Foundation Repair Contractors

If your house or any part of your property experiences foundation failure, it is not a job you want to correct yourself. In order to do this properly you would have to be extensively trained and have a fast knowledge on the subject. This is not your everyday fixer upper project. Chances are to get the job done right; you are going to need to hire a professional. If you are like some people, this might make you a little uneasy. After all, how many times have you heard about contractors taking advantage of their customers? Some not so ethical contractors will charge you more than the job is worth. If you are a little uneasy calling in a professional, here are some basic guidelines for what to expect from a good foundation repair contractor.

The first thing any foundation repair contractor should do is an initial investigation and then a foundation failure report to some extent. Report will explain how severe the problem is and list the proposed repairs needed. If they are going to have to pier, they much included pier spacing and foundation lines in the reports. This takes some time. It might not be a one visit evaluation. A foundation repair contractor may have to come out, do an investigation and then present you with a formal report at a later time that will detail all the work. If you find a contractor who quotes you a price right then and there, chances are they are not a good one. Also do not be surprised if you are charged a fee for the inspection and the report. Most fees range from a few hundred to almost $1000 dollars. Make sure you ask if that fee will be deducted from the final price of the job once ordered. A qualified and ethical contractor will tell you yes. If they say no...stay away from them

Once the investigation is done and a report is ready, a reliable foundation repair contractor will go through it with you and give you the quoted price. They will also explain that quote and answer any questions you may have. If you are getting quotes by a few foundation repair contractors, bear in mind that the prices should not vary much if they are all doing the same work. This is because the materials should pretty much be the same price for all foundation repairmen. One of the possible reasons for the difference of prices between contractors is the amount of experience they have. A knowledgeable, skillful and experienced contractor might cost a little more money than one who has less experience. Keep this in mind when considering the cheapest contractor. Ask questions about their experience to help ensure you are making the best decision for you, your house and your budget.

Once all the work has been done, you should be given a report that contains all the hydraulic measurements and depths regarding the piers. This report should be saved as it will come in handy if you ever decided to sell you house.

Having foundation failure fixed is a costly project, but by following these guidelines, you will be able to find a foundation repair contractor that you are confident with. Make sure they are one who take pride in their work and are not looking for the quick buck.

For the best network of Foundation Repair Specialists check out http://www.Foundation-Repair.us

Financing A Modular Home - You May Like What You Learn

Are you hesitant to look into purchasing a modular home because you dont know how the financing will work? If so, you can relax, because the skyrocketing demand for modular homes now has banks and mortgage companies viewing them as mortgage properties just like traditionally constructed homes.

Financing a modular home is not difficult and buying and building a modular home will probably cost less than building a stick home of the same square footage. So your mortgage costs could be surprisingly low.

The Modular Home Manufacturing Process
Because sections of modular homes are all produced at a single factory, the materials which go into those sections will all be shipped to that factory from wherever they are produced. Centralized modular home production means cost savings; the materials used in traditional homes are bought from various supply housed and then delivered to the building site. And often the delayed delivery of one item can hold up the entire construction schedule, even if all the other materials are on site.

Another of the reasons for the lower costs of modular homes is that because their sections are constructed in the protected environments of factories, their manufacturers can buy materials in bulk, when prices are low, and store it out of the elements until it is needed to fill orders. And because those materials are machine cut with precision, there is very little waste.

Modular Home Construction
There is an equally small amount of waste in the modular home construction process. Each section of the modular home is assembled according to the homes plan, and mounted on a prepared permanent foundation. Because so much of the wiring, insulation, and plumbing is already done, there is little delay caused from various contractors not having the time to spend at your building site.

Once all the sections of your modular home have been fixed together, which is normally a matter of weeks, and not months, you will be ready to move in. You wont have to find and pay for alternative lodging, and keep you belongings in storage, while you wait for your new home to be completed.

All these lower costs mean that the amount of money you will need for financing a modular home will also be lower, and so will your mortgage payments.

The entire modular home process, from start to finish, is designed to lower the cost on housing. And the system works; financing a modular home, if you have been paying a mortgage on a traditional one, may give you a very pleasant surprise!

You can also find more info on Modular Home Mortgage and Modular Home Prices. 1modularhomes.com is a comprehensive resource to get information about Modular Homes.

Your Bathroom Remodeling Questions Answered

There seems to be a recent surge in the amount of home improvement shows. There are shows featuring first time home buyers, curbside appeal and even those focusing on remodeling. There is little doubt that the bathroom is one of the most important features of a house.

A small, outdated bathroom can mean the difference between comfort and torture or even losing money if you decide to sell your house. Many homeowners are circumventing these problems by remodeling their bathrooms.

Bathroom remodeling may be frustrating at times but the right design plan can be done affordably and leave you with a bathroom to be proud of. If you are ready to begin your own bathroom remodeling, this article is for you.

Can I remodel it myself?

This question depends on how knowledgeable you are about laying tile, painting, carpentry and plumbing. Yes it is possible to remodel a bathroom by yourself if you know what you are doing. If you do not and attempt it without learning how to do some of the more important steps you could be setting yourself up for a dollar disaster down the road.

It is very expensive hiring someone to fix your mistakes rather than hiring knowledgeable professionals in the beginning. Plus you have to think about how much free time you actually have to devote to such a big project. If you are just painting the walls and switching out hardware you can do it yourself. Larger remodeling project need someone with experience.

Do I need any special permits from the city?

Special permits are generally required if you are doing structural work or adding onto your property. This only applies within city limits. The best advice is to check your city's building codes and contact someone with the city.

If you hire a general contractor, he or she can advise you on whether or not permits need to be obtained. If you know you need a permit do not try to circumvent it. Having your bathroom project shut down or not up to code can put you at risk for fines and even higher insurance premiums.

Should I leave the hardwood floors in my bathroom or should I replace them with something else?

This is purely up to your aesthetic preferences. Water is definitely harder on hardwood floors but with proper care and sealant the floors can stay looking beautiful. Tile is more commonly found in newer homes. Home owners love the look and colors not to mention the durability. But there is something about a properly cared for hardwood floor that adds a bit of quaintness to a bathroom.

Does everything have to be purchased brand new?

No, of course you do not have to replace everything with new hardware, fixtures or even amenities. If you love your sunken bathtub and do not want to replace it with a newer one, keep it. It is your bathroom and ultimately your money.

You can also try finding sinks, toilets or even bathroom fixtures at flea markets or wholesale outlets. Another option is try a recycling group. Many online recycling groups have members offering up leftover building material or amenities.

Will an updated bathroom add value to my home?

An updated and modern bathroom adds immense appeal to any home's value. Most buyers look for a great bathroom as one of their main requirements. Think on it this way: the average person spends a great deal of their time in the bathroom for one reason or another. It makes sense for the space to be inviting and comfortable.

Visit Mike Selvon showers portal for more information on bathroom remodeling design, and leave a comment at our interior design blog. Don't forget to claim your FREE gift.

How To Accessorize One Of The Most Important Rooms In The House - The Bathroom

One of the most important rooms in a home is the bathroom. Ask any real estate agent, and they will let you know that a clean, well-decorated bathroom, with a peaceful atmosphere and bright cheerful colors will add thousands of dollars to the value of the home. The bathroom is, according to the real estate pros, of particular interest to the lady of the house. The bathroom is second in importance only to the kitchen when it comes to the homes value in the real-estate market. One of the easiest and most efficient ways to create a bathroom with the appropriate atmosphere and style is the appropriate use of bathroom accessories.

Your first and most important task in changing the look of your bathroom and increasing your homes value is choosing the right color scheme. The color of your walls sets the mood and can create the appearance of more space when you choose light colors. You will also want your bathroom accessories to compliment the wall color, so choose with care. These days a bathroom design can be done in almost any color theme and should compliment the other styles and colors in the home. With the advent of modern technology and the internet, you can shop from the comfort of your own home saving time and gas while viewing the offerings of a variety of retailers at the same time.

By far the most important of the bathroom accessories you will need to buy is the bathroom suite itself (this would encompass the sink, toilet, bathtub and possibly a bidet). You will want to choose a color that compliments the dcor of the room, especially the walls and the bathroom tiles. There are many colors to choose from including the traditional white or ivory as well as many pastel shades of pinks, yellows, blues and greens. If you like to change the look of the bathroom frequently, you may want to stick with the traditional colors. You will find many various types of integrated bathroom suites available in either traditiAB8onal or contemporary designs. The traditional choices range from designs of previous centuries, such as the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Modern designs might include different shower options such as waterfall, multiple heads and ionic technology.

