Great video on how to fix a hole in your wall .
Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a Home Buyers Guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.
If your looking for some more home inspection or home building ideas.
Water Stains On ShinglesDIY home improvements usually conjure up images of repairs on leaky roof and busted pipes. Most sellers understand that they have to embark in some major repair jobs to fix all the defects and damages in the house before it is offered up for sale.
Although this is part of the job of preparing the house for sale, we have to understand that the DIY improvement is composed of several levels of jobs required to "transform" the house into a full-fledged "For Sale" status.
Levels of Improvements For Home Selling
Restore the Neutral Personality of the House
You start out preparing the house for sale by de-personalizing all the corners, nooks and crannies. Buyers will want to picture themselves living in that house. The house should be devoid of any traces of the present occupant. What we want to have is to retain the personality and character of the house and not the person living inside the house. Family portraits, trophies and medals, personal belongings and other personal effects must be tucked away as this can affect the way potential buyers see the house. You can rent a storage area for all these items. You don't have to put them in the garage or in the basement.
Remove the clutter in the house
Remove all items that establish your attachment to the house. These are items and knick knacks that collect over time. Remove clutter in the basement, attics, closets, counter tops, garages and other parts of the house. Try to establish as much open space as possible as this is the main purpose of the entire job. An outsider's perspective is what you need, and a friend or your agent can help you out in sifting out the clutter inside the house.
Do the House Repair
You should remember that you don't have to do a major repair job. Remodeling is not part of the job as far as improvement of the house for sale is concerned. Prospective buyers don't have any idea on what to do when inspecting a house for sale so they usually just tinker things while inspecting the interior. These can be the switches, handles, door knobs, and they may even open all faucets and flush all toilets. It would be nice to restore the luster of all these fixtures and repair or replace those which are not working properly. The sink should not have any stains on it. Check for any leaking faucets and inspect if the cold and hot water knobs are working fine. If there are things that need a more thorough cleaning, then it might be advisable to hire a cleaning crew to do the job for you.
To Paint or not to Paint
Painting could be one of the most important jobs when selling your house. Painting can make the house look new and fresh, and these are the cosmetic jobs that are essential when selling. Check for any water stain or leak that may be due to faulty plumbing or roof. Make sure that all of these problems are fixed. You don't have to replace your carpet; a cleaning job done by a professional will suffice.
Doors and Windows
Check all windows and doors. Make sure that they open and close properly. Tighten all hinges, and if there is a need to replace some, do so. Check all knobs and make sure that they all work properly.
Curb Appeal
Once you are done with the interior, focus your attention on the exterior of the house. Most agents will emphasize the importance of improving the view of the house from the outside. This is what they refer to as curb appeal. This is particularly important as it is the first impression of prospective buyers of the house.
Find out more about Alaska Homes For Sale or feel free to search Anchorage AK Homes For Sale on Ryan Tollefsen's Alaska Real Estate web site.
Water Stains On 1x6 Roof SheathiIn these days with the improvement of people's living standard, people pay more and more attention to their home design; therefore, more and more home improvement companies and services appear in the market. But it does not necessarily mean that you have to hire these professional to remodel your home. Improvement for your home can be done by yourself. Remodeling is simply changing the appearance of the inside or exterior or your home. You just need to add something or fix something which is broken. It is not as hard as you think.
The cost of home improvement varies greatly. How much money you will spend depends on lots of factors. The time you remodel your home, the furniture you want to replace and the extent to which you want to change your home all will affect the cost. So, it is important for you to make clear what is needed to be remodel in your home.
And then you should decide whether you will do this project by yourself or hire a contractor. Make your own decision as soon as possible. If you don't want to make yourself busy, you should hire a contractor and have the work done under a building contract. Finding a right contractor will do your good. In these days, there are many home improvement services which are available. Home improvement services are great to get from professionals, but always be sure you're getting your money's worth. You should try your best to get as much information as possible.
Of course, it is helpful to have a professional remodel your home, but if it is out of your budget, you have to choose DIY mode. When this is in case, you can go to your local hardware store or warehouse. There places have everything you need or at least be able to point you in the right direction so you can get the right tools and supplies.
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Fiberglass shower pans are a quick and relatively cheap shower floor. The traditional way to install a shower floor is to build a masonry base and then set ceramic tile over the base. As you can see, the skill level for installing fiberglass pans is much lower.
You can find standard shower pans at your local building supply store. These pans will be standard sizes, but you can special order other sizes and sometimes even custom sizes. If you have an odd drain location or size, the price for your application will be much higher..
Often a fiberglass shower pan fits into an existing location without replacing the walls. For your older ceramic tile shower, you can replace just the floor and enough of the walls to get the replacement pan in place. That's assuming the walls are still in good shape. Often the walls are damaged if water has worked behind the walls. The walls will often break as the floor is removed.
If you are installing a new shower, fiberglass shower pans can be used with ceramic tile walls or with fiberglass walls that match the floor. Often the pans are used in handicapped access showers so there is little or no curb and a special non-skid surface.
Compared to traditional masonry shower pan construction, fiberglass options have advantages and disadvantages. The advantages are: easier to install, quicker, cheaper, easy to keep clean. The traditional masonry and ceramic tile advantages are: lasts longer with proper care, looks better, less subject to wear and damage.
Note also that a fiberglass shower pan available at your local store is not suitable as a base for ceramic tile. There are tile ready shower pans, but they are different and more expensive.
Puzzled about fiberglass shower pans? Visit our site for fiberglass shower pan tips
We invite you to visit http://www.installingceramictile.net for free answers to your shower questions.
Water Damage RepairsRetro is in. Just about everywhere, you see retro designs. If you're looking to remodel or redecorate your kitchen, you may want to look into a retro styled kitchen. Retro designs incorporate nostalgia into the 21st century.
The 1950s are often viewed as a conservative, prosperous and optimistic decade. Entertainment was revolutionized in the 50s, with televisions being introduced to family living rooms, movies geared towards teenagers, and of course, the beginning of rock and roll.
In the homes, open, airy floor plans were introduced. Kitchens were being outfitted with new appliances with chrome and stainless steel, and sweeping designs. These appliances helped to make cooking quicker and more convenient. Pastel colors, turquoise, aqua, pink, and yellow were popular for kitchen decor. Plastics and formica were featured materials in kitchens for tables and chairs.
Formica countertops, were easy to clean, and came in colors to match the tables and chairs. Vinyl came into use for tablecloths, and furniture covers. Bark cloth was another material used in kitchen decor, patterned in boomerang, and abstract shapes. Entertaining came to the forefront, with home bars, barbecues, picnic, and party accessories. Tupperware containers, melmac, and melamine dishes were popular at the time as well.
1950's kitchen design may bring back warm memories of childhood for those that grew up in the 50s. If you want your kitchen to have a nostalgic 1950s look, you can find many items with retro 1950s styling available.
1950's style fabrics, including bark cloth are available. You can build a new countertop in Formica. If you look around, you can find 1950s style table and chair sets, complete with chrome legs, and vinyl seats in many different colors.
Stoves, refrigerators and other appliances, toasters, and drink mixers can be found with 1950s styling, but modern 21st century technology. This way, you can have the retro styling, with the convenience of modern technology.
In some stores, you may be able to find canisters, breadboxes, silverware, and other items in a 1950's style.
If you just want to add a touch of 1950's diner decor, you can add replicas of 1950s radios, jukeboxes, and pay phones to your kitchen. Vintage Coke machines, and metal picnic coolers will also fit in well with the decor. You may also be able to find replicas of 1950's diner and car hop signs to brighten up the walls.
Second hand stores, garage sales, and flea markets are good places to find old furniture that can be refurbished to add to your kitchen. Try to find some old magazines from the 50's, and look at the kitchens featured in them. Take notes of what you like in those kitchens, and try to find the same or similar tables and decor to add to your kitchen.
For some, a kitchen with a '50s design will bring back the warm and inviting feelings of the past and of days spent in their mother's or grandmother's kitchens. For others, a retro look to the room will provide a unique look that is not often found in today's kitchens. When it comes to giving your kitchen a nostalgic look, the important thing is to be creative and have fun with it.
Visit Kitchen Decor Ideas for more kitchen remodeling ideas and resources.
Mold. And no, we're not talking about the kind found on 40 year old bread. We're talking about the kind of mold found in your bathroom on the tub tiles and a number of other places you'd never even suspect. In this article we're going to go over the causes of mold and how to get rid of it.
Mold is actually always present in the air and all it needs to trigger it off is a little moisture and a food source. Most surfaces contain all the nutrients that mold will need for it to grow and any dirt on that surface only provides additional fuel for the fire.
