Crawlspace

- Underhouse - Floods - Water Under Your House Can Cause a Variety of Problems

Standing water or wet soil in your home's crawlspace can come from a variety of sources. These may include but are certainly not limited to the following.

(1) A leaking freshwater supply line, usually galvanized, copper, pvc or pex.
(2) A leaking sewer drain line, usually cast iron, galvanized, clay or ABS.
(3) Naturally high groundwater table.
(4) Over watering of plants around your home (creating a man made high water table).
(5) Sprinklers spraying through the crawlspace vents.
(6) Leaking swimming pools (this is rare).
(7) Improperly directed gutter downspouts.
(8) Stream or river flooding.

Standing water or extremely damp soil in your home's crawlspace (under house) can cause a variety of structural problems and health concerns. Excess humidity caused by the evaporation of standing water or wet soil in your crawlspace can cause mold growth on the wooden foundation and the bottom of sub flooring. It can also cause warping or buckling of sub flooring and mold growth in the living area of the building. If your home has H.V.A.C. (heating , ventilation, air conditioning) ducting in the crawlspace and the system is compromised with excess moisture, microbial amplification may result. All of these issues can possibly create unhealthy indoor air quality. A broken sewer line in your crawlspace and the subsequent release of raw sewage onto your crawlspace soil can create an awful odor problem in your home. Also there are possible health concerns to the constant inhalation of sewer gas from an open or broken sewer line.

Some solutions to the problems mentioned above. Try to determine the source of the water intrusion and correct it yourself. This may be as simple as redirecting sprinkler heads, fixing leaky outdoor faucets or redirecting gutter downspouts. If you suspect plumbing problems, you should call a licensed plumber.

Often, there is too much water under your house for a plumber to properly inspect the pipes, you may need to call a Water Damage Restoration company. Many water damage companies offer crawlspace de-flooding and or sewage cleanup, should the leak be from a sewer drain line. After the water is removed and the crawlspace made accessible a plumber can check for leaky pipes. If your foundation is wet you may need a water damage restoration company to dry it for you, in order to prevent mold growth.

If you have over watering problems or a high water table you may need to contact a landscape engineer or a water proofing contractor to design a French drain system or other remedy to keep water from accumulating under your home. Many plumbing companies or water proofing contractors will also install sump pump systems in the low area of your crawlspace to help combat water pooling. You may also want to consider having a crawlspace dehumidifier installed to regulate the relative humidity to a level that will inhibit structural damage or mold growth. Another way to keep air flowing through the crawlspace (and thereby promoting evaporation) is by installing crawlspace ventilation fans over your existing crawlspace vents. There are also companies who can completely encapsulate your crawlspace with thick plastic, thereby effectively sealing your home off from the ground.

As you can see there are many problems that can arise from excessive water or moisture in your home or buildings crawlspace and just as many solutions. Should you suspect a problem that may need a professional solution, a good place to start is on the internet with your favorite search engine and a search for "crawlspace". This should get you started in the right direction with any crawlspace (under house) issues you may have.

Author, Roger Christensen. Owner/Lead technician of 1-877 Quikdry, Inc. an emergency water damage service, servicing the Sacramento and San Francisco Bay Areas of California. They offer crawlspace pumping services, sewage cleanup and dry out and also tackle plumbing repair access issues.
http://www.1-877-Quikdry.com
http://www.WaterDamage-Answers.com

Useful Tips For Fix It Yourself Plumbing

If you want to practice fix-it-yourself plumbing, you must know the basics at least. You must understand how to unclog a toilet or clean out a drainpipe. If you know the basics, you can easily handle the minor do-it-yourself plumbing projects, such as the aforementioned scenarios. However, sometimes the problems are a little more complex. Sometimes, the harsh drain cleaners are a worry to have sitting around the house. Breathing with their strong smell in the air sometimes becomes unbearable.

Tips For Fix It Yourself Plumbing

Following are the tips that can prove quite helpful in some very simple do-it-yourself plumbing projects. It will also give you an idea when is the time to call a professional.