Other important aspects of the bathroom are the faucets or taps. These basic and often overlooked, but completely essential bathroom accessories are available in numerous styles and colors. There are probably more than you can even imagine. Ranging from basic simple classic designs, to the elaborate or even more sleek modern designs, the choices available to the modern consumer is extensive. One important thing to determine is the finish you want. Most standard faucets come in a chrome or gold finish, and some of the more ornate ones have ceramic handles or even plastic characters or other themes.

Once you have decided on the overall dcor and color scheme and found the bathroom suite, faucets and handles you can begin to think about other things such as lighting fixtures, mirrors and bathroom accessories. You might consider adding a bidet for increased hygiene. Bidets are very common in Europe and Latin American countries. Some bidet designs are now even integrated into the toilet, and they are increasing in popularity in the United States. Towel bars or racks and bathroom cabinets are the other indispensable elements of the finished bathroom design. You can create a bathroom that provides a haven of peace, tranquility and relaxation with a well chosen color scheme and some thoughtfully selected bathroom accessories.

Gregg Hall is an author living with his beautiful wife and family in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about bathroom products as well as bathroom accessories online at http://www.exclusivebathroomaccessories.com

Sound Proofing A Must For Quite Atmosphere

If you subsist in an earsplitting city or a strident environment, you may be engrossed in sound proofing your home or office. There are many different ways of sound proofing your home or office. One inexpensive method of sound proofing is in the course of the use of sound proof paint. If you would like more information about sound proof paint, make somebody's day read on. A pioneering sound proof paint you may be paying attention in is called acoustic-coat. This sound proofing paint was created from technology developed by NASA. It is latex and water based. It contains within it u114Dnoccupied ceramic micro spheres, resin, and sound absorbing fillers. The amalgamation of ingredients allows this sound proofing paint to reduce noise by 30 percent. We understand that soundproofing problems are limited by accessibility and budget, so we offer a variety of soundproofing solutions to cater for these needs. Our soundproofing product assortment is multitalented enough to be adapted to your accident and guarantee you obtain the solution you need.

Sound Proof A Necessity:

Every now and then it is necessary to keep sounds gathered together. For example, a sound proof room would be superlative for a television or audio recording studio, as well as for an in-home office or corporate building. Professional contractors of land Renovations can build technologically advanced rooms that will allow sounds to stay in or keep voices and external noise out. Don't let highways and transportation barriers interrupt the imperative work you need to accomplish. We understand deadlines and create solutions to ensure you can meet them. Trust in a company that specializes in business and home sound proofing solutions that ensure a quiet environment. Eradicate noise pollution evolving both outside and inside from entering a desired section of your residence. Minimizing transportation activity and indoor hubbub, a sound proof room may be the answer to serenity and stillness. Hide away from unwanted distractions and relish in a jiffy of silence gained. Its proud to construct sound proofing walls that maintain and savor much needed quiet moments. You won't hear a sneak a look!

A soundproofing panel, characterized in that it comprises: at least two substantially plane opposite plates forming there between a closed internal space and an aggregate which comprises at least stout bodies in contact and which completely fills said internal space said stout bodies being able to slip, on the one hand, with respect to one another and, on the other hand, with respect to said plates in such a way as to dissipate part of the vibratory energy circulating around said soundproofing panel

Sound Proofing Kills Noise:

Noise is conceded by vibrations, either through the air or through the structure of the building. Referring to 'sound proofing' is a bit of a misnomer, it would prove very difficult to full sound proof a floor/ceiling, the best that can be reasonably expect is to reduce noise intrusion to an good enough level. To diminish noise, the vibrations must be isolated from the area. With floors/ceilings there are two options; either segregate the structure above the floorboards or below, each has its own advantages and disadvantage. Noise is quite simply uninvited sound. It is irritating and harmful primarily because of its intensity. At increased greatness sound energy becomes noise and physical as well as psychological harm can occur in humans when exposed to noise for periods of time depending upon the intensity. Physical harm to human beings is easily recognized and measured. Psychological harm even though difficult to measure can result in concentrated worker efficiency both in quality and quantity of work produced. Peacemaker is a sound blocker - Reduces sound from transmitting through walls, floors and ceilings. Peacemakers superior resilience will not pack together over time, decreasing results.

You can also find more info on soundproof door can and home soundproof. Homesoundproofinghelp.com is a comprehensive resource to know about Sound Proofing.

Ideas For Bathroom Sinks In Your Next Bathroom Remodeling Project

A bathroom remodeling project is often defined by the scale of the changes that you want to make. If the remodeling involves an extension or changing the layout of the existing fixtures then it is quite a large project. This requires a plan, a budget and possibly the hiring of subcontractors to do some of the work. However many bathroom remodeling projects are merely a touch up of the existing layout. This might mean repainting or tiling the walls, replacing the flooring or updating some of the fixtures. An easy way to update your bathroom is to change the sink. This is generally a cheap project and quite easy to do yourself. This article will discuss some of the bathroom sinks that you may want to consider.

There are two basic designs of bathroom sink fixtures. There is the vanity and pedestal sink arrangement.

The vanity sink is simply a sink on top of a vanity unit. The vanity unit is the most obvious thing about the fixture that you can inject a bit of your personality into or help to create a theme in your bathroom. There are many different styles to choose from but ultimately it comes down to what you like. The unit has two purposes. The first is to store stuff in. If you have aA84 need for lots of storage space in your bathroom then this might influence your choice of vanity unit. The second purpose is to hide pipes that connect the sink to the water supply. The piping is relatively unobtrusive but some people prefer not to see it.

A pedestal sink is the exact opposite of a vanity sink, in that it does show the piping. It simply attaches to the wall with a bracket or two. All the plumbing behind the sink is exposed. This is probably the easiest sink to install as there is very little to do. Simply turn the water of and remove the old sink. Add the brackets if needed and then attach the sink. Connect the pipes and the sink is ready to go. Pedestal sinks are also used in small bathrooms where there is not much space for vanity units or other storage units.

Another thing to consider with your new sink is the shape of the sink. The standard and most common sense shape is oval or even bowl shaped. However, if you want a original look to your bathroom you can get any shape you want. Square sinks are popular if you want it to stand out.

Finally, another consideration is the material that the sink is made from. Most sinks are made of porcelain. It is noted for it's durability and that it does not stain. Other materials that could be used include pottery and glass. Both these materials can bring unique styles or themes to your bathroom.

If you want to breathe new life into your home or are simply looking for a bit of inspiration then visit http://www.finehomeideas.com . The site gives tips and advice for home renovation and interior design, including selecting bathroom sinks and tips for laying bathroom tiles. Adrian Whittle writes about ideas to make your home special.

Prices for Do It Yourself Sunroom Kits

Once upon a time, if you wanted to build a sunroom onto your home, you would have to hire and pay a contractor to do it for you. But with the introduction of sunroom kits, that is no longer necessary. You can order a do it yourself sunroom kit from any number of sunroom manufacturing companies, who will then ship to you the elements that are necessary to put the room together. The idea behind sunroom kits is that you should be able to save money on getting your sunroom installed by putting it together yourself. Not only are you providing the labor, but you are also cutting out the middle man in the process of building your sunroom. This allows you to save money on the materials as well. Plus, depending on the do it yourself sunroom kit that you choose, you can also save money on future energy and maintenance costs.

First, understand that the price of a do it yourself sunroom kit will vary depending on your homes particular situation. For example, if you are choosing to build a small, aluminum sunroom on top of an existing deck or cement slab, it will be much less expensive than building a block foundation sunroom with more windows and wood framing. If you have an existing deck or slab, then it makes sense to choose that location for the sunroom because it is already properly graded and prepared. In that case, you can measure the deck or slab and get the proper measurements for ordering your kit. But if you dont have a slab or deck already, then you will need to decide on the proper location for your sunroom. You will also need to grade and prepare the area before you can begin construction. This obviously changes the amount of work that you will be requiring of yourself when installing your do it yourself sunroom kit. Of course, you could always hire a contractor to put in the slab for a block foundation sunroom, and then build the rest of it yourself.

