give you the feeling of being in a natural retreat, far from the busy city life.
Achieving the Look
Begin your bathroom remodeling project by designing, or finding a design of the finished product. How do you want the bathroom to look when you are done?
For example, suppose you want a relaxing, peaceful hideout. What elements will achieve that look? What tasks will your bathroom remodeling project include?
1. Walls: Picture grasscloth wallpaper in green and tan tones. Grasscloth wallpaper is made of natural grasses, and green shades are not bright. The woven wallpaper has a horizontal line, and will set the mood for your project of bathroom remodeling with rock and natural materials.
2. Floor: A floor of slate or marble, real or imitation will fit your theme and be easy to clean. Use natural hemp or grass mats.
3. Sink: Purchase a rock sink. These sinks are hewn from river rocks, and hollowed with a polished cavity. They have a standard drain hole. Deep or shallow: choose a rock sink to enhance your bathroom remodeling.
4. Vanity: Continue your bathroom remodeling with rock and natural materials by choosing a bamboo vanity on which to set your rock sink. These vanities come in various sizes, and will carry the outdoor theme well. Hang a bamboo mirror / cabinet above the vanity.
5. Faucets: Bamboo shaped faucets will complement your sink well. The type that have an open top at the faucets end will look as though they came right from an oriental garden into your bathroom remodeling project.
6. Bathtub: Yes, you can get a "boulder bathtub" for your natural bathroom. You could probably find a standard bathtub with a marble-like finish, but an actual boulder would be natural. This calls for a large bathroom, and will look cramped in a small space. Add bamboo faucets to match those at the sink. Caution: Please make sure your floor will hold the weight before you order a boulder bathtub.
7. Toilet: You may not be able to go this far with your project of bathroom remodeling with rock, but you can camouflage the toilet to make it fit your theme. A dark green or black toilet would blend well.
8. Shower curtain: Hemp is a perfect, natural shower curtain material. It is durable, and stands up to water, as shown by its centuries-long use for canvas boat sails. Hemp is also said to be naturally anti-fungal & anti-bacterial. Macram curtain rings are a nice touch.
9. Lights and Accessories: Complete your bathroom remodeling with rock and natural materials by adding natural lights and accessories. Recessed lights are good, since they will give the appearance of daylight without being visible. If you want makeup lighting around the mirror, look for shaded bulbs and use shades to match your grasscloth wallpaper. Towel bars and other small fixtures can continue the bamboo theme. Add a potted plant in a natural, earthen pot.
Some have used stone veneer facing in their bathroom remodeling. It can be applied to one wall, or from floor up to about 3 feet on all walls.
Nice if Space Allows
Small indoor wall fountains give a peaceful ambience to any room. If your bathroom remodeling allows for it, this would be a nice addition.
A tabletop bamboo water fountain would be pretty beside your rock sink. Water tricking from the bamboo sticks would be a soothing sound any time of day.
Helpful Tip
Bathroom remodeling with rock and other natural materials is becoming increasingly popular. With imagination, you can find things in your own backyard that will add to the look. You can also shop flea markets and thrift stores for old, natural baskets to hold towels and tissue.
2007, Anna Hart. Anna Hart invites you to read more of her articles about bathroom remodeling at http://www.easybathroomremodeling.com. Anna has also posted articles on that site about bathroom decorating. If you want to learn more about positioning light fixtures during bathroom remodeling, you wont want to miss her article on the subject.
Most of us only dream of building your own home and living in it for the rest of our lives, well maybe not for the rest of our lives. My grandfather built his home when my father was nine years old and lived in it until he died. As a Carpenter and general contractor, I have always wanted to build my own home but never got the chance.
For anyone interested in building the home of your dreams, I found a few books on home building that seemed to be pretty helpful. I have been remodeling, building room additions, worked on track house framing for years and have done more home repairs than you could possibly imagine. I have found some of these books to be very resourceful and helpful, when it comes to solving some of the problems I run into.
When it comes to building the foundation, it's not just about pouring a concrete slab or footings. You need to run electrical conduit, plumbing supply and waste pipes, make sure the building foundation is square and level, and if you forget one thing, just one thing, you could find yourself in a world of hurt. I have worked on homes where the builder forgot to install electrical conduit and plumbing for a kitchen island. The contractor needed to saw cut the foundation and repair at it, during the home construction. This cost the building contractor around $4600.
Sometimes a checklist makes sense but where you get a checklist for building homes. Well maybe one day, I will try to make one. These home building books have been valuable resources to me for many years and have saved me grief and agony over simple things that often get overlooked.
It's a little overwhelming to even think about building your own home, if you don't have some construction skills. Construction knowledge can be gained through on-the-job training and by reading construction manuals. The best of both worlds would be to have both of these skills.