Mold is pretty easy to spot even if you can't see it, which is usually white or can even be black. Mold can always be smelled and the odor is rather musty and not at all pleasant. It grows on paper, drywall, wood, paint and wallpaper and many other surfaces that contain sufficient amounts of moisture.
Okay, so if mold is so prevalent just how do we get rid of it or if possible keep it from forming?
The first step in reducing mold (you'll never completely kill it) is to keep things clean. A 1 part to 4 part solution of chlorine bleach and water will kill mold. If you add a detergent to that solution you will also remove dust and dirt. You have to be very careful when disturbing mold spores because they can cause respiratory problems, especially if you are allergic to mold, have asthma or other breathing problems.
The next thing to do is to reduce humidity. In a climate where you have to heat the air in the winter time, this can be a real challenge. Warm air holds much more moisture than cold air. Air conditioning systems can remove the moisture and circulate cool dry air back into the room. Of course if you live in a hot dry climate like Arizona, this isn't that much of a problem. Air movement, through the use of a fan, is another great way of reducing the moisture in the air. Just from cooking and bathing alone you can add as much as 3 gallons of water a day to your home unless you have adequate circulation.
Corners are a common place for mold to grow. Usually because of improper insulation the interior wall can become colder than the air that is inside the room and this causes moisture to form on the surface. The underside of windows is another common location. Humid air will condense on cold windows which will form frost and then go through a cycle by which the moisture will freeze and defrost. This will cause water to drip down underneath the window which is what causes the mold to form and grow and your wall to start rotting.
By following the above procedures, keeping your home cool and dry and cleaning often especially after a bath or shower, you can help prevent mold from taking over your house.
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Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Mold
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Owning a house in sunny Boracay can be made a reality. If you are given the opportunity to build your home in Boracay, consider yourself lucky because not everybody gets a chance to live in paradise. And when you have an opportunity like this, you want it to be perfect. However, reality can sometimes tweak your dreams a little, causing minor discomforts here and there.
Here are 3 things you should put more thought into when planning, so you could live in Boracay hassle free.
1. Location
Be reminded that not all of Boracay's livable area is right at the beachfront. One of the best things about living in Boracay is the variety the island provides. The inland offers peace and quiet while the beachfront provides music, parties, and well, the beach. However, both options have their flip side. The deeper into the island you settle, the farther away you are from the beach and the parties. On the other hand, being situated on the beachfront could give you problems sleeping, especially during peak season.
Before settling on a piece of land, make sure you know why you want to live in Boracay. If you seek a balance between parties and quiet time, there are spaces between the town proper and the beachfront that will make living in Boracay both restful and enjoyable for you.
2. Water: Good chi, bad chi
If there's anything Boracay has a lot of, it's water. Water is probably one of the major reasons you're even considering living in Boracay. The sound of crashing waves always makes the travelling worth it. The beachfront view reminds you that there is plenty of good in the world. The sea on your skin inspires a song. And the selection of water sports and the numerous diving opportunities tell you that life is just beautiful.
However, storms do hit Boracay, although not as badly as they affect Batanes. You have to consider that although you might not be in the island during the rainy months, your house will be there regardless of the weather. The best thing to do is to keep rain in mind when constructing your house. Waterproof it as much as you can. A caretaker would be very helpful when the rain comes. Make sure balconies and terraces have drainages.
3. Power
Boracay is a progressive island that offers electricity, water, cable providers, and Internet connection. There are many service providers to choose from, which the city folk might not be too familiar with. The best way to go about choosing services is through recommendations from friends who have been living in Boracay for a while now. Although some companies offer bundled service packages, it could be wiser to spread out your utilities among different companies.
You're building something you'd like to go back to as often as you can. The island and its people will greatly appreciate your conscious efforts to keep everything nice and clean from the first day of construction until the day you find yourself not wanting to leave. To live in Boracay comes with the responsibility to help preserve the island.
Christine Powell is a native of Boracay Island, Philippines. She has watched the island transform from a hidden gem into an idyllic retreat for foreigners and locals alike. Besides it's year-round warm tropical water, the powdery white sand continues to mesmerize her. While not exploring, kitesurfing, scuba diving, or sharing her insights about Boracay with travelers, she can be found at http://www.boracaynation.com, her online Boracay home.
Signs Of Door RubbingWe speak with many homeowners building their own homes who would like to save money by becoming their own general contractor. While it may be possible to save between 10% - 20% of project costs, it's important to take into account all of the responsibilities and the enormous investment of time. Think of being your own general contractor as being the president of your company. You will be required to to help. Home Project Managers cost less than a general contractor and can help you through parts of the project where you feel inexperienced.
Be available when needed and be on the job site as required, for an undetermined amount of time every day
Have more than an average understanding of general construction and home building
Set a construction schedule and meet strict deadlines
Juggle multiple tasks
Manage groups of people with different schedules and communication skills
Effectively work with the subcontractors
Check and sign off on the work performed by each subcontractor
Ensure that the crew is following safety procedures
Be able to solve problems that arise
Handle any schedule or material delays
Manage the financial aspects of the project, including budgeting, purchasing, and paying subcontractors.
As you can imagine, it's a big responsibility, and if not done correctly, it can cost you more time and money than if you had hired a professional general contractor to oversee your project. General contractors have established relationships with subcontractors and material suppliers, giving them leverage that the average homeowner does not. Also, in some cases, being your own general contractor can make it difficult to find financing, as lenders want to be assured the work is being done by qualified professionals.
Having such an enormous part in building your new home and being your own general contractor can certainly be a rewarding experience. If you want to be fully involved in building your home but are unsure whether you have what it takes, you might consider hiring a Home Project Manager
No doubt, the decision to be your own general contractor is a complex one. Know what is involved before undertaking such a big project and make the best decision for you.
About the Author: Jeremy Bonin, a principal partner of Bonin Architects & Associates (http://www.boninarchitects.com), is an award-winning green architect and the author of TIMBER FRAMES: Designing Your Custom Home. With a special interest in sustainable design and green homes, structural insulated panels (SIPs), as well as timber frame construction, Jeremy incorporates renewable energy practices where possible, including geo-thermal, solar, radiant heat, and energy-efficient foundation systems.
Plumbing In Crawl SpaceYou can express home accents in thousands of ways. Picture frames, quilts, clocks, candles, and mirrors-are what makes a house a home. All these things added together can give your home the personal touch. You can get good ideas on the personal touches you can add to your home by going through the various home dcor options.
It is not necessary that interior design must be purely decorative. You can find a host of items that are not merely functional but also stylish. You can enhance the look and feel of your room by including unique shower curtains and clocks. You can also select from a range of ceiling fans that come in various styles and colors to cool yourself in summer. You can make the ceiling fan itself serve as decorative pieces by choosing them in various styles such as one in an ornate, baroque style etc.
Glass can also add elegance to your home by acting as a design element. You can use glass accents and mirrors to enhance the overall beauty of your home. You can also have a single large mirror by the doorway which can be an accent element for foyer. There are other varieties other than mirrors that can be chosen for this purpose.
There are a host of other home accessories which can add to your personal taste and style. You can have pictures and picture frames which come in a variety of colors and styles. You can select the perfect frames and other unique pieces of art work to compliment your pictures. You can have these pictures included in the focal point in your room or have it on a dry wall surface. Here the area is soft and inserting a hook is fairly easy. Once you are finished with the painting, paneling and wall paper you can consider some wall hangings such as prints, framed photographs or original paintings.
You can also include some unique antique pieces or decorative items and place them in some spots where it will be visible to guests. But having too many items in the living room area is also not advisable as it will bring a cluttered appearance to the room. Selecting a few small items that are unique and appealing to the eye will enhance the beauty of the living room space and make it stand apart from the rest. You can keep these small tips in mind while thinking of home improvement or a change in home dcor.
Thomas B. Chuong is currently writing about topics related to home improvement & decor, personal fitness, and home & garden. Find out more by visiting these sites Grill, and Air Purifier.
Damage Pool EquipmentWhile choosing furniture hardware for refurnishing your house, it is more that obvious that a person can get confused. Besides, remodeling a home is an expensive affair as well, especially if you are planning to integrate a new design or style into the interior of the abode. But however, to rescue you from all these spendings there are various ways to cut down on your home improvement expenditures. Though a new piece of furniture frames and headboards will be instrumental in giving your house a new look.
The Initial Step
Designing a well placed furniture plan is essential if you do not want to go wrong anywhere and want to meet your comfort as well as needs. You should also be clear about the style of the furniture that will best suit your room.