Choosing the Type of Do It Yourself Sunroom Kit

When you are ordering a sunroom kit, realize that it is usually designed for a sunroom that is not going to be connected to your HVAC system. If you want your sunroom to be heated or cooled by your existing system, then that is likely not a project you will want to take on with your do it yourself sunroom kit. Otherwise, youll be relying on fans and portable heaters or coolers to keep your sunroom comfortable. Depending on the climate where you live, this may be just fine for you.

Getting a Quote for Your Sunroom

Companies that provide do it yourself sunroom kits have a number of standard sizes and types that they are ready to provide for you. These are the least expensive options because they are able to mass produce them and package them at a savings to them, which they will then pass on to you. However, that doesnt mean that you cant find the right kit for you and the design that you have in mind. If you find that the standard kits you can find dont fit the sunroom that you are looking to create, then you can certainly get a custom kit created, but you need to realize that it will cost more to do so. In order to get a quote for the sunroom kit you want to order, you will have to provide them with the measurements that you have selected for the design. This doesnt just include the dimensions of the sunroom itself; it also includes knowing how many windows you will have and where they will be placed. You will then also have to choose the materials that you want the sunroom to be built from, and the types of windows that you want. Will they all be stationary or will they be movable? What kind of glaze will they have on them? If this seems like its an overwhelming number of decisions to be made, dont worry; you can get a great deal of help from the sunroom manufacturers themselves. Many of them have online design pages that will walk you through all of the choices you will need to make for your custom sunroom kit. The final kit, based on the design that you created, will be shipped to your home and will include customized installation plans as well.

Possible Problems With Do It Yourself Sunroom Kits

Probably the most common problem with a do it yourself sunroom kit is that the person who ordered it is simply not prepared for the type and amount of work that is involved. If you are not absolutely certain that you have the time and know-how to install the kit, you should think twice before attempting it. Also, remember that if you are doing the installation yourself, the work is not going to be covered by a guarantee of some kind. The materials will be, but the actual construction itself will not be. Plus, if you do make an error, any damages to your home may not be covered. In fact, it is a good idea to check with your homeowners insurance policy before deciding to install your own sunroom so that you know whether or not you are covered for accidents that damage your home or cause injury to yourself or others. Otherwise your savings could quickly become extremely costly if you have an accident.

Andrew Caxton is a journalist who has written more articles and newsletters about the same subject. You can keep reading about sunroom prices, sunrooms cost or patio rooms topics in general at his website http://www.allsunrooms.com.

Kitchen Renovation Tips to Help You Save Money

Not that many people know how to use a power tool or even a paintbrush, even although some people pretend to know! The easiest tip when renovating your kitchen is to hire someone else to do the job for you! Even if you have experience doing DIY projects you may lack the time required to complete such a demanding project. If you do have enough time and knowledge then there are still some important tips you should consider in order to save time and money.

The very first tip for anyone planning to renovate your home is to plan how your kitchen will look. You should draw out a plan of your room and then plan where you want everything to go. If you're not much of a drawer then you can purchase a number of computer software that will allow you to prepare your kitchen. Computer programs are a great way to see how your kitchen will look when it's completed.

To discover some interesting ideas how to make your kitchen easier to use there are a number of sites on the internet that can offer advice. These websites offer lots of photos that show completed kitchen designs. These sites can provide a wealth of information to help you get your kitchen completed without the stress of not knowing what to do!

Don't Forget To Remodel The Details

You can apply some new paint in order to brighten your kitchen, but there are a few extra things that you should do in order to complete the look. If you are repainting your cabinets then you should defiantly replace the knobs and drawer handles. These are quite cheap and can give your kitchen a completely new look.

Few people bother to replace the electric sockets, but it really is a shame. Once you have repainted your wall old sockets will stand out like a sore thumb, you need to replace these in order to make everything look brand new. Electric sockets are available in a number of different colors, but I would avoid painting them where possible.

If you decide to paint the walls and ceiling of your kitchen then it's a good idea not to paint them both the same color. If you paint the ceiling the same color as the walls it can make your room feel very low and small. A good color for a ceiling is always white, however if you don't want to use white a slightly lighter shade of the color you're using on the walls should be fine.

Before you start doing any of your work and choosing which items you want to use you should first work out how much you can afford to spend on the complete project. Then work out an individual budget for each section. It's a good idea to set this budget in stone and don't deviate from it.

Linden Walhard's publications can be encountered on quite some online publications with information about home repair and decorating. You can come across his publications on how to install granite c285ountertops at http://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com

Is a Precast Concrete Wall The Best Option For Noise Reduction

There is an increasing demand for reducing noise within internal areas such as restaurants, homes and office buildings. Believe it or not, the kinds of material you use can have a relatively high impact on whether or not noise is deterred. One of the building type of materials that is subject to many differing opinions is that of precast concrete.

There are many reports that we will be covering in our new concrete fence wall blog that have shown that any kind of concrete simply echoes the noise and can potentially increase it. However, there has been recent research that has shown that precast concrete whether as an indoor fence or outdoor wall provides the highest sound transmission loss value when compared to other noise wall products. This research has shown that the noise reduction from these barriers requires a considerably smaller footprint compared with earth beams.

One feature of precast concrete is that it can be manufactured and inspected prior to installation, which can reduce yours or a contractor's construction timeline. You will find an extensive selection of textures and finishes with precast concrete and16D0 because it is produced in a controlled environment, it is constructed with a high quality and uniformity.

There is virtually an endless amount of aesthetic options that come with precast concrete, which can be beneficial for a noise reduction. This allows you to design and style up the walls that you plan on placing noise barriers in. You will find that many buildings and offices take advantage of this opportunity to capture a theme across the rooms.

The reason it is capable of adjusting so easily to different construction situations is because precast concrete barriers have a low water-to-cement ratio. By utilizing this low ratio, higher strengths and lower permeability can be achieved. With air voids within the concrete, there is more opportunity for freezing water to expand. In essence, this minimizes the potential for scaling and deterioration of the concrete.

When researching offline, you will find contradicting discussions over whether or not precast concrete is the optimal material to use for noise reduction. There have been considerable arguments for both cases, but it is hard to go against the research stated above. It is up to you to draw your own conclusion whether or not precast concrete is the superior choice for noise reduction, and doing further research can better support your decision.

Artisan Precast, Inc., the innovation and customer-care leader in concrete fence walls and high quality fences and installation services to assure the efficient execution of your landscape project. Since 1982, tehirr brands- Woodcrete, Brickcrete, Fencestone, Cedarcrete and Woodcrete Rail,- have become widely accepted by architects, landscape designers, engineers, residential, commercial and industrial developers, utility companies, government agencies, and others in the construction industry.

How to Resolve an Issue with Your Home Renovation Contractor

We all dream of the perfect home renovation project-one where everything goes just the way we envisioned it! An excellent contractor is hired who is reliable, does quality work, cleans up on a daily basis, stays within or under budget, starts and finishes the project on schedule, and most importantly communicates with you-without you having to beg for answers. This CAN happen but in the real world of home renovations unexpected things are more common than we realize.

Researching and selecting the best possible contractor to do your project goes a long way toward avoiding problems that may develop during a renovation project. You may still find yourself dealing with issues that you could not have envisioned happening. If an issue does develop and you have a "gut" feeling that a disagreement with your contractor is forthcoming, start documenting everything on a timeline for future reference, if needed.

Here are some typical issues that may arise and what to do about them:

Issue: Your contractor starts late and/or leaves very early each day

What to do: It can be very frustrating when your home renovation drags on for no reason. If your contract specifies start and stop times point these out to the contractor. If there are no specific start and stop times noted in the contract or these times need to be adjusted, work out another schedule with the contractor in writing-you both need to sign off on this change.

Issue: Your contractor fails to clean the work area at the end of the day

What to do: If your home is left a mess at the end of each workday it is an accident waiting to happen. Often times this is something that the homeowner assumes will happen. If your contract doesn't include provisions for daily cleaning, discuss the issue with your contractor. Once again, get it in writing that this will get done.

Issue: Work crews are using and leaving your bathroom messy

What to do: Work crews need bathrooms. Talk to your contractor. Consider having a portable toilet installed outside on your property for the crew to use. This is another issue that can be addressed in the contract before the work starts.