• Harsh drain cleaners are not good to use if you have children or pets in the house. Instead, it is prudent to use a new toilet plunger to unclog those stubborn drains.

• If there is a single sink, this process can work perfectly. However, if there are double sinks, this process may sound a bit tricky.

• In case of double sinks, you will need a total of two plungers. Therefore, it is recommended that you allow someone else to help you.

• You can plunge on the sink that is clogged while your friend uses one plunger to secure the air from exiting out of the properly working side.

• This process might take some time, but it is much safer than using harsh drain cleaners.

Again, when you are plunging a sink, you must take special care not to push so hard that you damage the sink.

William Samson has written many more articles about kitchen and bathroom plumbing.

Energy Efficient Homes

Hot Temperatures Putting Your Utility Bill Through the Roof?

Find Out How to Make your Home Energy Efficient

High energy prices have been on the rise in the United States. There are ways that you can make your home hot weather ready while keeping cool in the summer.

The first thing you may want to do is get an energy audit to see how energy efficient your home really is. An energy auditor will come to the home and check all major appliances, heating and cooling systems, as well as windows, doors and insulation. The entire structure of the home will be assessed and get an overall rating. This rating will also come with a report that will give suggestions on how you can change the home, or make improvements to it so it is more energy efficient.

There are some things you can check in your home to identify areas that are in need of improvement. Check your garage walls, basement, attic and attic stairway to see if there are any major drafts or areas where the insulation is old or in need of replacement.

Check your central air conditioning system every spring and have it serviced. This will make sure that it is working properly and efficiently so that money is not wasted on leaks. You may also want to clean or replace the filter once every two months and always seal any leaks or holes around pipes, whether they be plumbing or heating.

Hire a contractor to seal any leaky ducts so that airflow is distributed equally and the equipment is operating at peak efficiency.

Are your windows single or double pane? If they are single pane, you may want to consider installing double pane windows with high performance glass. This ensures that there are fewer drafts in the house.

Consider a programmable thermostat that can regulate the home's temperature even when you are not home. That way, the air conditioning will not cool the home when you are not home, or in the evenings when the air conditioning may not be as necessary.

When you install window coverings, curtains, drapes or blinds, it helps seal off the windows and doors from both any drafts and the sun. It can help keep your house cool in the day by protecting the home from the sun's hot rays.

Consider ceiling fans as an alternate source of cooling. These ceiling fans do not use as much energy as air conditioning and keep a bedroom very cool.

If you have room around the property of the house, consider planting a tree. A tree can act as a natural cooling system for a house or bedroom window so that the sun is not in direct contact with the home. When the sun is not shining directly on the home, it can greatly decrease the heat that enters in the house.

If you can not plant a tree to shield the house, you may want to invest in applying a reflective coating to the roof. This reflective coating will redirect the sun's rays, bouncing the heat off of the home. A dark roof absorbs a lot of heat, so if you have one, consider getting a light roof that will also reflect the sun's rays.

There are many options for energy-saving appliances. Some of them can be great investments, but always check the energy claims to see if it really is saving you energy and if it is something that you could use in your home.

If you feel that energy conservation in your home is something that you can achieve, but need help with the investment to make all the improvements in your home, you may want to check out an Energy-Efficient Mortgage (EEM). You can get a loan towards the improvements of your house if the overall savings in the utilities are greater than the cost of the home improvements. Ask your energy auditor to help you determine the break even point where your costs match your savings, and savings will begin to take place. In the long term, great savings can be reaped by performing these home improvements.

Energy-Efficient Mortgages are a lot like normal mortgages, except you use the money for home improvements. Interest rates are usually low and payments and terms are negotiable. There are many lenders who offer this mortgage, so ask around or go to your local bank to see if there is someone who can help you. There are more papers to fill out and you must get an energy audit before applying for an EEM. The energy auditor can assist you and the lender in getting everything ready for the application process of the EEM. It takes the work off of both you and the lender.