Replace Bulky Items And Save Space
This is the foremost step when remodeling your house. Replace bulky ancient furniture with streamlines modern furnishings that acquire less space are are easy to manage. Old furniture use up a lot of space and if your house is small then choose from a wide range multi purpose furniture. For example, use the Ottoman (storage + seat/foot rest) or Sofa bed that can perform the task of both sofa and bed. A modern style is more practical as they tend to be smaller and clean cut edges which do not hang out much and thus cuts down on the space they take up. Go for a bed that has storage compartments and brackets, so that there is more space for better use of wardrobe and drawer.
Plan Before Purchasing
There is no dearth in the furniture hardware industry for furniture supplies, so do not shop in a haste. If you have made up your mind to replace those big antique furnishings with latest sofa that has exquisite furniture legs, then be prepared to hover a little longer before you actually find the best piece. Keep in mind the measurement factor so that the furniture hardware compliments your room. Get a tape measure and start measuring the dimensions of the room so that you will know what size will best fit in it.
Consider the Design
This is also an important factor before purchasing the furniture hardware for your home. Modern furniture differs in the designs as per the taste of their designer. Some of the furniture that have modern tags might have a vintage look. So be clear about the design that will suit your home the most.
Cut Cost By Window Shopping
This is a must before you actually purchase the most coveted furniture piece. Make sure you do a window shopping of all the furniture outlets to have a feel of all the modern furniture available in the furniture hardware industry. Compare the prices of the same stuffs to make this activity cost effective. Also you can wait for the furniture shops and department stores in your area to go on sale or to put huge discounts on their furnishings before you start buying one for your very own.
Manufacturer & Wholesale Supplier of Furniture Hardware
Remodel Your House
Today, with the great impact of dangerous emissions affecting the Ozone layer leading to unpredictable changes in weather, together at a time where economic difficulties seem to be getting worse with the threat of the credit crunch leading towards a recession, people can only be left holding on tight to what they have.
But still, as the credit crunch continues to hit Britain with the ongoing talks on a possible recession, and as more people avoid using their heaters as the so called 'summer' season turns into winter, it's only best to be safe than sorry and to take that extra step in protecting your homes as well as our pockets. So what measures do you have to take to protect your home?
The Association of British Insurers, (ABI) stated that many people insure their homes and possessions through the understanding that if anything may happen to their home due to the typical British weather, their home insurance policy will cover the costs of any damage.
It is believed that as storms rage across the country, thousands of homeowners will discover they don't have the protection they need.
Earlier this year, Sainsbury's Bank revealed that 1.78m homeowners do not have building insurance while 656,000 homeowners are not aware of the cover they have.
The ABI emphasises that "Insurance is not a maintenance contract and is no substitute for keeping the property in a reasonable state of repair." If the insurer believes that the damage has been caused because you have failed to take reasonable precautions to take care of the property, the damage may not be covered or may be reduced if it is believed that the damage was made worse due to poor maintenance.
According to the ABI, a lot can be done to reduce the risk of suffering weather damage.
If your home is in an area which is prone to flooding, it is essential that you ensure that your home insurance covers flood damage. Homeowers are advised if they live in high flood risk areas, electricity metres should be moved higher to guarantee they are out of flood depth. It is also important to use water resistant materials when fitting units into the home as well as providing space for sandbags in case of a flooding emergency.
The ABI also suggests that clearing out drain pipes regularly allowing water to pass through rather than over flow along the sides of the house may avoid causing major damage to the exterior of the home. Preventing other pipes in the home from freezing is also a necessary step to take when taking measures to protect the home. By leaving the heating on low allowing warm air to pass from other parts from the house can help prevent this.
Earlier this month, forecasters believed that September could be the record month for rainfall causing further debates as pressure arose on those in high flood risk areas. Many home insurance premiums have already increased due to previous damage from last year's floods which cost insurers over 3bn.
Arti is the author of my articles pertaining to home insurance.
Concrete Curb LandscapingFor the person that gets the chance to build a house, the importance of the project should not go array due to not planning correctly. House plans are an essential part of building a house. Without them nobody on the building team, from contractors to designers, would know what to do. House plans all have basic things in common and, even though, each house plan will differ, these basic elements will remain the same. Learning about these basic elements can help a home owner to read their house plans easier.
Basic house plans should consist of all the major elements a homeowner would like in their home. The little details should also be considered but can be added later during the finalization of the house plans. The most important part of a house plan is to outline the structure of the house. This is where considerations like how many stories or is there a basement, should be figured out. Also considerations like a garage or outside water element like a pond, should be mapped on the plan. Then it is important to map out the boundaries of each room. The square footage of the house should be marked on the plan. Each room should be labeled as to what it is, like bedroom or kitchen. Certain major items like the sinks and bathroom tub should also be mapped on the plan. Any major features that will require additional work, like fireplaces, should also be included in the plan. Basically the house plans are going to clearly show what the home owner expects the finished house to look like.
House plans are a great way to figure out ohow a finished house will look, in addition to providing the construction crew with an idea of how to build. An added benefit of house plans is they allow the homeowner to see what their house will look like and eliminate any possible problems before it is built. The actual house plans that are drawn up by the architect will include much more information, but this basic house plan should be fine for getting a home owners idea across.
Robert Thatcher is a freelance author based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and contributes on a regular basis to FreeNetPublishing.com
We live in a credit based and driven society and so many people end up living well beyond their means. With a constant pressure to succeed, achieve and display the fruits of success through material consumer goods, many people get sucked into a vicious cycle of personal debt buying goods they can ill afford on credit and then incurring high interest rates.
More money is borrowed in an attempt to help pay off the original debt and slowly but surely the debtor's income and liquid assets become absorbed in interest and loan repayments. In some worst case scenarios, debtors end up paying over a significant proportion of their income simply to cover the cost of the interest that is being charged on the loan rather than actually paying off the capital sum itself. In theory then, the debtor can become trapped in a perpetual cycle of endless repayment and debt with no real way of escape.
Bankruptcy is a legal process which is designed to help debtors to escape such a debt trap allowing the full value of certain debts to be entirely extinguished meaning that the debts cannot be pursued by creditors, and they are in effect written off. Bankruptcy is especially common for many new businesses, not because of poor business management or due to hostile market conditions but simply because the companies liabilities outstrip the actual earnings.
There is often a great deal of stigma associated and attached to personal bankruptcy as people who are so declared bankrupt are typically viewed as being financially irresponsible and careless with their finances. Often issues such as medical problems, divorces, bereavements and the like are major drains on a person's assets and so care must be drawn to distinguish between debtors who become so indebted due to circumstances beyond their control and reckless debtors who are reckless with their money.
Another common misconception that surrounds personal bankruptcy is that it is some sort of magic solution for all of your financial woes. As touched upon briefly earlier within the article bankruptcy will only ever help quash certain types of debts and so even after a person has been declared bankrupt they may still be responsible for the payment of such debts. Some examples include court fines, and alimony or child support payments.
Personal bankruptcy is not an option that should be taken lightly because it will cause a serious amount of difficulty in the future for the bankruptee when they should happen to wish to apply for additional credit or loans. Whilst it would be a little unfair to say that bankruptcy is the kiss of death for subsequent loan applications, this is not too far from the truth as it is a major red flag for lending agencies. Lending agencies are looking for people who are careful and responsible with money and who will pose little risk and bankruptcy goes against just about everything the banks look for.
Be prepared for another kind of sacrifice: your own personal property. Bankruptcy is a legal process and so the law demands that the applicant makes some attempt of payment to creditors which means that all of the assets of the debtor (with some limited exceptions) gathered in by a bankruptcy official and then sold off to settle the creditors. The chances of such property being returned is somewhere between slim and nil as the bankruptcy officials are more concerned with a speedy sale of assets than getting full value for them.
Bankruptcy is a complicated and arduous process and so will require consultation with a qualified insolvency practitioner so as to ensure the best possible way forward. These people do not typically do such work pro bono and so these fees will also be deducted from the net value of the assets sold off.
Bankruptcy then should only be typically be used where the debts have reached such a level that they cannot be reasonably paid off in the time frame in which they are required although the long term effects of bankruptcy are nothing short of problematic of their own accord. Please make sure you do consult an insolvency advisor to determine whether bankruptcy is the best option for you.
Nicholas Boler is the owner of http://www.repairbadcreditfast.com an informational website about Credit Repair. To view our many FREE articles or learn how to repair bad credit fast after bankruptcy, please visit this page: http://www.repairbadcreditfast.com
Great video on how to repair a window screen.
If you're thinking about buying a home, check out this home buyers guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping. For under $15, you can save yourself a lot of frustration and money.