Issue: Your project is costing more than you planned on and agreed to

What to do: Good contractors will see this problem developing and approach you. This issue can be avoided by scheduling a weekly meeting to discuss progress and other concerns. Any changes by either party need to be in writing and signed by both.

Issue: Your contractor starts charging you for changes that YOU have requested

What to do: This is only fair. Plan your project well to avoid expensive and time-consuming changes. This should be addressed with a change order form.

Issue: You start changing some of the materials that YOU originally asked for

What to do: Any change in materials constitutes a change order, which can dramatically increase the cost of your project and cause delays. Discuss your options with your contractor as soon as possible.

Issue: Your contractors' workmanship does not meet your standards

What to do: Discuss this problem immediately with your contractor. Point out visible problems and insist they be fixed BEFORE the project continues. If poor quality work continues you may have the right to withhold further payments or take even consider legal action. Is homeowner quality control noted in your contract?

Issue: Your contractor stops showing up to do your project

What to do: Immediately contact your contractor! ALWAYS get a contractor's home telephone, cell phone, and pager number BEFORE you sign a contract. If you have an email address send one to your contractor and make a hard copy also. You may have grounds to take legal action if the situation continues.

Issue: Your contractor threatens to place a lien on your property

What to do: Unresolved liens can cause problems for the homeowner. This situation normally begins if the contractor feels like he has been taken advantage of by the homeowner. Avoid this from happening by including a lien release in your contract, and communicate with your contractor on a daily basis.

Monitoring Your Home Project

Short and Sweet...do not ever feel that you are being a pest if something doesn't seem right to you. It's your home and YOU are the boss! Monitoring your project is all about communication and good contractors will listen. Be sure you express your concerns directly with the project manager or company owner...it is a waste of time to vent to the workers. If something doesn't seem right or makes you uncomfortable discuss the situation immediately with your contractor...there may be a reason for it!

Paul Lawrence has owned and operated Home Project Partners, a free Maine-44Cbased contractor referral service, since 2002. He helps bring homeowners together with reliable, quality-conscious, pre-screened home contractors skilled in numerous trades.

For more information contact Paul at info@HomeProjectPartners.com or visit online at http://www.HomeProjectPartners.com

Bathroom Ideas

Are you looking for simple bathroom ideas that can make a big difference when it comes to appearance? Creating a newer looking bathroom does not have to involve replacing a b1C84athtub or shower. Consider the following list of bathroom ideas to spruce up the style of your bathroom.

Replace old, outdated light fixtures. Add a new bath bar light above an existing mirror or change out an outdated flush mount for a small elegant chandelier.

Replace scratched or worn vanity mirrors. This is one of the great, relatively inexpensive bathroom ideas that can give your entire vanity area a new look. If youre not up to replacing the mirror, consider adding trim around the mirror that covers the worn areas that usually appear on the corners and sides.

Get new hardware for your bathroom cabinets. Replace outdated knobs and handles with more modern looking ones in an effort to spruce up your vanity.

Remove old tarnished faucets and handles and add newer, more modern looking ones. Do this for sink, shower or bathtubs faucets. This bathroom idea does require some plumbing work and can be more expensive than the other bathroom ideas mentioned, but the new look is well worth the time and money.

Consider a new floor. This can get expensive as well, but with some shopping around for the best prices and self-installation, the prices can be cut tremendously. Today, there are a variety of floor choices for bathroom flooring, and there is sure to be one that fits your remodeling budget.

Remember, you can create a newer looking bathroom without replacing major fixtures. With some creativity and guidance with the above bathroom ideas, you can enhance the look of your bathroom.

If you have enjoyed this article and would like to find more tips and ideas for creating the perfect bathroom for your home including information about steam showers, claw foot tubs, walk in bathtubs, and more, visit http://www.bathtub-depot.com, to get all the facts and info today.

Chemical Knowledge

While the vast majority of individuals, think about home construction projects in the contest of bricks and lumber. Most projects involve the use of many products that contain chemicals.

There are two very important considerations when it comes to chemicals in products used for construction. The first concern is the general safety issues that are associated with the use and storage of the products and the second is the concern about chemicals that could have longer negative affects on individuals who suffer from allergies and asthma or have other respiratory problems.

Although common sense may tell us to never mix products that have chemical bases, it happens every day. The most common occurrence of product mixing is with cleaning products. Many cleaning products are chlorine based while just as many are ammonia based. Both are excellent cleaning agents and while it is of the utmost importance that care be taken when using products with either of these base chemicals safety goggles and rubber gloves as they are toxic unto themselves. Mixing them produces chlorine gas, which is deadly. Mixing chemicals does not always occur by pouring one liquid into another, it can occur by accident or without thought spilling chemicals on a floor or using one chemical after another are common events. Another common error is to use the same sponge or rag with two different cleaning products. Pouring chemicals down a drain, one after the other will allow the chemicals to mix in the drain trap.

It is almost impossible to undertake a home renovation or home improvement project without the use of a chemically based product. All glues, adhesives, mortar, cement, thin set, caulking, paints, polyurethanes, lacquer, and strippers are based on some chemical composition.

All chemically based products should be treated with a great deal of respect and caution.

Always read and follow the manufacturers instructions believe it or not, the manufacturer does know the safest and best way to use and store their product. It is also wise to read and make a note of the health notification on the product. In many cases, once the product is being used the instructions and health information that is on the label is obliterated to a point where it can no longer be read.

Families that have allergies or respiratory problems should be careful about what chemicals may have been used in the manufacture of finished products. Items such as carpets and rugs use adhesives to bond the backing to the fibers556. Laminate flooring is the bonding of paper and wood chips under compression using adhesive. The same manufacturing techniques are used to create sheets of plywood, chip, and particleboard, including engineered hardwood. Foam insulation and underlayments, nylon and rayon are all products derived from petroleum. All of the aforementioned products may release small quantities of chemicals into the air throughout their life.

If you are concerned about any product, contact the manufacturer and ask for information on the chemicals used in manufacturer.

For additional information on home improvement and renovation projects, visit Renovation Headquarters

Molds Can Add Value To Home

Uses of Wood Molding

While wood molding isn't necessarily a part of the home that is critical to structural strength or everyday living, the proper use of molding in the home can add a lot in appearance and in home value. Some have counted as many as ten excellent uses for molds and molding. With some planning and a bit of creativity, wood molding can make a home unique and quite attractive to family members and visitors.

In addition, if there comes a time to sell the home, like choosin5B4g the right type of fabric for drapery, the additional beauty of nice molding can add to the value. Some real estate professionals notice the good use of wood moldings and are aware that potential home buyers notice this too. The "icing" on the cake, molding may even be the last detail that convinces a buyer to make the choice.

Wood molding is one key way to create a certain look in the home, primarily because molding comes in so many different styles. Individuals can express themselves by choosing certain types of molding and selectively placing it. One major benefit of wood molding is that proper use can actually reduce the cost and time spent finishing walls. Many have found that it is much less expensive to finish a project with wood molding than to use other products available from hardware and home supply stores.

Door trim is a primary use for wood molding and fortunately this type of molding comes in a variety of trim styles. For walls and corners, the molding can meet with mitred corners or meet with simple squares of wood placed strategically in the corner.

Baseboard is a specific type of molding that must be durable and must be finished properly to stand up to everyday use. Baseboards are meant to protect walls, and wood molding is the best material for this. Wood is, in reality, more durable than some of the synthetic materials offered for the same purpose. Cleaning a properly finished baseboard is 5B4easy.

Window casings can also be included in the category of moldings, because windows and doors both need attractive framing to cover seams and provide a nice look to the edges. Window casing corners are generally mitred, though some have used round or square pieces for a unique corner look.

Chair rails are not usually thought of as moldings, in the traditional sense. But his specific type of trim is also a protective item, with a function similar to baseboard. Frequently used dining areas will benefit from durable and attractive chair rails. Walls will be protected, reducing cleaning and the need for repainting or remodeling.

Crown molding is beautiful and very specific use for molding material. This molding is the "crown" for the room, placed at the top of the wall next to the ceiling. Finishing walls and ceilings will be much less stressful with the use of crown molding.