Construction knowledge can be gained or improved, over time with experience, combined with a couple of great books.
Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a Home Buyers Guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.
If your looking for some more House Remodeling Pictures or home building ideas.
House Attic BooksIf mold spores find their way there, either due to a flooding, after a storm, or simply due to a leak from one of the pipes in your home, the mold will thrive over the months and multiply so fast that you'll be surprised at the growth once you uncover it.
The problem is that toxic mold in walls is hidden. If you suspect a contamination but don't really know where the toxic mold may be, you may even be forced to tear off whole sections of your wall.
Before you do this, you might want to perform a systematic search for toxic mold in walls. First, conduct an ocular inspection. Even if the mold growth is on the inside, the wood may be affected up to the exterior part especially if the ply is thin.
You can search for signs of wood warping or paint peeling. This means that there's some trouble underneath - if it's not mold, then it might be moisture. Even if mold growth is still not apparent, eliminating moist wood is good enough reason to perform repairs, because it will soon develop mold, anyway.
Start your search by tracing the areas where water pipes run. These are the places that are most likely wet. Perform a sniff test, too - toxic mold in walls gives off an earthy, musty odor similar to what you would smell entering an abandoned waterlogged house or going through items on a fire sale.
Remember, though, that once the toxic mold is disturbed, its spores can fly around in the air and contaminate other areas in your home. You should be ready with plastic sheeting to cover the mold-infested panels to prevent its spores from flying all over the place. Keep the sheet one until you dispose of the rotting panels.
Once you find toxic mold in walls, it's highly likely that you also have a pipe leak, so you have to be ready for any eventuality. It would be difficult to remove your wall panels, discover a leak, and not have the budget to hire a plumber as well. Toxic mold grows in moist areas, and the only way the inside of walls can get wet is if there is a breach from the exterior of your home or if there are leaking pipes.
The advantage of hiring professionals to do large jobs such as this is that they are prepared for these things due to their extensive experience in dealing with toxic mold in walls. They can advise you about the possibilities before starting work, and may even recommend a good plumber.
If you still want it to be a DIY job and think that you've had enough experience yourself fixing things up at home, then by all means, take it on. Just make sure to wear protective gloves, a mask, and even protective eyewear while working on the contaminated wall panels. Toxic mold can give rise to a number of symptoms that have long-term effects on the body and should not be taken lightly.
You can also find more info on health problems. Blackmoldbliss.com is a comprehensive resource which provide information about Blackmold.
Millions of people are injured each year from falls in the home, but you can help prevent them in your home by using carpet stair treads. Protect your family from dangerous falls and slip related injuries. Stair treads are one easy and inexpensive way to keep your family safe.
Stair treads should be a must in your home if you have children or elderly adults living with you, as these two groups have the greatest risk for fall related injuries. For older adults, a fall can have devastating consequences if it breaks a hip bone or creates another injury. Of fall injuries, a significant number happen on a home's stairs and a study on insurance costs found that only car accidents created more insurance costs than fall injuries.
Many people overlook their stairs when they are making their homes safer. They install alarms and locks, buy mats for their bathtub, and put in smoke detectors. While these safety features are all important, protecting your family from falls is also important. We often take for granted that hand railing will keep everyone safe on the stairs, but this just isn't the case.
Stair tread should provide a non-slippery surface on your stairs. Whether your stairs are concrete, wood, or carpet, you can add additional protection to them. You can find stair treads made out of rubber, metal, or braided materials. You can also use carpet treads on wood floors to stop people from slipping on them.
You'll find that buying carpet stair treads is cheaper than installing full carpet on your stairs. The treads will also look attractive next to wood flooring. Look for treads that will not only look great but will also allow you to see the depth and width of the steps. This will also help individuals walk up and down safely.
In addition to the stair treads, encourage your family to turn on the lights when they need to go up or down the stairs. Many people try to navigate in the dark and either slip or they trip on items that have been left on the stairs. Using the lights will help you see any obstacles and help you see where you need to place your feet to safely make it up or down.
Installing carpet stair treads will help you keep your family and guests safe from unintentional falls. They are easy to install and will cost you less than fully carpeting your stairs. Don't forget to make your stairs safer as you add safety items to other parts of your home.
An often overlooked safety feature for your home is carpet stair treads
Learn more about discount carpet ideas and solutions at My Flooring Pro
Anderson Ten Lite Door InstalledGreen algae is a common swimming pool problem, which may appear as a greenish growth on the floor and walls of a swimming pool, a green tint to the pool water, or greenish material suspended in the pool water. The only swimming pool chemical that will kill an algae growth is chlorine based swimming pool shock. Shock is a granular form of highly concentrated chlorine, which quickly raises the chlorine level of the swimming pool water. The elevated chlorine level makes the pool water conditions unlivable for anything organic, and algae quickly dies.