Damaged Wood WindowThe kitchen wall design could always be decorated in such a way that it exudes a feeling of coziness, warmth, homey, and inviting mood. The space offered by the kitchen area is also a big deal that you have to take note of. For you to carry on with the spacing scheme of your kitchen, try looking at these tips and notes.
Try hanging the pans and pots there on the kitchen wall. This is most appreciatively done if your pots and pans come in pairs or sets. You need to simply place hooks there on the walls and then hang those handles with the bottoms of the utensils facing downwards. This is also one good way of organizing and saving some space there on the kitchen area. The best place to hang them is above the cooking stoves.
Put the hotpads and the potholders on the wall too. If you prefer not to put on display your pots and pans, then just have your hotpads and potholders hanging. They may act as good ornaments for the kitchen too provided that they are clean.
Place the trivets on the kitchen wall. Antique trivets would look good on the kitchen walls. Match the colors and patterns of those so that they create a good sight.
Other utensils that you may hang on the kitchen walls are the can openers, coffee mugs, measuring spoons, measuring cups, and a lot others. Not only do you save space but you keep them within reach as you work your way in the kitchen.
Another way of working on with the kitchen wall design is by having the kitchen wall tiles. There are plenty of kitchen wall tile designs too. You could choose from the vertical or horizontal arrangement of the kitchen wall tiles and have the colors clearly blending onto with the backsplash.
One interesting kitchen backsplash to use is the ceramic kitchen tile placed in between the plain field of tiles with unique styles and colorful patterns. You could employ different colors that would match with each other so that your kitchen wall would look as creative as possible.
Kitchen wall designs are of your own choice. If you wish to be creative, you could always do so. Experiment and enjoy the mood exuded by your kitchen at all times.
To learn more kitchen design ideas, visit http://www.kitchendesignideas101.com
Home Door BooksWhat a great idea using your old side walk or driveway to build a nice stairway for your front or back yard. Using the old concrete instead of sending it to the landfill. Wow talk about earth friendly. Who would have thought that using recycled concrete would create a beautiful center piece in your landscaping plans.
That's enough about that lets get to the nuts and bolts of building the stairs. I came across the idea by visiting one of our favorite breakfast stops in Fallbrook. I had been walking down these stairs for quite a while when it dawned on me that the stairs where kind of jagged. When I took a closer look I couldn't figure it out, What kind of building materials did they use.
Then I realized it was recycled concrete in other words someone's old side walk. They even used the old concrete to make some nice planter boxes and retaining walls. The whole area really looks nice. The landscaping created natural look with a old world look to it.
How do I build the stairs using recycled concrete? Simply put first thing you need to do is get some recycled concrete. If you are going to be tearing up a old sidewalk, driveway or patio then you won't have to look far.
If not you can contact some local general or demolition contractors. They would love to have someone haul away their concrete. The reason for this is they have to pay around five hundred dollars for every ten tons hauled away from the jobs they are working on.
The more recycled concrete you need the easier it will be to get it. If you need a lot you will be able to contact a concrete recycling plant and get the phone number to a local contractor that hauls broken up concrete to their plants. These people can drop off a large load if you have a large area to drop it.
Remember that most contractors don't want to be bothered because they are busy working or planning on working. The easier you can make it on the contractor the more likely you will get what you want from them. They usually aren't interested in doing extra work just to make you happy. You can get a lot by being courteous from most people.
Now that you have the concrete you can start building. The concrete will be stacked on top of the other concrete to form the steps. Depending on how long of a stairway you are building you will have to level the dirt and stack the recycled concrete to make the stairs.
Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He is currently working on more building stairs books and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry
Visit us now for more great Home Remodeling Tips
The idea of using solar panels to produce electricity in your home is growing enormously popular day by day, especially the kind that you can build yourself. Solar panels produce electricity using the natural energy of the sun. These panels absorb the wavelengths of light and turn them into heat and power for the home. Homemade solar panels also work on most cloudy days because it is the light not the heat of the sun that is important. So many people just don't realise that, and decide that solar power can't work for them.
That said, bright sunshine is best, of course! It is easy to design and build your own home solar panels with the help of one of the many kits which can be found on the internet. These aren't kits of parts, they are kits containing designs, instructions and information, both written and video, which tell you every thing you need to build your own solar panels. They also give similar instructions for home made wind turbines, too, giving you two kits in one! The kits that are sold and used are not considered expensive and in addition the overall cost of the entire project is worth the funding; because the homemade solar panels will usually pay for themselves within the first few months of installation or being constructed.
These kits are really not expensive - some are less than $50 but can save you hundreds of dollars in time and materials which can be wasted if you try to go it alone. There will still be some cost of materials of course, but the saving in electricity will soon pay for that. For the most part, people who purchase these kits do all the work themselves, saving money on hiring professionals too. These kits are the fastest selling home improvement items on the internet at the moment proving that this is a product that really works. Of course, the advantages don't just stop with the cash savings. We are all coming under increasing pressure to preserve the environment and its resources.
You can see solar panels all over the place - on RVs, office buildings, factories and farms - and the number is increasing all the time. Oh yes, one other cash incentive is that some electricity companies will also buy your surplus electricity from you! Now that really is turning the tables on the giant utility companies, isn't it? Yet another good reason for building your own home solar panel.
Click here for more about free home power, home solar panels and reviews of different kits.
Front House Entry Roof FramingWhen you say you want to start remodeling your home sometime soon, that is a rather broad way of describing what you want done. You have to be more specific about your remodeling plans so that the contractor knows exactly what you want to achieve in this home makeover project.
The sub-project of bathroom remodeling includes new vanity, new sink, new faucet, new bath tub, new shower walls, new shower doors, new vinyl flooring at the very least, that is. You may also need to have a new toilet, new water closet, new mirror, and new medicine cabinet integrated into your bathroom layout as well. Whew! And thats just the bathroom for starters.
In kitchen remodeling, you may need new countertops (like granite countertops which stand up very well under wear and tear due to its sturdiness) or perhaps new kitchen cabinets. A new kitchen sink may also be warranted if your old one has stains that wont come out even with the toughest detergents and regular scrubbing on your behalf, or if it has rusty parts that may prove dangerous if young hands get too close.
Acoustic ceiling removal may prove necessary before you have recessed lighting installed in your living room and dining room. Recessed lighting is great for showcasing the interior details of your house, including the new carpeting you may have had installed. New dual paned windows or retrofit windows might look good here as well.
Regardless of how you want to conduct remodeling of your home, you will probably need the professional services of an experienced and knowledgeable contractor (unless you have extensive experience in home makeovers yourself and want to make the home remodeling a DIY project instead.)
The rule of thumb when hiring any contractor is: make sure everything you ask the contractor to do for you is stipulated in a written agreement that both parties have signed. This also protects the contractor so that he gets paid for everything that he does for you .
When you ask the contractor to purchase the materials for the home makeover, you should list down what sizes, colors, models and/or brands should be bought. This cuts down on any misunderstandings and assures you that you get what you asked for.
The labor aspect is another sticking point. You should come to a definite agreement with the contractor as to how many people he should have in his team, how long they should work on the project, and what happens if the team doesnt finish the project on schedule (meaning, do you wind up paying for the additional days or not?)
A good contractor will provide a warranty for the work that he and his team finished for you. This way, if evidence of shoddy work shows up later on, you can hold him to the warranty and get the mistakes redone (without you having to pay extra money to him.)
By the way, who will handle disposal of trash and any debris that is produced by the home makeover project? There are contractors who include that in the service though there may be projects where you have to find a hauler who will cart away your debris and trash for you instead. Clarify this beforehand as well.
It is also helpful if there is a stipulation in your contract permitting you a grace period before the project starts so that if you change your mind, you can always bow out gracefully without spending a cent or incurring the ire of the contractor.
Extreme Makeover Pros is your affordable contractor serving Orange County, Ca. for nearly 25 years. Specializing in Home Improvement and Renovation. For more details visit http://www.extrememakeoverpros.com
You can find all kinds of products that will help you to remove nearly all types of stains. The perfect solution in completely removing stains is by cleaning the spills and dirt the second they appear.
There are a number of ways to clean up stains by using products in your home which you use frequently, such as detergents, rubbing alcohol, vinegar, lemon juice, etc. You just need to know how to use these regular household products.
Your first option is to use 1 teaspoon of clear, household type ammonia and a half cup of cold water. You can apply this solution to the carpet directly or use it in a spray bottle. It is crucial not to wet the carpets backing when you use the solution. Once you have applied the solution, you can use paper towels to blot; allow it to dry from top to bottom.