A few other uses for molding and trim material are: stairway handrails and trim that runs parallel to handrails; base shoe - to help with the seam between the floor and the baseboard; fireplaces offer great opportunities for use of wood molding and decorative trim.

Wood molding can be used in almost every room, for many, many uses, to add longevity, increase value and enhance appearance.

The writer Jack Blacksmith is v325ery interested in things associated with drapery and waverly drapery fabric. Working on his publications on drapery and drapery fabric the reviewer improved his depth of understanding in the area.

How To Find The Right Bed And Bath Accessories For You And Your Home

Nobody can refuse coming home and not getting into their comfy bed or bath. Everyone already knows that the bed and bath areas of your home are the main areas in your house where you will spend a lot of time after a long day of work. Any person that has had a long busy day knows what it feels like to just come home and sit in their comfy bed and relax. There isn't a better way to relax then coming home and having bed and bath accessories ready to use.

Bed and bath accessories are a need after a long day of work it's just nice to be able to come home and know that you have a nice bed and bath to relax in on top of having all those needy accessories. You can make your bed and bath extra attractive and comfortable after adding some accessories to both. This doesn't mean going out and buying the most expensive accessories I am just saying you should be able to put some nice accessories into the bed and bath areas of your home. You only need to buy the things that will add comfort to the areas of the bed and bath as you don't need to make it so much glamorous.

If you are going to be looking for new bed and bath accessories then you can find most of all the things you need to make it the way you want it online. All you need to do is go to Google and type in bed and bath accessories and you should see a ton of results that will give you some wonderful ideas. All these websites will show you what you are looking for bed sheets, comforters, pillow shams, just what ever you need these websites will have no doubt. All bed and bath accessories will come in many different sizes and colors so you can pick from whichever you want. So if you like bright colors then you might want to fill the room with a bright theme or maybe you just want it to be mellow then you might just want to fill it with a color of your choice whatever you want to do and add to your bed and bath you can find on any of these websites.

Whatever you want or need you can most likely find any time on these websites. Nobody can tell you what to buy or what you need you can pick and choose from whatever you want and make the bed and bath that you always wanted and needed. Just go looking online or just go out and look in some stores you are going to find what you want no matter which bed and bath places you choose to go to. Even though going shopping in the mall or linen stores may be more costly you can get them then instead of having to order them and wait for them to come in the mail.

Gregg Hall is an author living with his 18 year old son in Jensen Beach, Florida. Find more about home improvement as well as bathroom accessories at http://www.exclusivebathroomaccessories.com

Closet Organizer Systems Helping To Create Clutter Free Closets For You

In order for people to make the most of what little time they have each day, keeping themselves organized has got to be the number one priority. To be able to find things when needed and not waste precious time scrabbling around the house trying to find them, you must realise that organizing what is hidden from the eyes of visitors to your home is just as important as keeping tidy those areas of the house that are on view to the general public. It's inevitable that, over the years, people are going to accumulate a lot of things, and, undoubtedly, these are items that are going to be needed to be stored. But stored where? In our closets, of course, and this will explain why there is such a vast range of closet organizer systems available on the market today.

Unfortunately, because there are so many options to choose from when it comes to deciding which of the closet organizer systems will best suit our needs, it's difficult to know exactly where to begin. Well, if you think about it, logically, the best place to start is with the closet itself. Closet organization needn't be the arduous chore that many people think it will be. It could be as simple as throwing out things that really are no longer needed to free up space.

There will be times though, when simply throwing stuff out just won't be an option. If it has come to the stage where closet space really is at a premium, then the time has come for a complete closet redesign. In order to be able to maximize the use of what space is available and store your stuff in a more organized manner, you are now going to have to make a choice of which of the closet organizer systems available would really suit your needs.

One thing for you to bear in mind. Many of the closet organizer systems on the market not only serve a functional purpose, but, if you choose systems from the higher price end of the market, are also quite highly decorative. So, that cluttered space you had hidden from the eyes of your friends and neighbors, can now be systematically organized and help to m597ake that closet something that you can now truly be proud to show off.

To keep things simple, a lot of people opt for the Closet Maid systems. There are, however, a whole lot more to choose from and each of the different systems available offer there own unique style or variety of colors and designs. Some of these closet organizers even allow you to mix and match, enabling you the make the most of the space you have available. When it comes to having the closet of your dreams with everything neatly tucked away, the only thing between you and one of those closet organizer systems, is the amount in your budget and your own imagination.

Closet organizer systems don't have to be expensive or complicated to achieve that clutter free closet you've always desired. If it's a wide range of information about closets you need then visit http://www.closetorganizersystems.net TODAY.

Patio Heater

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hydrogen Gas Saver

If you are trying to figure out a way to save money on gas, then you are not alone. Of course, there are many types of routine maintenance things that you can do to your car to help get more gas mileage out of it. These maintenance practices include spark plug maintenance, proper oil grade choices, and being sure to maintain proper air pressure in your tires. And although all of this helps, there are still other solutions, like installing a hydrogen gas saver, that can improve and reduce your gas consumption even further.

A hydrogen gas saver is also known as a hydrogen generator gas saver. It works by making hydrogen and oxygen gas - also known as Brown's Gas, or HHO - by using your car's electrical system, a bit of baking soda and some distilled water. Only one gallon of distilled water is said to produce almost 2,000 gallons of fuel for your car.

These generators are actually able to be installed by you. So, you don' t have to pay costly installation fees. If you purchase a hydrogen gas saver, it should include detailed instructions to help ensure your succes169Cs. Once installed, it is like you have the results of making your car a hybrid, but for far less than the cost of actually purchasing a brand new hybrid car.

Another benefit of the hydrogen gas saver is that it should help limit fuel emissions from your car. Your engine should also be more efficient. So, besides giving anywhere from 20 - 70 percent better fuel economy, you get improved performance out of your car, including taking the compression knock out of your high compression engine.

So, if you really are trying to figure out how to save money on gas, you just may want to consider purchasing a hydrogen gas saver. If you are already taking care of your car so that it can be fuel efficient, but still want to do more,then this might get the job done that you are looking for.

To learn more about the other benefits and a review on a few hydrogen gas saver guides on making one yourself which will cost below $150, come to my website at http://www.usewaterasfuel.info
Build one of this hydrogen gas saver systems now so you can start saving on your refueling cost! Its just a couple of bucks and the items are easily bought! Get one of this guide on how to make one now at http://www.usewaterasfuel.info and make life with your car or truck easier!

Remodel Your Kitchen or Bathroom For The Best ROI!

Trying to decide which home improvement project to tackle next? To start you must decide if you are remodeling to improve an area of your home that is in need of some TLC or if you are remodeling to maximize your Return On Investment (ROI). If a specific area in your home needs TLC then your decision is straight forward. However, if all areas of your home are in decent shape and you are looking to maximize your investment in your home then your decision is a little easier.

To get the greatest return on your money, without adding additional square footage to your home, you should consider remodeling your kitchen. On average a Kitchen Remodel will yield an ROI of 80-100%! This is an amazing rate of return on any investment, but the added bonus is that as a homeowner you get to enjoy the benefits of your Kitchen Remodel until you sell your home.

Another room to consider remodeling to maximize your return on investment is your bathroom. As a side note, if you live in a home with more than two bedrooms and only one bathroom you might want to find a way to add an additional full or half bath somewhere in your home. This will dramatically increase the resale of your home. If that is not an option or you already have enough bathrooms for your home consider remodeling your current bathroom. On average bathroom remodels yield an ROI of 80-90%.

One of the5B0 main reasons both the Kitchen and Bathroom have such a high rate of return is that most buying decisions (including home buying) are based on emotion. When homebuyers walk into a home that has a run down kitchen or bathroom all they think of is the time, money, and headaches they will need to invest to get the room up to their standards. On the flip side when homebuyers walk into a home that has a fresh updated kitchen it can get them very excited. They know they wont have to lift a finger in this room to improve it, thus they can afford to spend a little more on the purchase price of the home knowing that the kitchen is already in great shape. The same principle applies to the bathroom.

You might ask yourself why all projects dont adhere to this same principle. The answer is even though it is a sound investment to replace you roof, siding, or windows the reality is all homebuyers assume that these will be present and in decent condition. There is limited emotional value in having a new roof so homebuyers dont get too excited about it either way. The return on investment for these projects ranges from 40-50%.