By making home improvements you can save a lot of money on your utility bills and at the same time conserve energy. It's a win-win situation for both your pocket book and environment.

Foreclosure law advice

Losing ones home to a foreclosure can often be halted or stopped, but time is usually the most important factor in whether or not this can happen. There are legal teams available at many law offices, which specialize in this type law practice. They will negotiate with your financial institution to avoid or stop further action on your foreclosure and get your finances back on the right road to help you avoid this pitfall in the future.Some foreclosure legal teams will also work with other creditors so that you have extra time to pay these fees and payments, offering you the chance to put your funding where it most needs to be currently, and permit you to pay mortgages, late fees and accrued costs in an effort to save the equity you have built up in your home. A foreclosure team is something that most people will find necessary if the situation should arise that you truly are sued for the foreclosure. In this event an attorney is a good investment.Many of these attorneys will offer special fees, or permit you to pay the fees over time, to prevent you from going further into debt at the present time. As a general rule, 90 percent of those who apply for a new financier or lending institution are usually turned down for that refinancing loan. Many, if not most, are not notified of the turndown until it's nearly past the last chance to save their home from the foreclosure.

Even if you are approved interest rates will be a great deal higher than those you paid previously and you are pressured by the company and your circumstance into accepting what might prior to now have been unacceptable. Many times the fees and loans will be five or six times what you paid previously, which are sometimes handed to you at the very last moment of closing.Legal teams are able to inform you objectively whether or not a refinancing of the home will be beneficial to you, and if not, to contact your lender in an effort to assist you in putting off the foreclosure until alternative funding is found. If you are in doubt as to what course to take, take it to a specialist. See a member of a legal team who is cognizant of what you are going through, and what it will take to help you.

Closet Organization Tips - Closet Organization Tips

Planning a Gift Closet - Planning a Gift Closet

Most people know about foreclosures

Most people know about foreclosures, or at least have heard of them, but aren't certain what they really are, or actually entail. We all hope that we won't find ourselves encapsulated in such a procedure and for most of us that is a reality. We will not, be involved in a foreclosure, however we should know something about how the process works in the event that we might want to take advantage of it, or prevent one.A foreclosure, as most of you know, is the result of a borrower getting behind in the payments for his or her home, and as a result, steps are taken to return the home to the possession of the financial institution or lender.

The communications involved and the actions taken typically follow a specific timeline, much as any other transaction.After fifteen days, in most cases the borrower/s will receive a phone call from the lender asking what happened with the payment and when they may expect to be paid the due amount on the mortgage.Also as early as 15 days from the due date of the mortgages a late payment will be assessed and added to the payment due. As early as forty five days, the lender may send letters to the borrower stating that the terms of the mortgage have been breached and the borrower is now in default. Traditionally at this point the borrower is given a time span, usually 30 days to correct the default and bring the payments current, or to make other arrangement, such as a deferment of payment. Usually at 90 days past due, the mortgage company or financial institution will hire a local attorney, who begins foreclosure proceedings. At about day 120 the sale proceeds.

Solar Pool Heating Systems - Pool Heating Systems most economical and simple solar heating system for your pool is the solar pool blanket.

Reduce Your Energy Bill - Energy Conservation Reducing greenhouse gas production may help to reverse global warming. In a nutshell - conservation of energy has both personal and societal benefits.

Chemical Energy - A chemical compound is composed of very simple collections of atoms, bound together. When the bond between these atoms loosens, a chemical reaction takes place and new combinations are created. Very simple reactions, such as the oxidation of metals occur

Get an Energy Efficient Mortgage - Get an Energy-Efficient Mortgage You can check with banks and other institutions who can help guide you in the right direction in finding this great opportunity

Certain requirements are necessary in each state or province. Some necessitate that the foreclosure must be judicial, that is presided over by a judge. These may take up to 9 months to accomplish a sale.In some states however judicial intervention is not necessary, and those states may find their homes sold in as little as two months. Until the actual sale of the property, the borrower has the right of redemption, that is to say he or she may pay what is due, plus costs and recoup the home. Once the home is sold they have no further rights, and no way to prevent the loss of good credit or equity in the home.