Before adding a dose of chlorine pool shock, the pool walls and floor should be brushed to remove as much of the algae as possible. This will greatly reduce the amount of time it takes to kill and clear the algae bloom. The normal maintenance dosage of most swimming pool shock is 1 lb. per 10,000 gallons. This dosage should be increased to 1 lb. per 7,500 gallons, or you should follow the manufacturers dosage suggestion for killing algae. Chlorine pool shock needs to be dissolved in a large bucket of water before it is added to the swimming pool. Always add chemicals to water when dissolving. NEVER add water to chemicals. The swimming pool cannot be used until the algae is dead, and the chlorine level of the pool water has returned to the safe range of 1-3 ppm.
The pool filter system should be running when the chlorine pool shock is added, and the filter system should continue to run 24 hours a day until all signs of algae have completely left the pool. Monitor your pool filter system closely and thoroughly backwash or clean the filter each time the pressure rises 10 psi. above the normal operating pressure. The dead algae that your pool filter collects may quickly dirty the filter, and need to be cleaned out frequently. If the conditions of the swimming pool does not significantly improve after 12-24 hours of filtering, add a second dose of chlorine pool shock at the increased rate. Once the algae is dead it will turn a white or grayish color, and it will be suspended in the pool water or settle to the floor. When there is no longer any sign of the color green in your pool, thoroughly vacuum the swimming pool. The pool filter should be backwashed or cleaned to be sure that dead algae is not trapped inside the filter. If the filter is not thoroughly cleaned the algae may quickly return.
Test and balance all of the pool chemical levels using the guidelines below, and pay particular attention to the chlorine level of your swimming pool water in the future. Algae and harmful bacteria are almost immediately destroyed by a chlorine level of 1 ppm or higher. You have experienced an algae problem because you have not properly maintained the chlorine level of your swimming pool, and it was allowed to drop below 1 ppm. Test pool water frequently and make any necessary adjustments for a clean, safe and easy to maintain swimming pool.
Please visit http://www.InTheSwim.com for a complete selection of algae treatment pool chemicals and quality pool supplies.
This Christmas vacation, friends and I have decided to volunteer at the local RMCC House. I wanted to do something different with my vacation time this year. When I was much younger, my mother brought my brother and I here for months at a time. Both of us were ill with a rare blood disorder and the volunteers here made our visits a delightful experience. We spent many a holiday here, away from our home. One of the things that I remember fondly about these holiday visits was how much effort volunteer groups put in to decorate fireplace mantel in each of the large community rooms. For little children watching, this was quite the holiday occasion.
The giant Christmas trees would come out of the storage closets, bulbs and decorations appeared from their hiding places, Christmas villages were being created before our eyes and throughout all of this activity, food of all kinds was being delivered to the kitchen area. For a few normal days, sick children and their family members had a chance to be dazzled by all of Santa's helpers. Holly, small light bulbs, miniature statuettes, artificial snow and musical pieces of furniture, all found their rightful places to decorate fireplace mantel.
The fireplaces in this old, renovated farmhouse could no longer be used due to State Fire Marshall Regulations. In lieu of this, more efforts went to decorate the fireplaces with the use of pipe cleaners, velcro strips, string, beads etc... all kinds of whimsical, fanciful creatures come to life. Some folks brought hand painted fireplace screens. There were scenes of snowmen and reindeer having hot dog roasts and toasting marshmallows. So much fun!
Now, my college roommates and I are going to be the volunteers this time around. It will be a new experience for me being the care provider as opposed to the care receiver. Perhaps I will be able to bring a unique gift to children and their families because of all that I received in my time of need.
Simon Harris has tips about how to decorate fireplace mantels at http://www.fireplace-reviews.com
If you grew up in a home that has stairs you will most probably have the memory of playing in the railings of the stairs and sliding down the handrail.
This memory might not be possible if your staircase is not sturdy enough to support your weight. With this, you know that you will have to be careful in finding the right stair parts that you will use to create the proper staircase in your home.
If you have a home and it has two or more floors, then you should start considering the stair parts that you will need for your stairs. The stairs are present in your home for practical reasons. You will have to use the stairs to go to one floor to the other. For other homeowners, they use the stairs to add dcor in their home. This is also an important aspect especially if your staircase is big and visible in your home. If this is the case, then you will have to ensure that your staircase is not only safe but it should also be pleasing to the eyes of your visitors. In achieving this, you will have to ensure that you will get the right pieces that will help you get a sturdy staircase and also one that has interesting designs to match the look of your home.