Your second option is to use detergent solution made of dish soap or hand soap. The ideal combination is one quart of water and one quarter of a teaspoon detergent. You need to make sure the soap does not contain lanolin or bleach.
Your third option is to use water. It will re-hydrate the stain to help with removal. The majority of pet stains can be cleaned up by using a steam cleaner. Once you are done, be sure to dry the area as completely as possible.
Ink stains
1. Buy isopropyl rubbing alcohol.
2. Apply it by pouring some onto a clean white towel or cloth. You can use paper towels if they are white.
3. Blot the stain as much as possible until it is cleaned.
4. Be careful, because if the stain is small, you should blot in one direction only so you do not spread the stain.
Beer and wine stains
1. Mix a solution with 1 part water and 1 part white vinegar.
2. Apply the mixture to the stain. You can use a spray bottle to saturate.
3. Allow the stain to sit around 10 to 15 minutes.
4. Use a sponge and clean in a rubbing motion.
5. Rinse the area with warm water.
6. Brush the carpet pile back into the natural direction it has.
7. Use layers of white paper towels; place them on top of the area; put something heavy on the paper towels. Wait until the area has dried.
Protect your carpet against paint drips, snow, mud, dirt, stains, and heavy traffic conditions. Read about plastic carpet protections as well as temporary carpet protections.
Drywall is considered the standard finishing material for interior walls. It consists of an inner core made out of gypsum plaster with a heavy paper cover. Attached to the framing of your walls, drywall covers the insulation, electrical wires, and plumbing. The seams are then covered with drywall tape and compound to create a seamless, smooth appearance. Drywall can be primed, textured, or finished with the design of your choice.
Standard Drywall
The most common variety of drywall is the regular fire-coded 4x8 ft. or 4x12 ft. sheet. It comes in in., 3/8 in., in., or 5/8 in. widths. The most commonly used board is in., regular fire-coded drywall. You can also use two layers of drywall for added privacy. However, when determining the size, thickness, and type of drywall to use, you're not restricted to standard drywall. There are specialty varieties available for areas with specific conditions. Here are 3 specialty types to choose from:
Greenboard
Greenboard has the same gypsum core as other varieties of drywall, but it is covered in a thicker, more water-resistant paper than standard drywall. The green paper is coated with wax to help control moisture absorption. While suitable for use in rooms with high moisture contents, greenboard is not waterproof and will not discourage mold growth. That said, use greenboard on walls that won't have direct contact with water; but avoid using it on floors or ceilings.
Paperless Drywall
Paperless drywall was developed to help prevent the spread of mold and mildew in the home. Paperless drywall still has the gypsum core, but is wrapped in fiberglass instead of paper. Unlike greenboard, paperless drywall is mold resistant. This is considered its greatest asset. In addition to the fiberglass being moisture resistant, the gypsum core is water resistant as well. As a result, the material works well in bathrooms, basements, and any other rooms with higher moisture content. If also works well in homes that are located in humid climates.
Soundproof Drywall
Soundproof drywall provides a sound barrier comparable to eight layers of standard drywall. Replacing the gypsum core are a combination of viscoelastic polymers, ceramics, and gypsum layered to produce amazing soundproof qualities.
The effectiveness of soundproof drywall is measured by sound transmission class levels (STC). Depending on how much you are willing to pay, the panels come as low as 40 STCs and reach up into the 70s. Use soundproof drywall can be used in any room throughout your home where you would like additional privacy, but keep in mind that it is about four times more expensive to purchase than standard drywall.
Dan Harding is a writer for Calfinder Remodeling's internet publications, writing on home improvement topics like painting drywall and many other remodeling topics. CalFinder remodeling contractors are the ones who give FREE remodeling estimates.
If you live in a moist climate in the winter and a dry climate in the summer and you have exterior wood beams exposed to these elements. You could develop wood beam problems over time. If wood beams are properly maintained and painted often they could last for a long time. Wood beams can last many years if properly taken care of.
Exterior wood beams that are used to hold up roofs, patios and decking can suffer from wood rot if not taken care of. Let's take for example a wooden beam located in a patio holding up a section of a large roof. The span of the roof being is only 10 feet long. As we look at the exterior wood beam. We noticed the upper corner of the beam is soft and rotted.
The beam damage is roughly the size of a baseball. The wood beam itself is a 6 x 10. Do we need to replace this beam even though the damage is not real big. The answer to this question is yes, any amount of damage to a wood beam takes away from its structural strength.
If you have a wood beam holding up the roof and the beam fails you could end up replacing a large section of your roof as well as the damaged beam. Replacing the damaged beam is usually a difficult task. The beam is usually sandwiched between two walls and will have siding or stucco around it.
If you're lucky enough to have the wood beam sitting in a saddle or on top of a wood post this will make your job easier and will require less skill. If however the beam is located between two walls this will require shoring up the roof and removing the beam.
Beam replacement should be left to professionals. This is not often as easy as it looks and could create a safety hazard if not done properly. I have seen beams replaced by homeowners or handyman and the damage that was done after the repairs, was worse than just leaving the beam alone in the first place.
The biggest problem with exterior wood beams is that they are usually holding up large amounts of weight. If the beam is removed without the proper bracing and shoring of the roof or floor area you could have a larger problem than you started with.
Exterior beams over time seemed to develop large cracks or splits in dry weather. These large cracks and splits weaken the structural strength of the beam adding more stress to the beam itself leading to structural failure eventually.
Extreme climates where temperatures very over 40 in one day seem to suffer the most damage to exterior wood beams that are not properly maintained. Beam maintenance will require painting and keeping moisture away from them.
Be aware of structural beams in or around your house. A little painting now and then can save you thousands of dollars over the life time of your house.
Greg Vanden Berge has been in the home building and remodeling business for over 30 years. With this knowledge he has created a few websites that provide useful information for home owners as well as contractors. His main goal is to educate professionals in the home related businesses, dealing with problems that can easily be avoided with just a little bit of information
His website http://gregvan.com provides all kinds of answers to remodeling and new house building issues that could create major damage as well as possible damage to your pocket book
Visit us now for Vista Home Improvement
Wood Stoves BooksAlthough not a new method of building a home, barn conversions are becoming more and more popular these days. The problem facing most families wanting to convert a barn into a home is the lack of know how involved in it.
It's needless to say that there are many barns in various shapes and sizes all around. Many are in bad shape. Please don't make the mistake of buying one that is labeled a unique fixer upper opportunity. Don't fool yourself. If a barn has gotten into the shape where the boards are falling off the sides, unless you're buying it for parts, my suggestion is to leave it alone. By the time the boards start falling off, there's major flaws. The main trouble would probably be that the girts are rotting and the fasteners (nails) are turning loose.
When I built my home from an old centennial barn, there wasn't even a handful of books and reference websites available on the subject. And when I talked with contractors on the subject, the most common response I got was a blank stare. Fortunately I was able to talk to some barn builders that had been in the trade for decades and were willing to share ideas on how it could be done.
One of the most daunting tasks was to repair the weather damage and remove the layers of dirt that had accumulated over the years. My particular barn was used to shelter horses and a few milk cows.
There are two methods of converting a barn.
The first method is to use standard residential construction practices, essentially making the barn into a standard construction home. Nine times out of ten after this type of renovation takes place, the barn no longer looks like a barn but looks more like a stylized residence. And the cost with this method sometimes exceeds standard residential construction.
The second method and the one my wife and I chose to use, employed the same materials the barn was built with. I went to the local saw mill and bought rough sawed boards to make up the interior walls and floors. Even the doors and windows were hand built with this type of method. We just made sure the house was well insulated and all the cracks were closed. This method saved us thousands of dollars and kept the charm of the old barn intact.
Tim Davis is a veteran Architectural Designer who also teaches architecture and drafting over the internet http://houseplandrafting101.net He is currently in the process of writing an Ebook entitled "How to Turn a Barn into a Home". The info page for updates on this ebook can be found at http://draftingservice.us/barnhomes
Ceiling RepairsWhen dealing with home painting, it is often best to consider all options before choosing the best way to go about accomplishing the goals the homeowner has set for him or herself. The homeowner can either hire a professional to handle the work, hire some buddies to help out or can do the entire project alone, without any help from anybody. The last option is often where homeowners get into trouble, but realizing when to hire a contractor can save a good deal of time and money for the homeowner.
Being honest about how complicated a project may be and hiring a home painting contractor to help with the work is often the first step in ensuring a beautifully painted home. Unfortunately, not all homeowners are wise enough to make this decision and instead make poor decisions that end up hurting the quality of the project. Knowing when to hire a contractor and avoid any mishaps that may come about as the result of amateur work will not only save time and money, but can save the homeowners sanity as well.