Hire a Qualified Building Contractor

Avoid a Nightmare -
You’ve decided on your building project, whether new construction or remodeling. Perhaps you have chosen a new building to house your business, and you will need either a general building contractor or a metal building contractor.
Carefully choosing the right home building contractor is important to the success of your project, while an unqualified contractor can turn your plans into a nightmare. Here are some tips for selecting the right contractor for the job:
A candidate should have a valid building contractor license, and up-to-date liability insurance. Ask to see certificates; check with your local licensing authority for past problems or violations pertaining to any potential candidate.
Avoid a Nightmare Ask for references of recently completed projects; check each out.
Make sure the contractor will acquire necessary permits and arrange for any required inspections and certificates.
Avoid a Nightmare Give identical copies of detailed project plans to each potential candidate to get a quote for the project. You should get at least three different quotes before making your selection. Be sure the quote includes materials and fixtures that meet project specifications. Avoid contacts that allow “of like kind” substitutions.
The Contract
After you have selected a building contractor, make sure that all detailed information is included in the contract, such as complete names, addresses, and phone numbers of both parties, as well as the physical address of the project. Be sure that project start and finish dates are included, and that a payment plan is described in detail. It is normal for a contractor to ask for 10-33% in advance, with additional funds paid as work progresses.
How to Save on the Total Bill
If your project does not have to be completed on a priority basis, you may want to consider offering it to a contractor as a “fill in” job. Most contractors will take such projects at a reduced price, insuring they have other work in the event of adv erse weather or materials delivery mix-ups at another project.
Avoid a Nightmare Many contractors will accept a project as a “reference” contract. This is a win-win situation for the property owner; work is completed at a reduced price, and since the contractor will use the completed job to showcase his expertise to potential clients, only his best work goes into your project.
Finding the Right Contractor
There are at least three sources for finding a qualified building contractor in your area: word-of-mouth references from people that have recently had a similar project done, local licensing authorities who provide a list of contractors with appropriate building contractor license, and Internet web sites that make referrals. For instance, Canadian residents can visit www.handycanadian .com to locate a qualified contractor in their area.
By following these simple steps, you can avoid a potential nightmare, and insure your project is a pleasant experience for all parties involved.
Max Sheppard is Co-Owner of Handy Canadian.com at http://www.handycanadian.com/. Handy Canadian.com is your one-stop renovation information web site: where homeowners locate professional contractors, and qualifying contractors acquire new leads.Communication and Your ContractorGeneral Contractor Can Help Contractor for Your Project

Prevent a foreclosure on their homes

Many people find themselves in circumstances they had never planned to be in. Losing a job or a spouses income due to death or divorce leaves them scrambling to pay the mortgage or other bills on their own. They then find themselves scrambling also to find a way to prevent a foreclosure on their homes. This is new territory and can be a very stressful time due to the fact of having a foreclosure on their home or automobile. This does not make you the bad guy, or even a deadbeat, as many financial institutions appear to think. It merely makes you a victim of a set of circumstances currently touching the lives of many thousands of people daily. When you receive that first foreclosure intent notice then that is the time to act on it. Do not become paralyzed by the circumstances, and in fact, do nothing.

This is the worst possible reaction to what is already a bad situation. There are options to avoid foreclosure and to save your credit and equity, if you act rapidly enough to take advantage of them.One of the options would be to contact an investor who you know to be interested in properties in your area. There are lists of such investors readily available on the internet or at your local library or realtor. There are lists of people who are ready and willing to purchase your home and work to help you prevent a blot on your credit record which will last for many years to come. While it isn't always the best solution, or the one which pleases everyone, it is one way in which you may prevent a foreclosure on your home and work toward the purchase of another one.