So if you want to increase the resale value of your home consider remodeling your kitchen or bathroom. After all, you may live in your home but dont forget, if you are like most homeowners, your home is also your largest investment. Be a savvy homeowner and treat your home as an investment.

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This article was written by Gregg Hicks of http://www.reliableremodeler.com which provides Internet-based home improvement information and services. Offering homeowners a simple, quick, and free way to access, qualified home improvement remodeling contractors.

Kitchen Installation Things To Consider

There is a big choice of kitchen flooring options to choose from: bamboo floor, walnut floor, birch floor, oak floor. For comfortable kitchen floor installation you may choose engineered wood or solid wood.

Such floors are durable and the hardwood floors are more resistant to weather and stains, which will make them perfect for the new kitchen floor installation.

Laminate, though sometimes looks like wood, in fact is a synthetic material. Laminate flooring is more water resistant than natural wood. But the main advantages are that this flooring is very easy to install and the material is relatively inexpensive compared to real hardwood flooring.

Ceramic tile is also a good material for a kitchen flooring, it's hygienic and easy to clean. But it has also a disadvantage: with time the surface may get covered with small cracks as it is not the strongest material.

Walls decoration.
The most common materials for the kitchen walls are tiles, wallpaper and paint. Paint is the cheapest and fastest way to renovate a kitchen, wallpaper is more expensive, but can give just a little more character with its large variety of patterns. Wallpaper requires special attention. The first hit of any kitchen accident - fat splashes or steam from a boiling kettle - comes to the wall paper. The optimal solution here is vinyl and washable wallpaper that can endure wet cleaning. Choosing wallpapers and paints for your kitchen walls decoration, make sure the materials are made especially for kitchen use as these will be more resistant against humidity and will be easy to clean.

Ceiling options.
And finally, the top is the ceiling. Naturally it should be easy to clean and waterproof. The suspended ceiling of tiles and rails is assembled quickly and easily, it allows hiding the communications and setting up the spot lights. Though, the room will lose 7-10 cm in height.

Another version of the suspended ceiling is plasterboard. It requires a little more effort: after the sheets are installed, they must be plastered and painted. But this material perfectly traps sounds and allows creating any multi-level decor, as well as allows a necessary space for spotlights installation.

Kitchen furniture is also an important component of comfort. Not only the looks of the kitchen cabinets but the material they are made of are of great significance. The frame is usually made of DF, and "face" of more practical - humidity-reC76sistant and easy to clean materials. Though it can be the same DF, only covered with melamine or laminate.

A range of kitchen worktops.
The material for a kitchen worktop is even more important, because this is where we cut, mince and chop up. A kitchen worktop could be cleaned with a damp sponge hundred times a day. The more practical it is, the more pleasant it is to create culinary masterpieces on it. Keeping your kitchen clean is essential to keep food safe. Otherwise bacteria can grow and spread. The range of styles, colours and materials is vast: traditional materials as granite, hardwood up to modern materials like stainless steel, glass, corian etc.

It is possible to mix and match worktop materials e.g. put granite where you are likely to be preparing food and setting down very hot pans and then laminate or wood for the rest. Very practical are kitchen worktops made of artificial stones. These look like natural ones and are extremely robust. Regardless its synthetic origin, it's quite an ecologically safe material.

And finally, think again if all the drawers, shelves and kitchen appliances are placed comfortably. It's known, that if the furniture and appliances, worktops are placed irrationally, food preparation, cooking and serving could take a few extra kilometers around the kitchen every day. If everything is in the right place, you can save up to 60% of way and 30% of time. A kitchen could be divided in three "work areas" - preparation, cooking and washing-up. Each area should include all the appliances required as well as a suitable sized work space around it.

Country style, hi-tech, classic - the style of your kitchen may vary. Practical, ecologically safe and durable materials, fresh air, in short, the climate in the kitchen multiplied by your creative approach and ability to create comfort will help you to build up an ideal kitchen. It's much easier to complete it than it may seem at first. Today you have all facilities to settle beauty and functionality in accord under the same roof.

Arthur Prudent is a developer of London builders: bathroom, kitchen renovation - web site offering all aspects of builders services. Kitchen installation: things to consider. Part two

All About European Bathroom Vanities

One of the good things about European bathroom vanities is that they can be placed in traditional, classical and even modern designs. Since it is highly detailed and elegant, the vanity instantly draws attention to itself as the bathroom's main attraction. European vanities come in various colors, shapes and styles so here are some tips to help you find the right one.

The Old-Fashioned Route

Traditional European bathroom5B4 vanities use a lot of hardwood or are wholly made of it. The most popular woods are Cherry, Oak, Walnut and Redwood. A polished or rustic wood vanity is very effective in providing a European aura. These also create a nice contrast with the mirror and bathroom tiles. It is recommended to give a lot of light to bring out the luster and color of hardwood. You may choose the best color that compliments the area.

Classic European bathroom vanities may either be made of pure dark wood or have several components featuring an overall elegant and rich style. The vanity tries to convey and imitate the classy style of marble through cherry or mahogany. Antique accessories and parts like knobs, pulls and mild accents are perfect for the dark hues. Brass or gold color faucets look great as well creating a very symmetrical and stylish effect.

Modern Europe

Modern European bathroom vanities invest a lot in stone, glass, stainless steel and metal. The luster and brightness of these materials create a contemporary and neat appearance in the room. Colors may also vary widely but most prefer light hues matched with solid black or gray. The mix of dark and light colors in the vanity provides a very sleek and modern feel. Surfaces and doors are very smooth and some may even come without any knobs, pulls or handles.

Mirrors in modern style vanities can come in various shapes and may also be larger in size since these aim to make roo553ms seem bigger. Faucets are almost always made of stainless steel for a hi-tech look. The top is usually stone like marble in solid black or dark brown. The drawers will then have to be white or light beige for a striking contrast. Space is very important in modern vanity designs so cabinets may range up to 48 inches with 6-inch increments. Accessories and other bathroom items are also recommended to be stored in cabinets for a clean look. As much as possible, the surface and surroundings should be free of any item or clutter.

For tips on choosing bathroom vanities, visit http://www.bathroomvanities101.com

What is Siding?

This article talks in brief about all the types of Sidings available in the market. It tells you the advantages and disadvantages of each of the Sidings. Siding is the outer covering of a house meant to shed water and protect from the effects of weather.

It may comprise horizontal boards, vertical boards, shingles, or sheet materials. In all four cases, avoiding wind and rain infiltration through the joints is a major challenge, met by overlapping, by covering or sealing the joint, or by creating an interlock1C4Ding joint such as a tongue-and-groove or rabbet. Since building materials expand and contract with changing temperature and humidity, it is not practical to make rigid joints between the elements.

Siding - Option's Today

This serves a very important role in home building simply for the fact that it does not only serve a decorative purpose but it protects the sheathing from the wear and tear of extreme climates

Something that is not talked about too often is the building paper. This is an essential part of siding. After one decides what kind of siding one wants, one will always have to buy building paper, which is black in color. It is the base of the covering. It is this layer onto which the siding material is attached too. Since it is behind the actual visible layer, it is left out sometimes, but nevertheless, it is an integral part of any siding project

Different Types of Sidings

Siding may be made of wood, metal, plastic, or composite materials. It may be attached directly to the building structure (studs in the case of wood construction), or to an intermediate layer of horizontal planks called sheathing.

Some of the siding materials are made out of:

Wood

Here, wood is placed in overlapping horizontal rows or "courses", called clapboard. In colonial times, Eastern white pine was the most common material. Wood siding can also be made of unpainted weather-resistant woods such as redwood. Jointed horizontal siding may be shiplapped.

Plastic

Wood clapboard is often imitated using vinyl. It is usually produced in units twice as high as clapboard. Plastic imitations of wood shingle and wood shakes also exist. Vinyl or plastic siding has grown in popularity due to the generally low maintenance and low cost appeal it offers.

Metal

Utilitarian buildings often use corrugated galvanized steel sheet siding. Formerly, imitation wood clapboard was made of aluminum: 'aluminum siding'.

Composite materials

Various composite materials are also used for this purpose for instance, asphalt, asbestos, fiber cement, aluminum (ACM) etc. They may be in the form of shingles or boards, in which case they are sometimes called clapboard.