With less mishaps or mistakes, homeowners will feel less stressed out by the entire project. A home painting contractor will be trained in how to deal with many of these mishaps and can act accordingly when they present themselves. Being able to effectively manage a project and deal with unforeseen problems that may arise may be the best thing for the project. Only a professional contractor has been properly trained in this manner and can offer this skill to his or her clients. A good home painting contractor will truly care about the project as well, putting in the extra effort to ensure that the client is satisfied with the work being done.
Hiring friends to help out with a project is an option that many homeowners choose when deciding to get work done on the house. While this may save money in labor fees, as many homeowners do not pay their buddies to help them out, they will often pay for it by sacrificing quality. Bonding with their friends should be done at a barbecue, and not on ladders when dealing with a complicated home improvement project. If nobody knows what they are doing, then the project will not get done in a way that is satisfying to the homeowner. This can cause even greater frustration and annoyances and can make the experience a negative one.
A home painting contractor will also be able to offer helpful advice when the homeowner is planning the project. Deciding what type of paint to use and what colors complement each other nicely can be a great help to homeowners that may not have had any experience in this aspect of home improvement. Their experience often comes in handy when dealing with the planning phase and can be a great help to the homeowner as he or she develops their ideas. Deciding where they want the project to go is important and involving the contractor will help the two parties get on the same page.
More information on College Works Painting home repair for your home is just a click away.
San Diego is one of the safest large cities in the country. However, home invasions do occur in the area, and homeowners should take steps to safeguard their homes from being robbed. Many homes are robbed because owners don't take into consideration basic safety measures for their windows and doors. Burglars will often move to the next target if they have any difficulty getting into the home through a door or window with an extra safety feature.
Leaving your doors and windows unlocked or open is an invitation to burglars to come into your home. Ensure that all doors and windows are locked before leaving home or going to bed. For those who enjoy leaving their windows or doors open at night, there are interesting options that will maintain your safety. For example, there are doors available that act as screen doors, but offer a much sturdier frame that is difficult to break through. These kinds of doors are one of the most convenient ways to ensure your family's safety without doing away with the enjoyment of fresh air in your home all night long.
Another common way that doors and windows are compromised is because of faulty or old locks. Many locks are simply outdated or are easy to open from the outside. New windows and doors offer many security features that will secure your home and allow you to live without worry.
Front doors are another weak point in the security of your home. Many homes are built with doors that allow people to see in without many problems, while others don't even have a peephole. Choose a front door that gives your family privacy and allows you to see who is at the door before you open it. Teach your children to ensure that they know the person at the door before answering.
Keep expensive electronic equipment away from doors and windows. If burglars are tempted by the sight of an expensive television or computer, they may try to get in your home even if you've added secure doors and windows. By removing these from plain sight, you make yourself less of a target for a break in.
San Diego is home to several companies that can remodel your home with the latest technology in doors and windows. Choosing a company that provides the best materials at the best price is an important part of remodeling your home and ensuring that your home is safe from burglars.
Don't settle for the company that offers the lowest price, as they may use inferior materials. Look for a company that ensures that your needs are met by using the best doors and windows on the market.
Need more on windows and doors? Cal Windows and Doors specializes in windows and doors in Irvine, CA and anywhere else in California. Learn how to prepare your home for sale with upgraded windows and doors and other great tips on how to get beautiful windows for your home.
The foundation walls are connected to the top of the footings. The purpose of a foundation is to carry the weight of the house structure down through the foundation to the footings.
Whatever their construction, (concrete, brick, concrete blocks, etc.), foundation walls crack because of lateral force, settling, heaving or uneven loads (more weight than designed on a specific section of the foundation), of the foundation walls. Natural forces such as earth quakes can also be a contributor in earthquake regions.
To begin your inspection, use a pad and pencil while observing the exterior foundation. Make notes of cracks and their locations. When inside the lower level, you will want to try to locate them on the inside. If the crack goes entirely through the foundation it may be a red flag. Small hair-line cracks that do not go through the foundation wall are common and nothing to worry about; they may have been caused by shrinkage of the concrete or mortar joints.
A found crack sometimes has a similar type crack on an opposite wall of the foundation. Similar cracks on opposite walls may have the same cause, with the exception of horizontal cracking caused by a lateral force.
Types of Cracking
Vertical and 45 degree cracking is usually caused by settlement and heaving. Horizontal cracking is commonly caused by side pressure on the foundation, such as hydrostatic pressure (a lateral force). Surface cracks that do not go entirely through the wall and with no signs of displacement are not normally a structural defect. Isolated vertical cracks that do not extend to the lower edge of the foundation wall are usually shrinkage cracks. They are caused by the concrete shrinking during curing.
Causes of Horizontal Cracking
The foundation should act as a retaining wall, resisting lateral pressure of the soil on the outside of the basement or crawl space. If the foundation does not provide enough lateral support, the walls will deflect inward and create horizontal cracking. Some of the causes are foundation walls that are too thin or do not have, (or not enough), reinforcement, such as rebar in the concrete foundation, backfilling the foundation too soon before the foundation has a chance to fully cure, or during back filling if big stones or hard frozen chunks of ground were dumped against the foundation.
Causes of Heaving Foundations
Heaving cracks in foundations made out of brick, blocks, or stones,(not concrete), will generally have cracking in the form of a step, called "step cracking". Step cracking usually follows the mortar joints in these materials.
In concrete foundations, cracks from heaving are usually vertical and are wider at the top of the crack than at the base.
Some areas of the country have expansive soils, which increase in size when they absorb water, causing heaving cracks. Moisture added to dry expansive soils, say from a sudden down pour, will drastically change the volume of the soil and cause serious heaving problems as well as structural damage in some cases. When the expansive soil dries, the shrinkage can also cause a pulling effect on the foundation. The method of prevention is to maintain the soil moisture content, by keeping the soil as dry as possible along the foundation. This can be achieved by proper grading around the perimeter.
Causes of Foundation Settlement
Settling of the soil under the foundation is usually the cause of settlement cracks in the foundation walls. Cracks caused by settling resemble cracks caused by heaving, except the crack is wider at the lower end of the crack.
If a crack is active the crack may still be moving, (getting bigger, etc.) To identify an active crack, it will have sharp edges, clean inside of the crack and sometimes with bits of concrete still in the crack. Old cracks will have dust, dirt, paint and insect parts in the crack.
To determine the severity of a crack or its cause, it may need to be evaluated by a geotechnical engineer. Large cracks 3/8" wide should be carefully examined. Cracks can be measured by the engineer, to determine if it is moving or if it is stabile. Many times Home Inspectors call on the services of an engineer, to be sure the foundation is sound. As a past Home Inspector, I have been surprised several times to find questionable cracks were sound without a concern. I was always glad it was verified for the sake of the buyer or yourself in your case.
What to look for inside the house structure:
Doors and windows that are stuck and misalignment (gaps)
Foundation settlement can cause doors and windows to be come misaligned. This can be seen when observing the edges around the windows or doors, where they close. Look for gaps larger on one side than the other. This can help determine where the settling is occurring.
Cracks in the walls
Settlement will usually cause wall cracking. Settlement cracks are wider on one end than the other. Let it be known wall cracking can also be caused by the house expanding and contracting through its seasons. If there is no evidence of foundation defects and there is wall cracking, it, more than likely, is caused by the latter.
Sloping or tilting floors.
I have learned during my home inspection career that most people will not notice sloping less than 1/8" slope per foot. 3/16"slope per foot is noticeable to most people. A family living in an older home for a long time might not notice sloping even if severe. We tend to adjust to gradual sloping over time.
If there is doubt, use a level to determine if the floor is level. Floor elevations should be recorded for future reference in the inspection.
Unless the sloping is substantial or extensive remodeling is planned, the best repair would be to stabilize the foundation. Extensive re-leveling in an older home may cause more than expected damage to the interior walls, ceilings, doors, windows and cabinetry.
If the home has been stabilized and future movement is unlikely, buyers will often accept the uneven floors.
This article was written to act as tool to guide and assist a DIY Inspection on foundations. Gary wrote the BAIR (Building Analysis Inspection Report) System, which is a DIY Inspection that consists of a lot of instructional detail (a guide) written about any of the many components found in the home. The BAIR System has instruction on how to inspect a foundation and explanations on the findings; this article will help with more information, if needed.
Review and download at: http://www.bairsystem.com
Bottom Plate Gap For Shear WallCAUTION: Most electric dryers use 220 volts to power the heating element. Always disconnect the dryer power cord from the wall receptacle before doing any tests or repair work.
Here are some tips.