The stair parts that you need are easy to find but this does not mean that you will already stop searching once you find one that you like. It is possible that you can easily find one type that you think fits your home but it will be better if you will continue searching and compare the pieces that you see in the market. If you are able to compare the stair parts, you will have a bigger chance of getting the one that you will really like. This will also be a good way to avoid future problems.
You can start thinking of the design that you like and get a professional help when it comes to constructing it. The carpenters will do their job this time but you can instruct them on the kind of outcome that you want from your own staircase.
Now, your home will only get the right staircase if you will invest on the stair parts that you will use. It would be best to start the search now and continue with it so that you can cover more types in the market and really get the kind that you can enjoy having. You should remember that the staircase is not only important because you want to play with its railings. The safety of your family will depend on it and it will also have a big impact in the look of your home.
For more information about Stair Parts feel free to visit http://www.elegantstairsandwoodfloors.com/
Eliza Maledevic Ayson writes for Jump2top.com - SEO Company
Daily we read and hear something which we know already or something which is more likely linked with our lives. Yes something such I happen to see in today's newspaper. It was a report about the "Grandparents claiming the custody of their grandchildren".
These days we have forgotten our values and traditions of how our parents bought up by giving their age to make us happy. But still we're stressed and tensed about something or the other. We complain in short. Now our parents are fighting for our kids. It's because of us. When they had already gone through so much pain and struggle to raise us from kids to adults and still going, they are even trying to claim the custody of our kids. Why is this happening? Are we not responsible for our kids like our parents? Have a thought. Think and comprehend.
More and more grandparents are coming forward to claim the custody of their grandchildren just to save them from their squabbling parents. It is because that they love their grand children and wish well and good of them and so about their children who has been neglecting their children for the sake of their own lives. Children are supposed to be raised in good environment where parents and family make bliss and enjoy the babyhood with the growing years. But that is we find very rarely these days.
There has been an increase in the number of elderly people who are legally trying to win rights to take care of their grandchildren. The courts are also awarding custody of grandchildren to grandparents if they are able to successfully prove that they are in a position to take care of the children.
Many cases are in rise where the grandparents are filing petition for the custody of their grand son and daughter because of the divorce of their son or daughter. When asked about the opinion of the children as with whom they are willing to stay the answer is grand mother and grand father as they feel more loved and cared by them.
In my view there is nothing wrong in claiming the custody of grandchildren by their grand parents. If they are well and good to heed the children, the custody should be given to them as they children are more attached to the grandparents than working single mothers or divorced spouses who cannot be held for the entire responsibility of the small children with stressed work and tensed life.
Samiya Anwar
Here's a word of advice for any contractor, Carpenter, handyman or homeowner that is planning to remove an interior wall from your home or someone else's. Beware of removing interior walls, to eliminate your fears of the house collapsing. Some of the interior walls inside of the house are important structural components of the building.
Some of these walls hold up floors, roofs and other loadbearing sections that could create safety problems within the structure of the house itself. This is an area where an expert with framing skills should be consulted. What is the definition of someone with excellent framing skills? Some one with at least 10 years as a master framing carpenter.
My home building experience consists of three decades for over 30 years of assembling some of the most difficult sections of a home. During these years I have seen damage done to houses from removing structural interior walls. Most of this damage could be repaired with a little structural engineering. Some of the damage could not be repaired and caused other damage to different sections of the house. The damage caused in some cases to the floor and the roof framing had to be completely rebuilt.
I'm not telling you about every single thing I have ran into but you would be surprised if I started to make a list of all the homeowners and professionals in the building industry or home selling and buying business that contacted me to remove a structural component of a building. There have even been a few of these people that told me everything was going to be okay just go ahead and remove the structural building component.
Needless to say I would leave these people very irritated but I'm sure they found someone to do the job. The bad news is I was normally the person they would hire to go back and repair the damaged building after these people were gone and out of business. There have been cases where people have removed an interior walls against my better judgment and over the years of driving by in these homes I personally got to witness the structural damage that was occurring on the outside of the house.
I have no idea what the inside of the house looked like but could only imagine. My advice again when removing interior walls is to hire an experienced contractor or at least get some advice from an experienced framing carpenter. This does not include your basic know it all that has basic construction experience like your father in law, parents, friends, golfing associates or people you work with that tell you not to worry about it, just do it, everything will work out just fine.
Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He is currently working on more Building and Remodeling Library and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry.
Visit us and get more information on building and remodeling your homes and What Does A Shear Wall Do
Wood Window DamageWith so many different resources today becoming nearly scarce, it's essential that we do our part in trying to use less of our resources by living off grid. Turning to alternative resources can also help the situation. And when you're talking about power and energy, there are many other alternative methods out there that we can rely on.