The main function of siding is protection, from extreme weather or from excess water. It protects the house from these agents. Because this adds an aesthetic appeal to the house one lives in, there are many researchers today who are trying to study and develop new forms of siding which will provide a lot of security to the house, without compromising on the aesthetic appeal.

You can also find more info on house siding types and buy vinyl siding. Homesidingreview.com is a comprehensive resource to know more about home siding review.

What is Siding?

This article talks in brief about all the types of Sidings available in the market. It tells you the advantages and disadvantages of each of the Sidings. Siding is the outer covering of a house meant to shed water and protect from the effects of weather.

It may comprise horizontal boards, vertical boards, shingles, or sheet materials. In all four cases, avoiding wind and rain infiltration through the joints is a major challenge, met by overlapping, by covering or sealing the joint, or by creating an interlock1C4Ding joint such as a tongue-and-groove or rabbet. Since building materials expand and contract with changing temperature and humidity, it is not practical to make rigid joints between the elements.

Siding - Option's Today

This serves a very important role in home building simply for the fact that it does not only serve a decorative purpose but it protects the sheathing from the wear and tear of extreme climates

Something that is not talked about too often is the building paper. This is an essential part of siding. After one decides what kind of siding one wants, one will always have to buy building paper, which is black in color. It is the base of the covering. It is this layer onto which the siding material is attached too. Since it is behind the actual visible layer, it is left out sometimes, but nevertheless, it is an integral part of any siding project

Different Types of Sidings

Siding may be made of wood, metal, plastic, or composite materials. It may be attached directly to the building structure (studs in the case of wood construction), or to an intermediate layer of horizontal planks called sheathing.

Some of the siding materials are made out of:

Wood

Here, wood is placed in overlapping horizontal rows or "courses", called clapboard. In colonial times, Eastern white pine was the most common material. Wood siding can also be made of unpainted weather-resistant woods such as redwood. Jointed horizontal siding may be shiplapped.

Plastic

Wood clapboard is often imitated using vinyl. It is usually produced in units twice as high as clapboard. Plastic imitations of wood shingle and wood shakes also exist. Vinyl or plastic siding has grown in popularity due to the generally low maintenance and low cost appeal it offers.

Metal

Utilitarian buildings often use corrugated galvanized steel sheet siding. Formerly, imitation wood clapboard was made of aluminum: 'aluminum siding'.

Composite materials

Various composite materials are also used for this purpose for instance, asphalt, asbestos, fiber cement, aluminum (ACM) etc. They may be in the form of shingles or boards, in which case they are sometimes called clapboard.

The main function of siding is protection, from extreme weather or from excess water. It protects the house from these agents. Because this adds an aesthetic appeal to the house one lives in, there are many researchers today who are trying to study and develop new forms of siding which will provide a lot of security to the house, without compromising on the aesthetic appeal.

You can also find more info on house siding types and buy vinyl siding. Homesidingreview.com is a comprehensive resource to know more about home siding review.

Are You Making The Most Of Sweat Equity?

Sweat equity is using your labor to make home improvements that increase the value of your home.

What has changed?

The do-it-yourself home renovation market has expanded dramatically over the past 20 years. Manufactures are now producing products aimed directly at the home handy person rather than professional trades people and contractors. These manufacturers are supported by an array of building material retailers that are catering to the do-it-yourself individual. Equipment and tool rental facilities have expanded their offerings, locations, 5B4and advertising to attract the do-it-yourself market place.

Packaging of building materials is now designed for point of sale purchase. Products are now packaged in sizes and weights that allow an individual to load the product in their personal vehicle. Packaging is now colorful, to attract the prospective buyer and includes detailed instructions on the proper use of the product.

Along with the change in the packaging of materials, the do-it-yourself market has created millions of pages of information. Books on home improvement provide step-by-step instructions on all aspects of almost any project. The availability of books on home improvement has been expanded by the Internet where websites offer chat forums on do-it-yourself projects enabling individuals to draw on the experience of others as well as expertise from professionals at no charge. The Internet also provides websites that provide general information, manufacturers websites that provide specific product information, retail websites that provide convenient purchase and websites that provide on-line videos on the installation of almost anything you can think of. Television shows on home improvement, decorating and landscaping have multiplied exponentially over the past few years. Many of the video rental stores provide home renovation videos as part of their inventory.

This change in the market has created hundreds of thousands of new do-it-5A9yourselfers. An area that up until a few years ago was dominated by men is now attracting women even the Internet has begun to have specific websites that cater exclusively to the home handywoman.

It is allowing the homeowners to add value to their homes by renovating, decorating, and remodeling their homes by using these newly developed products and information and adding their personal labor. In many home renovation projects, trade labor costs can easily be equal to or exceed the value of the material. This is especially true in areas such as flooring, painting, wallpapering and landscaping, projects that are not overly difficult but very labor intensive.

If you are not currently taking advantage of this market change to increase the value of your home, you are missing out on a great opportunity. Besides, the monetary value of sweat equity there is an intensive pride in standing back and looking at a completed project that you did yourself.

For additional information on do-it-yourself home improvement, home renovation, landscaping and decorating, please visit Renovation Headquarters.

Need More Room

Are you feeling a little cramped in your current home? What options do you have? There are two main options that are available -- moving up or adding on.

Housing prices have sky rocketed all over the county. Mortgages have tightened. You need more room, but your income has not kept up with the increases in housing costs. What do you do?

The most logical thing to do is to add on to your existi5B4ng home. The reality is that dirt is incredibly expensive these days. If you already have the dirt (lot), it makes sense to add onto the home you already own. In the current market, construction for an addition is still cheaper than building new. Currently, additions are about 20% cheaper than building a new home (excluding the lot). However, there are a few things that you will want to take into consideration.

First, are additions a wise choice as far as value goes? As a general rule, building an addition is a very wise move. That's if it's done professionally with well thought out plans based on the flow of the house. Any time you add square footage to your home the value should increase.

However, before diving in you should consider a few things. What is your house size compared to the other homes in the neighborhood? If you are already the largest home then you may want to rethink your decision. You never want to be the largest home in the neighborhood unless you have plans of never selling. If that's the case, go for it! Of course, I learned many years ago to never say always or never. On the other hand if you are the smallest home in the neighborhood, or some place in between, you could profit with the correct addition.

The second thing to consider is how the addition will affect the flow of your home. Can you keep the flow smooth? I was out on a job site the other day and they were thinking of a5B4dding a new family room. The problem was that to get to the new family room everyone would have to walk though one of two rooms -- either the master bedroom or a child's bedroom. Sure, they could have knocked out a few walls and rearranged the whole floor plan to make it work; however, the value would not have matched the investment required.

Always have the plans drawn out so you know what the finished product will look like. No, you do not have to have the plans professionally drawn up at this time. It's quite easy to just do it yourself. It may not be to scale or very pretty, however, it will give you an idea of what it will look like and how the flow will feel. When I planned an addition to my own home the first thing I did was pull out a note pad and start drawing different options. The first option was going to give me two side by side bowling alleys. "At least that's what it would have looked like when finished. I guess the grandbabies would have a great time drag racing, but it was not functional. I just kept playing with different ideas until I found one that worked.

The third thing to consider is the new addition going to serve you for years to come. Nothing is worse than adding on only to find out that it's really not what you wanted. Before you start is the time to have a talk with a professional. Discuss the needs of your family. What are you really trying to do? As an example, my lovely spouse ha5B4s always wanted a bigger kitchen/dining area. She loves to cook and entertain. I want a place that the family could gather after dinner to have conversation away from the TV and other distractions. We can do that very easily while maintaining the flow and look of the home. Those are the only two things that we have ever missed or wish we had in our current home. We love the area and have no desire to move. The kids are grown and out of the house so we don't need any more bedrooms, although one of my married sons thinks we should build a guest room. I'm not even going to start that one.

Take these ideas into consideration and if everything looks good, enjoy your new additions. If not, you may want to think about moving up. We'll talk about that in my next article.

Mark Weisenburger has been a real estate agent were he sold new construction as well as existing homes. He has also been a mortgage officer. Mark is currently in construction sales helping families' dreams come true by helping them with remodels, additions and/or building their dream home. For more information you can visit his website http://hirethemonsters.com

Patio Door Security

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Log Home Designs

So You Think You Are Ready To Build That Dream Workshop?