Check the fuses
If you have an electric dryer, the first thing to check are the fuses or breakers in your homes fuse box. If this fuse is blown, it is possible for your dryer to spin but not produce heat. If you've checked the fuses and they are not blown, the next possible cause is the heating element.
Check the heating element
To check the heating element, move the back panel of the dryer. You'll need a volt/ohmmeter to check the element terminal. Locate the element and set the volt/ohmmeter on the RX-1 scale. Remove one lead from the element and then place one probe of the volt/ohmmeter on the terminal of the element. Place the other probe of the volt/ohmmeter on the remaining terminal of the element. Look for a continuity reading of the volt/ohmmeter of approximately 2-5 ohms. If there is no continuity reading, the heating element is defective and should be replaced.
LINT- Your dryer's greatest enemy
To extend the life of your dryer, clean the lint filter every time you use the dryer. Even if the lint filter is cleaned after every load, lint will still accumulate around the dryer's moving parts, the exhaust duct and vent.
Each year inspect the vent pipe and vent cover operation. Disconnect the exhaust duct and remove lint from the internal exhaust pipe, the duct and the vent. Make sure the duct has no kinks, where lint and moisture can build-up.
Turn off the power, remove the front and rear panels and vacuum out the lint from around the motor and idler.Poor air flow uses more energy and can cause lint build-up in the internal ducting, leading to a fire hazard.
When in doubt, don't hesitate to call for help. We are open 7 days a week, including holidays, and offer same day service on most repairs.
My Appliance Tech
866.740.2258
At My Appliance Tech, you'll receive superior service, professional technicians and a unique customer service experience. Our factory trained technicians undergo a thorough background check, including drug testing. Our goal is to build a strong and long-lasting relationship with you. We are reliable, honest and insured. Let us be your appliance tech!
We offer Same-Day Service 7 days per week and serve customers from West Palm Beach to Miami. You can trust our expertise as we repair all makes and models with a generous warranty on parts and labor. We also offer installation services where available.
Give us a call today or make an online appointment. We're ready to serve you!
Working in the construction business for over 30 years and listening to homeowners, tell me how fortunate I am to have the ability to work on my own home. It kind of makes me feel good to hear them praise me and when I have completed their project, they usually are extremely happy with how it turned out. I've been listening to this for years and came to one conclusion, anyone can do what I do, with the correct information.
I was building a deck and a homeowner and his son were there constantly, watching me work on the project. They would ask if they can help and if there was anything they could do, they would like to learn the deck building process, so one day they could build their own decks. Most of the time, they were in my way and slowed me down. I finally got to a point where I had to asked them if they could watch from a distance, because I was starting to run behind on the project. It was starting to cost me money to educate them. I just didn't have time for this and there was no way, that I wanted to hurt their feelings or make them mad at me.
They agreed and at the end of the day, would have a couple of questions for me. I told the father, that I would bring him a few books on deck building and he could keep them as long as he needed. Him and his son were more than happy to accept my offer and the next day, they were nowhere in sight. At the end of the day as I was putting my tools away, a homeowner and his son approached me and thanked me for loaning them the books, but they were done with them. The son explained to me, that they were going to purchase some of their own books on deck building, because mine were a little out of date.
To make a long story short, I finished the deck, got paid and went on my way. A few months later they contacted me and asked if I had time, can I come over the house and look at the new deck, that they built next to mine. I said I would be glad to, and would be there tomorrow evening. When I arrived at the job site, I couldn't even get out of my truck, the father and his son were waiting for me in the driveway and directed me to drive to the back of the home.
There new deck was about 10' x 10' and matched the one that I built pretty good. They did a great job and after I told them, what a wonderful job they did building the deck, they were like two kids in a candy store. It seemed like, I had just made their day and it made me feel good, and that they felt good.
Sometimes building a deck or home repairs can be performed like a professional, with a little bit of help, from the book.
Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors.
If you're really interested in learning more about remodeling, new home construction, home maintenance, home repairs and really want to get the nuts and bolts of home improvement. Visit our web site and select from the best-selling home building books on the Internet.
By taking time to plan and design your patio, you can create an area where all the different features combine to produce a unique space that possesses character, comfort and charm. In effect, transforming a popular garden feature into an outside room.
To create the perfect patio for your garden, consider the size and position of the patio area carefully. Most people prefer the patio to be close to the house but you may wish to choose a location in a sunnier part of the garden or a position offering a better view.
By placing the patio near to trees and shrubbery, you create a naturally sheltered area similar to an arbour. But this type of location can bring problems. Firstly excavating the footings for the patio may cause damage to the roots of the trees and shrubs that were the chief attraction of that particular location. Close proximity to trees and shrubs will almost definitely result in the unsightly problem of leaf mould forming on the patio creating a slippery and hazardous surface.
For a patio that complements the house and garden, proportions are all-important. When deciding on the size of the patio, you must also think practically about how it will be used. If you want to put a table and chairs on it, you will probably need at least 3m x 3m but to accommodate sunloungers and possibly barbeques a larger space may be required. So it's worthwhile deciding on the type of patio furniture you will be using at this early stage.
Shape is another important factor in your patio planning. Don't be constrained by the traditional rectangular template - a curved patio is often more space efficient and can blend more harmoniously with the rest of the garden. Experiment with shapes and geometric patterns to highlight garden features or mirror flowerbeds. Mark out the patio area with a hosepipe or string line to help you visualise the space.
Once you have decided on the shape and size of your patio there is another important feature of the design to consider that many people overlook - colour. The variety of stone available to the patio builder is matched, if not surpassed, by the rich diversity of colours in which stone paving materials now come. A quick glance at any paving stone supplier's catalogue or website will vividly illustrate this. We will look at the colours available later, but at this stage it is a good idea to consider whether you want the colour of the patio to complement or contrast with the colour of the walls of your house.
Then there are the questions of patterned or plain and mix or match? Are you going to use stone of the same colour or do want to create a pattern on the patio surface?
Matching different materials is yet another option worth considering. A patio constructed of two different types of stone can be very effective, as can the inclusion of an area of decorative gravel in the design. But if the mix and match approach appeals to you take care, for not all materials will work well together.
As with so much connected with design, personal taste plays a significant and overriding role. Nevertheless, it is a generally accepted rule that natural stone does not work well with reconstructed materials.
The patio's perimeter also offers the opportunity for other design elements that can enhance its overall appearance. Firstly, you may want to build a low ornamental wall around the perimeter of your patio. Once again it is at the design stage where you should be looking into the height of the wall, the type and colour of the brick you are going to use and whether the top of the wall will be finished with coping or incorporate areas for planting.
Another option worth considering is having contrasting edging at the patio's perimeter, which can be in terms of both colour and material. A patio constructed of slabs can be given an elegant block edging, providing a simple but effective counterpoint to the main patio area.
Whatever design you are looking for, it is advisable to produce scale drawings to visualise the finished patio. Scale drawings can also assist in calculating the quantity of materials needed.
Patio slabs
Stone slabs or flags come in many shapes, sizes and colours. The main types of stone are natural stone and reconstructed stone. Natural stone is what its name implies and is the more expensive of the two; but natural stone slabs can vary in size and thickness and consequently will require a higher degree of expertise to lay.
Reconstructed stone slabs - sometimes described as reconstituted or artificial stone - are concrete units where a specific concrete mix has been designed to resemble natural stone. A wide range of natural stones can be imitated including Bath stone, Portland stone, Stainton stone and red terracotta.
A word of caution on reconstructed stone slabs. Although they are the less expensive option, the quality can vary greatly and the cheapest stone slab often bears little resemblance to the natural stone it is trying to imitate. So it's advisable to look around to find the best supplier.
Traditionally the most popular stone for building patios has been sandstone, as it comes in a wide range of attractive colours and textures. But there are other interesting and decorative alternatives.
Travertine is a hardwearing stone common to southern Europe. The largest building in the world constructed predominently of travertine is the Colosseum in Rome. A noticable feature of travertine stone is its naturally pitted surface that is excellent for simple, rustic designs. But it's the colours of travertine stone that make it so attractive to patio builders. In addition to grey, beige and white there are rich browns, reds and golds that are ideal for creating a patio with a Mediterrannean appearance.
Another stone favoured by professional patio builders is granite. The reputation granite has for toughness and durability often overshadows its natural beauty. Natural granite slabs are usually dark and silver grey, or pink. But its beauty is heightened in the sun as it sparkles and glints providing a glamorous sophistication.
When looking at the variety of stone available you will soon discover that patio slabs can come with different finishes offering another dimension to patio design. These finishes are produced by specific operations: acid-etched, smooth or coarse ground, grit or sand-blasted, rubbed or polished, giving the stone a different appearance and character.