For example, I'm sure you have heard of solar power before. Solar panels are built, which collect energy from the sun, and they convert that energy into power. Solar panels can power anything from something as small as a calculator to a massive house. Heck, there are even solar power cars out there too!
So, how can you make a solar panel that can power your house? Well, you would need a lot more than just a single panel, but it is possible to make your own solar panels. In fact, most of the materials you need to build them can be found at your everyday hardware store. It makes a great project for you or the whole family to work on.
Some of the general materials you need are things such as a car battery, sheet metal and metal tubing, copper sheets, and electrical wire. There are a few more things you would need as well, but those are just some basic supplies to give you an idea of what it will take.
You also need an excellent set of plans or directions to follow in order to make your solar panel as effective as possible. It's much easier to build something like this when you know exactly what you are doing.
Do you want to know where to find excellent step-by-step plans on making solar panels? Visit Earth4Energy to find out how you can get started building your money saving solar panel today!
Your interior walls are a direct reflection of your home and all that it is. From the moment you enter a home it is the condition of the walls that make such a profound and indelible impression. When walls have been beautifully painted and the color(s) have been tastefully selected to graciously accent the surrounding area; the sight can't be anything short of resplendent. That's the effect that walls handsomely done can have on you.
Your house walls consist of more square footage than your ceilings, floors and everything else; so it is imperative that they should be addressed in a very special way. To neglect to do so would be just short of criminal, I think. Your walls make a statement that can be warm and inviting, or cold, negligent and uninviting...it all depends on you. Here is a guide that can help you give your walls a new and appealing appearance, all the while potentially saving yourself a great deal of money; not to mention the satisfaction that comes along with doing a good job yourself, so let's begin the journey.
PREPARATION
Whether your house interior walls consist of : gypsum board/drywall, plaster, simulated plaster, plywood, or wood paneling; before painting it you will need to prepare the substrate (surface) to receive the paint or finish coat. Herein lies the work, however, some cases may prove to be less demanding then others, but it is so important to get it right here because this literally is the foundation on which you will build, for instance, if your walls consist of drywall or sheetrock, as it is most commonly known; you must inspect it thoroughly before proceeding. Check to see if there are any small holes, cracks, mapping lines; not to mention pits, large holes and possibly failing drywall tape. A careful inspection should shed some light on what you really need to do in order to get the walls ready and worthy to receive paint. And if you do need to remove the existing tape and replace it with new tape, then by all means do so. If you have a large hole in your walls you may need to install a piece of new drywall and finish it out. Sometimes, installing a whole new drywall panel is necessary when the hole is extremely large, but whether you're installing a new panel, partial panel, or just skimming over some areas try to do a good job by keeping your work smooth and neat. After all, every thing that you do at this stage will definitely show up in the finish work. So remember to keep it neat and smooth throughout your repairing and preparation stages.
If your interior walls consist of plaster and repairs are in order, again, smoothness and neatness are the operative words. Superficial or cosmetic repairs to plaster can be done by most homeowners, however, if you have a more serious problems such as: plaster falling to the floor; failing lath, large size crevices and cracks---call a reputable plaster contractor right away! But as I stated earlier, many simple repairs can be successfully done by the homeowner.
Your walls might consist of wood, if that is the case, be sure to take the time to inspect it carefully to see if you have any problems, if so, try to correct them as neatly and professionally as you possibly can. You can fill in dents and small holes with a good wood filler, and then sand it smooth with an electrical sander, or maybe you can hand sand it and avoid using electrical sanders that can quickly cause damage to your wood. And with using any electrical tools always work safely and wear full safety gear. If some of your wood boards or paneling need to be replaced then do so. The key to beautiful walls is properly preparing your substrate to achieve a uniform and symmetrical look...and that applies to any type material that your walls may consist of.
PRIMING YOUR WALLS
Now that your walls have been carefully prepared/repaired and thoroughly cleaned, you are now ready to begin priming. Priming your walls is a very important step in getting your walls ready to paint. To neglect to do this is plain folly in every sense of the word. And to use anything less than a quality primer is truly gambling with the out come of your project.
Donald Thomas is owner and CEO of AMERICAN PAINTING AND PRESSURE CLEANING, INC. He has been in the home improvement business since 1984. Please feel free to visit our website for more full length feature articles and a lot of great tools and equipment. http://www.americanpaintingandpressurecleaninginc.com
Remodeling Your Home On A BudgetLike many homeowners, you might be thinking about adding living space by finishing your basement.