If you are like me, at some point you ran out of room in the garage and started dreaming about your own workshop. Well, you are about to take an exciting ride. This is your dream, so make it count for all its worth.

Designing your dream shop can be exhilarating and frustrating all at the same time. I am sure you have this mental picture of what you want. The trick is to get it on paper. Take your time. Make 1/4 scale paper cutouts of all your current and proposed stationary tools. Using a 1/4 scale shop layout start arranging the tools in different patterns. When doing this, be sure to consider the area around each tool. You do not want to set a table saw in a position and then find out you cannot get a 4x8 sheet of plywood in position.

This process is probably going to tell you that your original estimate of the finished shop size just isn't big enough. I did not go through this step because I thought I was building a shop that I would never outgrow. Boy, was I surprised. With my addiction to buying new tools, I had a full shop in about 6 months. My shop kind of evolved instead of being designed properly.This is your final warning on size. Think carefully.

I believe that when it came to the actual construction I did it right. Two things were in my favor. I wasn't afraid to tackle the project, and I had a friend who was willing to help. Taking on a project like this is not that difficult once you realize that it's just basic construction. How difficult is it to build a box?

Before you buy the first piece of lumber, speak to your city's permit department. Rules and regulations differ. Luckily, in my city you are permitted to do all the work on your own property. A lot of people have had their dreams shutdown or postponed because they did not get the permit. Some cities may require architectural drawings while others will accept a sketch. I went the way of the sketch. If you are able to do your own work, costs will be greatly reduced, meaning more money for tools.. Next, contact the utility companies. The can find any underground utilities that may cause you a problem.

Now that you have the permit, and there are no utilities to worry about, let's start creating some cost estimates. I broke the building down to its parts. I went to our local big box store and created a cost sheet, the best I could. I next took this cost sheet to our locally owned hardware store. I told them what I wanted and showed them the estimate. The hardware store either outbid or met the cost from the big box store. I decided to use the local hardware store. I went with them just to keep the money in town, but other benefits arose during the process. When I was short on materials, the local hardware store delivered while I was at work and I would stop by on my way home and pay them. No big box store is going to do this.

Cement

Originally, I was going to pour my own slab. But, after estimating my cost, I determined that it would almost be as cheap to hire someone. Through my local hardware store I located a gentleman that gave me an excellent bid. Do not skimp on concrete, beams, or re-bar. Most of the money spent here will go into the ground, but this will be the foundation for everything else. After building the forms, digging for the beams, and laying the re-bar, the city inspector will probably want to put his stamp of approval on the project before the concrete is poured.

Basic wall construction

If you can use a framing square and a 4 foot level you can build this workshop. Once again you may want to talk to your city inspector concerning requirements for outside wall construction. In our area we use 16" centers on studs. How tall do you want the walls to be? I would suggest 10 foot. With 10 foot walls you will have plenty room to move plywood and long pieces of lumber with ease.

Attic and Roof Construction

There are several factors to consider when making a decision about attic and roof construction. Do you want storage upstairs? Are you going to have heat and A/C. Do you need to consider aesthetics or architecture? While looking for a truss type to use, I discovered one called an attic truss. This allows storage. One consideration, if thinking about an attic truss is the pitch of the roof. On the average sized home workshop a good attic truss will require at least a 6-12 pitch. This means that if your building is 24ft wide, the peak of the roof will be 6ft above the ceiling. Trusses are normally installed on 24inch centers. After the trusses are installed, the sheathing needs to be applied. This can be regular plywood or plywood with an application of some type of heat resistant material. If you are going to heat and air condition your shop, put some real thought into using the plywood with the heat resistant material.

Shingles Installation

Don't skimp when buying shingles and tar paper. These materials are what keep your shop dry. Please follow the manufacturer's recommendation when installing the shingles. If you are lucky like I was, I put up the walls, roof, and shingles during a 3 month period with no rain to deal with. The only problem we had was the heat. Applying shingles in the summer time is not fun. Do this chore early in the day or late evening.

Siding

There are too many different types of siding to consider that I cannot make any real suggestions on this one. I can tell you, we used a product called Hardiplank. This is a cement/fiber product that will virtually last forever or at least several lifetimes.

Electricity

This is one area where I am not going to make any suggestion that you perform this part of the project. You are going to have to decide if you have sufficient knowledge. Electricity is dangerous and it will KILL you if you make a mistake.

Windows and doors

Deciding on door locations needs to be done before the cement is poured. Let the contractor know where and what type doors are to be used. This will allow him to pour the cement so that there will be a depression in the cement at the door locations. This is required in order keep out the weather. I built my main entry door. It is a double door setup that is 6ft wide and 8ft high. I have no problem moving things in and out. I also installed a 12ftx8ft aluminum garage door on the opposite end. I should have used a normal one car width door. Too much space was wasted. Do you want natural light? If so, plan for a lot of windows on the north and south sides. Of course, the more windows used, the less wall space will be available for storage. I do not like having to look through drawers to find things. All my available wall space is peg board. I can see everything.

Interior

Setup of the interior is probably the most enjoyable part of this whole project. This is where you put your personal stamp on things. Make yourself comfortable because you are going to spend a lot time in your shop. Mine is equipped with central air and heat, running hot and cold water, cable television and internet access.

Now go and enjoy. If you have questions or comments, I am just an e-mail away. You can contact me through my website.

Skip Evans
Our goal is to reach the new woodworker that needs that extra push to realize that, Yes it can be done.
http://www.my-wooden-creations.com

Simple One Step Stairs For A Store

Make Concrete Blocks

Making concrete blocks is a profitable business opportunity. You can start in your garage with little investment. Make your own molds from plywood and sheet metal and you can easily turn out 100 cement blocks per day. The concrete mix is made from Portland cement, sand, gravel and water. You can hand mix these in the correct proportions or use a cement mixer. Hand fill the molds, remove the blocks from them and set out to dry.

Concrete blocks are a basic commodity of the building trade. Everything from backyard compost boxes to big buildings is built from concrete blocks. There is always a market for cement blocks. You can count on that. They do not go out of style like a here today, gone tomorrow hula hoop.

Concrete products are heavy and bulky. Transportation costs are therefore quite high. You do not have this cost in selling to local customers. You can supply them at a very competitive price and still make a nice profit. Many building supply stores have to bring their concrete products in from distant suppliers which adds substantially to the cost of the product. You will find them very receptive to the better price you can give them.

You can start your concrete products business as a part time project while continuing to work at your job. This makes it very easy since there is no loss of income while you build your business from a small start. Give up your job when you have sufficient business to make this a profitable full time occupation. Working evenings and weekends can be quite profitable and full time work can earn you a wonderful living.

When you becomeA7B a full time concrete block maker you will need more space to store and dry your blocks. You will also need a concrete block making machine which can turn out hundreds of blocks per day. You will need business premises to accommodate the drying racks for your concrete blocks. You can buy a machine capable of turning out all the blocks you can sell. It is quite an expensive tool. The less costly way is to build your own machine.

From available plans you can build an excellent concrete block making machine from used auto parts, sheet metal and a few odds and ends. It works as well as any commercial model. If you can't do the necessary welding a local welding shop will do it for you at reasonable cost. This fine machine can turn out 800 concrete blocks per day with ease. You can build it for a fraction of the cost of a commecial model. You will need help in moving the cement blocks over to the drying racks. You will need an employee or perhaps a business partner for this.

Besides making cement blocks you can manufacture patio slabs, garden ornaments, garden furniture, bird baths and many other items. Plans are available for these very profitable sidelines. You can also go into the business of building with concrete blocks and build everything from garages, sheds and other buildings to small backyard projects such as compost boxes and barbeques. Since you manufacture the concrete products this can be very profitable.

Making concrete blocks and other concrete products is a good way to make a living. You can build, from scratch, a business which will bring you a wonderful income. Sufficient in fact to afford the things you can only dream of while working at most jobs.

John Mowatt is retired from the family concrete block manufacturing business.As a freelance writer he writes on making concrete blocks for a living.He also writes about health and fitness related issues. For more information and resources go to http://www.concreteblockmaker.com

4th Sheet Of Drywall Installed