Contact them and see if an arrangement might be made to sell your home prior to the foreclosure, or in what is called the pre foreclosure period, when you retain the most rights toward the home.Additionally there are a multitude of foreclosure assistance groups both offline and online who are waiting to aid you with this situation. Take advantage of and research all of your options prior to using one, but do use one or the other of them. It is in no ones best interests to see your home repossessed. The banks do not desire to have to deal with this, and you have no real desire to lose your investment. Everyone loses in a foreclosure so take the steps to avoid it.

Hiring A Contractor

- 10 TipsBy: Steve Gillman A very smart attorney I know paid $7,000 for a roof repair, only to have the roof leak the next time it rained. The contractor stalled, made excuses, but never did a thing about it. Anyone can have these kinds of problems when having repairs or improvements done, but to make it less likely, avoid the folowing mistakes when hiring a contractor.

1. Not knowing what you want. If you don't know what you want, you might not like what you get. Also, if you change your mind and change the job halfway through, the contract - and price - have changed (Hint: it won't get cheaper). Know clearly what you want done.

2. Not getting everything in writing. You don't want to hear, "I didn't say I was going to include the gutters."

3. Not having dates in the contract. Did you want it finished this year? You better have it in the contract.

4. Paying too much up front. A deposit may be a reasonable request when the contract is signed, and money for materials prior to the start date. Never pay in full before the job is finished.

5. Hiring unlicensed contractors. Actually, this can be okay, if you know what you are doing (and he does). The license doesn't mean you get expertise, but it does mean you get leverage. A contractor will right his wrongs to avoid losing that license.

6. Hiring the first one in the phone book. Ask friends who had work done, or the owner of a hardware store. Find a recommendation based on a similar job to yours.

7. Thinking there will be no problems. Weather delays, employees quitting, and more will happen. Having problems is okay, but it's not okay if the contractor can't work out the issues to your satisfaction.

8. Expecting neatness. Believe it or not, it is sometimes efficient to leave things laying where they'll next be used. There will be messes, so prepare accordingly. Cover things if it will be a dusty job, for example. Also be clear in the contract that the jobsite will be cleaned up at the end of the job.

9. Not having penalties in the contract. This is important on large jobs. It's one thing to say "Work to be completed by May 2nd," but better to add, "$100 per day to be deducted from the contract price for each day the job is unfinished beyond May 2nd." That's what I call a motivational clause.

10. Thinking contracts will prevent problems. They help, but unreasonable people on either side of a contract can ignore them, or use "literal readings" to make things even worse. Find someone you can work with, and keep your eyes open. About the author:Steve Gillman has invested real estate for years. To learn more, and to see a photo of a beautiful house he and his wife bought for $17,500, visit http://www.HousesUnderFiftyThousand.com

Your Building Your Dream Home, But Where Do You Start?
You have finally found the perfect lot, in the neighborhood of your choice, and at a price you can afford. Now you have to decide what type of house you want built. In fact you may even know the house you want, be it a big rambling farmhouse, with a wrap-a-round porch reminiscent of your grandmother’s home, a rustic log cabin or a more modern luxurious home. Whatever you choose, the first thing you will need is a set of house plans.

An architect can draw up plans to your exact specifications, but this can be very expensive. A building contractor may show a selection of home plans to choose from, but perhaps a better less costly idea would be to purchase a set of pre-drawn house plans. There are magazines and web sites where you can purchase plans for just about any style house you could imagine.
Most House plans web sites allow you to search, by house style, such as country, cottage, log cabin, Tudor or luxury home. You can also search by price, designer, number of bedrooms, numb er of stories, garage etc. not all sites offer all search options.
Informational articles, or FAQs (frequently asked Questions) are available on most sites. These provide information about the different types of plan sets available and what is included in each, making changes to the house plan you choose, return policy, finding a builder, return policy, and a number of other questions. For Questions not covered in the information section, there is usually a toll free number you can call to get the answers to your questions.