Before you go too far in planning how you will use all of that extra space, there are some steps you will need to take to be certain that space will be healthy for your family. In fact, many of the first steps in planning a finished basement are good to protect the health of your family whether you finish your basement or not.
The first steps in planning a finished basement are these:
1. Inspect for signs of dampness. Look for standing water anywhere in your basement, especially in corners and below windows. Also look for signs of mold or mildew. Mold and mildew can grow on walls, floor, windows, and on the wood beams and framing for the floor above the basement. Mold and mildew inside your home can cause respiratory problems for your family, even if they don't have allergies or asthma. Basement dampness can also damage hardwood floors above, cause warping and buckling of framing boards, cause odors and even increase your heating and cooling costs.
2. Determine the cause of any dampness and correct the problem. Water or dampness in a basement can be the result of cracks in walls or floor, leaking windows, inadequate drainage below the basement and inadequate removal of water around the foundation. Drainage of rainwater is relatively easy to fix, and making sure downspouts are correctly placed and extend far enough away from the house is important both to have a dry basement and to protect the footers beneath your basement. Be sure to check the areas where floor and walls meet.
3. Correct any foundation problems. When you inspect, keep a sharp eye out for large and uneven cracks in walls or floor. These could indicate a foundation problem. You will need to have this fixed before you finish your basement.
4. Have your basement inspected by a professional before you start construction. Particularly if there are cracks in your basement floor or walls, it is a good idea to have a professional check your basement for potentially harmful leaks. You should also have the basement checked for Radon and other gases that could be collecting under your basement. While many homes today are built with drainage systems under the basements, this might not be the case in your locality. A professional can advise you about what you need to do to protect your family when you plan to use your basement for living space.
5. Check local building codes for specific things you must do before you start remodeling. For example, some localities require a set number of windows and doors for emergency escape. There might also be specifications about stairs and ceiling height. Remember that the most important part of finishing your basement is protecting the health and safety of your family.
6. Make plans to install appropriate vapor barriers and adequate insulation. You will probably want to install a vapor barrier of some sort when insulating exterior walls and before installing floor covering. This prevents moisture from penetrating porous concrete. There are floor mat products and insulation with attached vapor barrier that can be used for this purpose.
7. If you have any appliances in the basement that use water, check pipes and hoses for leaks. It will be worth the time and trouble to check bathroom pipes, washing machine hoses and the like to be certain there are no leaks before you start construction. Also check for leaks around your water heater and where pipes penetrate walls.
By taking these first steps in finishing a basement you can be assured that your new living space will be safe for your family and will protect your investment in your home.
Copyright 2008 by ABCD Publishing
Dan Fritschen, the author of this article, is the founder of the websites http://www.remodelormove.com and http://www.remodelestimates.com He is the author of three books on home remodeling.
Wood Attic VentsWe are children of our landscape; it dictates behavior and even thought in the measure to which we are responsive to it - Lawrence George Durrell.
Are you ready to upgrade the look of your home or business, but not sure what you can do? A cupola is an easy add-on that is affordable and provides a classic look. These roof top jewels are becoming very popular with designers and savvy business and home owners alike. This article is going to cover the installation of a cupola. Hopefully you have taken the time and made the right decisions on the size and style to make your outside buildings to look their absolute best. Manufactures will be able to assist you in choosing the right size and style for your architectural accent. When purchasing a cupola, ask the manufacture if they provide guidelines on installation, along with additional information and helpful hints if you are installing the cupola to provide ventilation.
Some cupolas come in boxes and the owner puts them together, seals, caulks and paints them. Others come in 3 sections which are then for the owner to complete, seal and paint. Other manufactures ship the cupola fully assembled and are sealed, primed and painted prior to shipment. During assembly all seams and joints need to be sealed and caulked to properly seal each cupola against damaging leaks that could cause the deterioration of the wood, thus shortening the life of the cupola.
The cupola should be primed and painted before placement on the roof. One should check if they arrive primed and painted if the interior is finished also. Priming and painting all components interior and exterior will ensure a lasting durable finish. When painting your cupola, it is recommended that you use two coats of an oil-based primer first. This should be done before you place the cupola on the roof. Some manufactures prime and paint the cupolas prior to shipment. When custom color is needed, one just gives them a sample of the color wanted and they will paint the cupola to match your color scheme. Often people like weathervanes to top of the cupolas for that finishing touch. Find out if the cupola is fitted with a shaft, designed to accept a weathervane.