A riven surface refers to stone that has the appearance of having split away from the main rock mass resulting in a rough, textured appearance. Tumbled stone has a distressed look marked by rounded edges and a well-worn quality. Polished stone has a smooth surface imparting a refined elegance, while in stark contrast slabs that have been shot-blast have a coarse, roughened surface.
Block paving and setts?
Although the patio slab or flag is the most popular stone material for building patios other materials are available, namely block paving and setts.
Block paving comprises of rectangular shaped blocks similar to bricks. The most common size for block pavers is 200mm x 100mm with a depth of around between 50mm. They can either be made of concrete or clay and come in a wide selection of colours. Clay paving blocks are more expensive than the concrete variety but both can be tumbled or polished
Paving blocks are usually laid in one of three patterns: herringbone, stretcher bond and basketweave.
Whatever stone material you decide to use, accurate plans will help you estimate the quantity of materials needed and get quotes. Remember to check that there are no underground pipes and cables in the area. If the patio is to butt onto an exterior house wall, it must be below the damp proof course.
John Burry is the editor of http://www.lets-do-diy.com He has extensive experience writing for a broad spectrum of UK publications coveringindustries as diverse as health, automotive, beauty, new media and construction. Before taking up his current position he worked in PRwhere he was account manager for a number of blue chip clients. John has gained a reputation for detailedresearch and presenting information clearly and concisely.
Home Remodeling FactsI have written a number of articles about this subject matter but today I simply want to write about vinyl replacement windows to compare quality.
The last time I went shopping for a window replacement I dealt with more than 10 companies and believe me when I say every sales person said their was the best. Buying vinyl replacement windows is almost like buying a used car. Some of the ones I looked at include Anlin, Simonton, Milgard, Polybau, Amerimax and Atrium. Truth is they were all great especially in terms of quality.
One thing to note is that quality is a subjective word. The best quality depends on what suites you best. For example while some may say durable windows means quality others can say an expensive price means quality even if nothing is said about durability.
When it comes to vinyl replacement windows compare quality using different key features not just one. Here is my list of determinants of vinyl replacement window quality to compare - I include brand examples as I go along.
1. Must have good ratings industry wide especially NFRC ratings. Tri-state is a good example here.
2. Noise reduction: If you can get a window that keeps the noise out especially for those who live along a busy road or highway. Again Tri-state
3. The windows must be sturdy and reliable. Alpha windows are known for this feature as well as Tri-state.
4. The replacement windows must be low-e and offer UV protection from the sunlight.
5. If you are particular about energy sufficiency then getting some with warm edge spacers. You shouldn't overlook those that use aluminum spacers as well.
6. Must be a thicker double pane window like Alpha windows.
For more brands and recommendations on vinyl replacement windows - compare quality reviews visit:
http://www.findreplacementwindowcompanies.com Alternatively
Click here > compare replacement window for instant access to hundreds of pre-screened window suppliers and contractors located within your area. If you are looking for expert advice do what I did - get one or two of these to come over to your home for an obligation free consultation.
Painted Waste PipesThe concept is pretty cool. Provide your guests with an outdoor heat source that extends the comfort range of your patio or deck during cooler evening hours and give you the use of your outdoor living spaces well into the fall and even winter if you live in a mild climate area.
These outdoor patio heaters are large, usually over 6 feet tall, and need a heat source such as propane. The best ones provide even heating a full 360 degrees around it so guests can be gathered in many groups around the unit and still be warm.
I wouldn't say they're incredibly stylish, although if you have metal decor like a hanging star or garland or perhaps metal wall sconces then the patio heater will at least look like it belongs. But how can you argue with a 6 foot cylinder pumping out 40,000 BTU's?
They cost about $250 or so, depending on which store you buy it in and which sales you capture. They are obviously more popular during the winter months and are nearly impossible to find in a retail store during the summer unless you catch an inventory clearance event. Our best advice is to buy one in late winter or early spring when they'll probably be on sale and then use it the following fall.
When you're shopping for a patio heater you need to consider these things:
1. the size of your patio or deck
2. how much space you actually need to heat
3. if you want a large fixed heater or a portable one
4. if you care about the fuel source, such as propane, electric, or natural gas
5. how you'll protect it when not in use.
The issue of protection is often easily solved with a patio heater cover. In fact many of them come with a free cover as incentive to get you to buy.
For more information on propane patio heaters and electric patio heaters please visit our website.
Missing Metal FlashingEco friendly paint additives are the buzzwords of modern day society. Fueled by constant demands for energy saving products coupled with a psychological desire to limit the damage being caused to our environment through our actions and daily lifestyles. These products promise to be the future answer to some of these problems.
Products of text book marketing theory referred to as "social marketing" for those in the industry. These products are the result of socio-economic demands as an essential component in the complete insulation of homes, building and other premises. Combining the other buzzword of modern day society - convenience, the product ranges are on the whole efficient, effective and very simple to use. Typically applied by adding to paint and away you go, is the claim made by leading manufacturer and distributor Thermilate, based in the UK.
In using such products society will benefit with a win-win situation. Benefits to consumers of such products are the energy saving they promise, which can be as high as 25%. This in turn impacts on costs and provides users with greater control over the temperature in their homes and other buildings where used. The gains for the environment are the resultant reduction in the usage of damaging carbon fuels, one only has to imagine the millions of homes and buildings out there to visualise what the impact on the environment of the absence of such products has been thus far.
These products work by reducing the amount of heat escaping through walls, which many people have yet to realise are a major form of heat loss in their homes or buildings. Social marketing messages to inform consumers across the world about heat loss through windows proved very successful in the 1970's and 1980's backed by multi million pound marketing campaigns. However, in time it has transpired that the messages were incomplete and failed to inform consumers about the heat loss through their walls, which ironically can be far greater than that which takes place through their windows.
How do they work?
Although technologically advanced and safe to use, these paint additives are amazingly simple in their application. Leading eco-friendly additives company Thermilate stated, "they work by reducing the amount of heat escaping through walls via their insulation and reflection properties. The technology has taken years to develop and the resulting product is highly effective."
Heat loss is a fairly simple process - the walls, roofs and flooring are not impenetrable and they allow significant heat loss. These additives are featured in a multitude of journals. Products such as those mentioned above can slow down this process and inhibit this heat loss permanently.
The technology is based on simple micro-spheres, which create an invisible vacuum effect and thus reflect the heat back into the house, creating a double glazing effect for walls. The brand leader in the industry says its products have proved to reduce significant energy losses and energy consumption when these products were utilized. He is very excited about the future of this technology, particularly in its contribution to the global effort on climate change.
Off course the reverse is also true, these products also prevent heat entering a building in hot climates therefore keeping buildings much cooler, which anybody from such a climate will appreciate is a major problem and in doing so saving on air conditioning costs and creating a far more comfortable living environment.
It is recommended that as your first port of call you Google Thermilate. Its many applications are already assisting in the global effort for climate change. The success or failure of the global climate change strategy is hinged upon the cumulative success of individual efforts which will impact on our collaborative environment in the years to come.
A handyman is a person who does odd jobs related to electrical fittings, plumbing, house cleaning, and garden upkeep. Salaries paid to handymen depend on whether they are self-employed or work for a contractor or franchisee. Self-employed handymen are paid on an hourly basis whereas handy men that work for an organization are paid monthly salaries.
Handymen salaries vary from state to state and are usually higher in big cities such as New York, Washington DC, San Francisco, Detroit, Chicago, and others. Handymen salaries also depend on the experience and skills of a handyman, which means that a handyman with more experience and skills will be paid more than a handyman who has lesser experience.
Based on independent salary surveys, the median pay range for self-employed handymen ranges from fifteen to twenty-five dollars an hour. The median salaries are however less than average salaries, which range from twenty to thirty dollars per hour. Handymen that are employed in an organization can get salaries ranging from thirty-five to forty-five thousand dollars, depending on the remuneration policies of the organization. Handyman services firms also pay commission to their employees in case they bring new work opportunities through their own contacts. They may also get bonuses if they complete their work before time.
Handymen normally prefer working for a contractor or other firms as they have plenty of resources for generating work opportunities. Working in an organization is better then being self-employed, as handymen do not have to use their salaries for purchasing tools and equipment, which is provided by the organization.
Individuals who cannot afford the services of a handyman due to their service rates can perform all the tasks done by handymen with the help of do it yourself (DIY) handyman guides available in the market. They can also take help from friends and acquaintances that have done similar type of work.
Handyman provides detailed information on Handyman, Handyman Services, Starting A Handyman Business, Handyman Tips and more. Handyman is affiliated with Home Remodeling