The types of house plan sets are: Construction sets. Which consists of 5 to 8 complete sets of plans. This set is what you will need, to get a building permit, arrange financing, and actually get your house built. The plans in this set include, exterior views (elevations), floor and roof plans, basement or foundation plans, Building sections, electrical schematic, and usually information about such things as structural specifications, excavation and grading, flooring materia l, carpentry, and tiling. A building license, not to be confused with a building permit, is included. The license allows you to use the plans to create your dream home.

A reproducible set is available for making minor changes to your plans. The plan is drawn on erasable vellum or Mylar. This set comes with a Copyright Release, allowing you to make as many copies as needed to accommodate the changes you make to the original plan. It also comes with a building, license, but you may not construct more than one house without first getting a multi-use license from the company.

The CAD set is intended for use when you will have a local architect make major changes to the original house plans. It also includes a copyright release so that your designer can make copies as needed. Again you need to get a multi-use license if you intend to build more than one house.
A study set, is used primarily for estimating costs, it usually doesn’t include foundation plans and may not be copied. No license is incl uded and comes marked with a “Not for Construction” label. Lastly there is the Single set it is for obtaining bids, it also bears the “Not for Construction” label, and no license is provided.
The designers of pre-drawn house plans do their drawings to meet national building codes. It is possible that you will need to hire a local architect to bring your plans up to code for your area. It may be wise to contact your local building agency and to find out what is required to get a building permit.

At last you have chosen the plans for your new home, obtained financing, and your plans meet code. What comes next? You need to hire a building contractor, and sub contractors, for electricity and plumbing. Where do you begin? Most areas license contractors, so make sure that the people you interview, have the right qualifications, and licenses. If you had a local designer to alter your plans she may be able to refer you to some qualified, reputable contractors in your area. If you have had electrical or plumbing work done in your present home, that person may have the name of a good builder. Always ask for and check references, Also, make sure your contract provides for redress if the work is not completed, done properly and to code standards Once you hire a qualified builder, he should have the names of plumbers, air conditioning specialists and electricians that he has worked with in the past. Check the Better Business Bureau to see if the person you are considering has any complaints lodged against them.
The companies that sell house plans will usually make minor changes to your plan, for an additional charge and it may not be necessary to hire a local designer. However, the changes must be requested at the time of purchase.

It is possible to have your plans reversed in most cases. If your breakfast nook faces north for instance and the best view from your lot is to the south, you can ask to have the plans reversed. Most house plan web sites allow you to view the reversed image on line. Occasi onally the view can’t be seen on line, but most companies will email you a reversed view in that case.
One thing the plans do not include is the actual layout of the electrical, plumbing and air conditioning work, since the designers have no way to know where on your lot these lines would enter the house. Your contractor s will have no problem working that out.
There are dozens of home styles to choose from .A- frame to Victorian. One search option is size. A small house is anything up to 1500sq. ft. of living space, a medium size is from 1500 to 2500 sq. ft. A home over 2500sq.ft is considered large.

A luxury home is also 2500 sq. ft. or more and has extras, such as large main floor master bedroom suite, walk in closets, media room, and home office. Premium homes are also large, often 5000sq.ft. In addition to the Master bedroom suite and extra special use rooms, they generally have a bathroom for each bedroom. Music room’s media centers, and offices are common. The garages with these house s are often larger than 600sq.ft
Your dream house is out there, you just need to do your homework. When you find the right plan to suit your family and your lot. Make sure your contractor is licensed, reputable and qualified to do the work and adheres to your local building code. Be sure that your contract protects you if the work isn’t done to code. Stay in touch with the contractor, visit the site often, be there when the last detail is completed. Now relax and enjoy your new home.