The proper pitch cut is very important - so the cupola fits snug against the roof. Most cupolas are designed for a roof pitch up to 10 inch rise. (Known as 10/12 inch pitch. ) If the pitch is steeper than 12/12 inch it is important to order the extension base at the time you order your cupola. Some bases are pre-cut to match the exact roof pitch and the siding is relieved along the lower edges so it can be flashed to provide a weather tight seal. Others arrive with a template to be placed on the cupola which is then cut by the owner. Manufactures do this to protect the base from damage during transport. After cutting the base of the cupola to fit the roof pitch follow the manufactures guidelines to seal the cut edges so water does not enter the base causing deterioration. When cupolas are louvered and not used as a ventilation function, some manufactures will mount plexiglass to the inside face of each louvered panel, thus sealing the unit from wind and rain. The roof of the building the cupola will be placed upon will need some preparation prior to placing of the cupola.
If the cupola is for decorative purpose, cut and remove the portion of the ridge cap that would be under the cupola. By doing this the cupola fits snuggly against the roof between the two cut ends of the ridge cap. Roof preparation when the cupola is going to be used for ventilation: cut an opening in the roof along the peak 6 inches smaller than the width of the cupola, cutting only shingles and sheathing. DO NOT cut ridge or rafters. Then cut down from the peak, maintaining a 3 inch minimum boarder inside the cupola base. Once the cupola is in place, one needs to make sure it is level. Some cupolas are shipped with pre-drilled holes in the base. If one drills the holes it is recommended that holes be at least 3 inches in from the corners of the cupola base. Fasten the cupola to the roof with screws long enough to penetrate the roof boards. Caulk where base and the roof meet on angle sides.
Fill the screw holes and apply 1-2 coats of a good latex or oil base paint. Remember the cupola is on top of the roof and needs to be properly sealed against the elements to provide for its longevity. Now, get off the roof and look at that beautiful architectural accent. They say you can't judge a book by its cover, but when it comes to homes and commercial buildings, the exterior can be just as important as the interior. Just adding the right accents can transform homes and businesses curb appeal. Where first impressions begin!
Elda Titus, owner of Prairie Rose Country provides cupolas built out of marine plywood, assembled by quality craftsman, caulked, sealed, primed and painted interior and exterior prior to shipment. These dome structures, have a copper roof, an eye-catching appeal. To get your business or home the look to stand out from the crowd and add curb appeal, check out these easy add-on cupolas and weathervanes
Toilet Wood Floor Water DamageSolar outdoor lights are becoming more popular among home and property owners. Such gadgets that are considered standouts are the solar flood lights. A home owner usually utilizes lighting in order to provide more illumination to the landscape, especially during nighttime. Likewise, another concern when employing lights is to enhance security and safety around your property.
As conventional lighting that uses electricity can become a cause for you to pay higher utility bills, a good alternative are solar outdoor lighting. Sun powered products such as solar powered flood lights are quite easy for anyone to install given the simple and few parts that they have. Albeit, the latest in the solar technology as made the solar flood lights brighter and more efficient.
Flood lights can effectively provide better and more enhancing lighting. It is meant to highlight any garden feature or structure. Likewise, such lights can be depended on in providing sufficient illumination on the dart spots in your home exterior or garden.
For those who are skeptical when it comes to the quality as well as performance of the solar powered flood lights, it is known that the improvements in bulbs as well as solar lighting technologies have made great strides.
The fact is that many commercial and production firms who require lights on their surroundings especially during the nighttime are now using solar flood lighting. Many of these firms not only want to save on utility expenses, and more so, they are concerned about the environment. Evidently the alternative form of energy that is solar is every environmentally friendly and does not produce and release harmful products such as carbon in the air.
Solar flood lights, indeed, can be provider of lights for aesthetic purposes. It can effectively accent any feature of the outside areas of a home property. But for many, the security that it gives is good enough reason for a home owner to install these outdoor solar lighting.
For more solar flood lights, solar powered shed lights and other articles on outdoor solar lighting, do visit us at Solar Lights and Gizmos blog
Here's some things to think about before walking on the roof of a house. If you slip and fall off the roof you could get hurt seriously. For your own safety if you have no experience walking on a roof use extreme caution. I would even suggest using a ladder and moving the latter around the perimeter of the house if you are inspecting the roof for damage.
Here's some things to keep in mind before walking on a house roof.
1. If the building is above two stories hire a contractor especially if you think the roof has building damage.
2. If the roof is too steep stay off. This could be extremely hazardous to your health.
3. If the roof is severely damaged and has loose shingles or tiles, this could create a safety hazard as you slip on one of these loose shingles and possibly fall off the roof.
4. You should stay off the roof at all costs if there is snow or ice. Ice obviously is extremely slippery and would be difficult to walk on. The difficulty would be increased if the roof has a steep slope.
5. Now last but not least if the roof is wet you should avoid walking on it until it is dry. I have been on wet roofs before and personally slipped myself losing my balance but not falling off of the roof.
Climbing up on a roof and walking around is not child's play and should be left to an experienced professional . If you feel comfortable walking around on any roof please use caution. If you slip in the middle of the roof there is a good chance you will be able to regain your balance or have time to stop yourself before falling off.
I would suggest using caution near the edges of the roof. If the roof is too steep or you don't feel comfortable, why risk serious injury. Use common sense along with the proper ladders to ensure your safety and "Think before walking on a house roof."
Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He is currently working on more building stairs books and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry.
Rusting HeatersThe house you live in was probably a mass produced home built as part of a housing track. The track home is a rapidly built house in phases. These phases if possible will over lap the other home building trades. If possible you will have the plumbers working on the same house as the electricians and the framers. This is called fast tracking.
Fast tracking a house is building a home as fast as humanly possible. So you can imagine the pressures put on all of the people involved in building a track home.
The pace is so fast sometimes that I have seen job superintendents and foremen look like they were actually going to blow up. I mean explode from the pressure they where under.
Framing the stairs on the job was the same experience for me most of the time. Sometimes I had three jobs going at once. Think about it. At the most, I could only go to each of the jobs twice each week. That involved working on Saturday of course. This made a lot of framing foremen extremely upset. They had full time crews on their jobs always working five days a week. If I missed one day of work. I was behind for the rest of the job.
Now it rarely happened but if I did miss a day of work I had to make it up some how. The only way to make it up was by working late or on Sunday. Well most of the time I worked six days a week from 7:00 in the mourning until 5:00 at night. So working late meant sunrise to sunset. Oh did I mention that I did have a family. This wasn't easy for them either.
One time I got so far behind on a job that I was putting stairs in while they were roofing the houses. Talk about one unhappy foreman. I think you get the idea about the pressure I was under to install these stairs on time. My experience building stairs on track built homes taught me to build homes extremely fast while being proficient.
I'm not interested in working like that anymore. My life is simple now and I want to keep it that way. The next time you see a construction worker working late on a Saturday show some compassion. Maybe by reading this article you will understand some of the pressure he is under.
Building tract homes is hard on you mentally and physically.
Happy Home building.
Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He is currently working on more building stairs books and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry. Stairway Safety
Spanish Tile Roofing DamageHVAC home improvement tax credits are back by popular demand, or should I say, unpopular demand.In 2005, the Bush administration implemented the federal tax credit for energy efficiency.This tax credit covers a broad spectrum of home improvements, but for the sake of this writing,we are concentrating on the HVAC, home improvement tax credits that allow homeowners to take advantage of direct tax credits for replacing older inefficient heating and air conditioning systems with higher efficiency, Energy Star rated appliances.
The original 2005 program ran through and expired at the end of December, 2007.Home improvements made during 2008 were not eligible for this program, but, in light of the ever increasing economic downturn nearing the close of last year, on October 3, 2008, President Bush signed into law the "Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008."This bill extended tax credits for energy efficient Home Heating & Cooling System improvements. Tax credits for these residential products, which had expired at the end of 2007, will again be available for improvements made during 2009.
The following Tax Credits available for these HVAC improvements include:
$300- Split System Air Conditioning- 15 SEER Minimum
$300- Air Source Heat Pumps- 9HSPF or 15 SEER Minimum
$150-Gas, Oil, Propane Furnace or Hot Water Boiler- 95% AFUE Minimum
$50- Advanced Main Air Circulating Fan- < 2% furnace total energy use
What this means to you the taxpayer, by purchasing.For example, a qualifying air conditioning unit, along with a qualifying gas furnace, where the additional advanced Main Air circulating fan, which in layman's terms "variable speed drive", you would qualify for up to a $500 tax credit that you can apply to your 2009 federal income tax filing.
If you're considering upgrading you're heating and air-conditioning system, 2009 will be a great year for that, and these additional tax credits will allow you to upgrade your homes energy efficiency.It is important to note, that not all ENERGY STAR qualified homes and products qualify for a tax credit. Tax credits are available for a number of products at the highest efficiency levels, which can cost more than standard products.ENERGY STAR distinguishes energy efficient products which, although they may cost more to purchase than standard models, will pay you back in lower energy bills within a reasonable amount of time, even without a tax credit.
These tax credits are not automatic.You must submit a form that authenticates your specific qualifying brand and model numbers.Your HVAC contractor or supplier should furnish these documents.Qualifying brands and models can be found at the U.S. Government Energy Star Website.
Jay Boyd owns his own heating and air conditioning store Home Air Direct where he helps the do-it-yourselfer save money. His blog site Ask Boyd contains numerous tips and stories involving the HVAC industry.