About the AuthorMartin Smith is a successful freelance writer providing advice for home buyers and consumers on purchasing a variety of unique house plans which includes cottage plans, beach house plans, and more! His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information

Plan for Your Log HomeHouse Floor PlansEstimate Home Building Cost

Facts About Solar Energy

You have likely been told many times different facts about solar energy. Of course, it is hard to know which facts about solar energy are actually “facts” and which are more like opinions.
This article is going to relay to you some of the top facts about solar energy. It will delve into not just positive facts about solar energy, but negative ones, as well. Are you ready? Here we go:
Facts about solar energy (in no particular order):
· Solar energy is a renewable resource (it may go away at night, but we will always have it.)
· Solar energy will not pollute our air with carbon dioxide and other harmful greenhouse gases and bad emissions.
· Solar energy can be used to heat water, dry clothes, heat swimming pools, power attic fans, power small appliances, produce light for both indoors and outdoors, and even to power cars, among other things.
· In 1990, a aircraft powered solely by the sun crossed the United States.
· Solar energy products can be v ery expensive. The initial cost is, perhaps, the main disadvantage of solar energy.
· You need a relatively large area to install solar panels if you want a good level of efficiency.
· Depending where you live (Arizona vs. Alaska, around many shady trees or in the desert, etc.), you will get different results with solar energy systems.
· Of course, once you install the products, they can be very inexpensive to run. In fact, energy from the sun is free.
· If you have a really good solar energy system, one that produces even more energy than you use, your utility company can buy it from you.
· When you use solar energy, you are making you and your home independent. You do not need to depend on foreign or other sources of energy which can raise their costs quickly.
· To run a solar energy system, you do not even need to connect to a gas or power grid.
· Solar energy cannot be produced at night or if there is a lot of pollution in the air or clouds over the sun.
· Of course, realize that you can have a battery backup system with your solar energy system that will take care of the problems that could arise when the sun does not rise, so to speak.
· You can install solar energy in remote locations.
· If there is a power outage, you can still have electricity!
· As your energy needs grow, you can add more solar panels
· Solar panels operate silently.
· Solar powered cars are not yet up to par with other cars. They have a much slower speed.
· Solar energy systems require very little maintenance and will last for a long time.
· Technology for solar energy is constantly improving.
Those are just a few facts about solar energy. I hope that they were helpful!
Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for websites on gardening, parenting, the enviornment, fashion, and home decor. Her background includes teaching and gar dening. For more of her articles on solar power, please visit Solar Home.

What Is Solar Energy

Finding Your Dream Home

Finding a new home can be a wonderful experience! You can get the second home you have been dreaming of for years OR get your kids each their own room OR buy your first home and (finally) move out of that apartment. You can anticipate the new memories that you will make when you have more or less space, a bigger garage, a water view or even a huge backyard so your doggies can roam free!

But between where you are now and where you want to be is one giant hassle – house hunting. With a favorable interest rate, a huge inventory and a helpful real estate industry it would seem that home buying should be simple – but it is not! There is a lot of frog kissing until you find THE ONE, the house that is perfect for you.

While there is no magic that can make this process simple, there are some easy things that you can do to make your search shorter and sweeter.

First: Sit down and make a list of “gotta haves”. These are the things that you must have in order to have the perfect home for you. Some of these may include the number of bedrooms, whether it needs to have a master suite, how big a lot you would like, how many cars the garage can accommodate, whether it is in a flood zone or not, should it be a fixer-upper or a move in ready? Once you have your list finished, pare it down to the top 5 things that you would like the most, knowing that if you can get 4 of the 5 you are doing great. Even with the number of homes on the market today, unless you are building, you will probably have to compromise on something.

Second: Find out how much you can spend. Many people make the mistake of using an online calculator to find out how much house they can afford. Those are a nifty tool to get a range BUT some do not factor in the cost of taxes or insurance which can increase the payments greatly. Another consideration - just because you are approved for a certain amount does not mean you want to spend that much. You do not want to become one your “house-poor” friends!

Third: Pick some locations. If you have your heart set on living in a certain city your search will be shorter, but most people have a number of cities/neighborhoods that they will consider. There many different ways to find out what home prices are like where you want to live. You can drive the area and pick up flyers that will give you an idea of what home prices are like, search the internet for homes in your price range, or if you choose to get professional help, utilize tools like a Flash report to tell you when a new home in your price range comes on the market.

Now that you know what you want, how much you can afford and where you would like to live, you are ready to start looking at homes. Focus on your top 5 list, stick to your price range and you will be moving into your dream house in no time!

Visit http://realestatemarketingpro.bl ogspot.com for free daily real estate marketing ideas. See these tips and tricks in action at http://www.ComeToClearwater.com

Realtors and mortgage bankers/brokers, please feel free to use this article provided this reference is included and all links remain active.

Concrete is the most highly used manmade product on Earth

Concrete - How Concrete is Made and the History of Concrete
Concrete is the most widely used manmade product in the world. It powers a $35 billion industry, one of the largest on Earth. Concrete is used to make a variety of structures a which you use everyday.

Concrete is a construction material that consists of, in its most common form, cement, gravel and sand, and water. Concrete is the most highly used manmade product on Earth. It is used to make pavements, building structures, foundations, motorways/roads, overpasses, parking structures, brick/block walls and footings for gates, fences and poles. Approximately six billion cubic metres of concrete are produced every year, which is one cubic metre per person on Earth! Concrete commands a $35 billion worldwide industry and employs, in the United States alone, 2 million people.

The origins of concrete can be traced back to the Babylonians, who used a clay-mix similar to concrete. However, the modern-day form of concrete was not invented till 1756, when British engineer John Smeaton pioneered the use of cement in concrete. His ingredients included pebbles and powdered brick as aggregate. Nowadays, recycled materials are becoming increasingly more popular as ingredients in concrete due to higher public awareness about ecological sustainability and environmental damage.

The composition of concrete is traditionally relatively simple. However, modern concrete is often a complicated mix, ensuring durability and longevity. Cement is the main ingredient in concrete. Portland cement is the most common cement in circulation, which is just a basic mix of mortar and plaster.

Water is another ingredient in the manufacture of concrete. The w/c ratio (mass ratio of water to cement) is the key factor that determines the strength of Concrete. A lower w/c ratio will yield a concrete which is stronger, while a higher w/c ratio yields a concrete with a lower strength. Water also affects the workability and consistency of a concrete.This water and cement paste hardens over time, and both fine and coarse aggregates are added to provide bulk. Widely used aggregates include sand, gravel and crushed stone. Decorative stones such as, small river stones or crushed glass are sometimes added to the surface of concrete for a decorative "exposed aggregate" finish, popular among landscape designers.

Ad mixtures are also added to a concrete mix to give it certain characteristics not obtainable by basic production. Admixtures come in powder or paste form and generally consist of no more than 5% of the entire mixture.Concrete has many characteristics including:

Workability – ability to mould to certain shapes
Curing – keeping concrete under certain conditions till it hydrates
Strength – high compressive strength, low tensile strength
Elasticity – relatively low
Expansion and shrinkage – provisions must be made for both
Cracking – abnormal drying rate will result in cracks
Creep – the permanent movement of a slab of concrete

Concrete is used for many structures. Mass concrete structures are structures built with one, giant concrete slab so that there are no weak points, such as dams or shelters. Reinforced concrete structures have bars of steel running through the concrete to ensure strength and stability. Pre stressed concrete structures have a predetermined stress level which will never be exceeded, as they will only carry their own weight. Concrete is an amazingly versatile material. Whether you are building some of the largest structures in the world or a small pathway, the evolution and discovery of concrete has changed our world

http://www.myconcretecontractor.com

© Copyright 2005 All Rights Reserved

Concrete Facts

Slab-On-Grade

Renovating a home is not an easy task

50 Remodeling Tips

Remodeling homes can potentially become a very difficult and costly endeavor. In order to avoid unnecessary and costly delays, you must not only have the knowledge of what you intend to do to your home but also the managerial skills to be able to effectively deal with the people doing the renovation. This will require you to acquire knowledge on the different steps in renovation and the endurance to see the project through.

The Process

The usual process that you need to go through in remodeling your home will involve hiring a contractor who will manage and oversee the project. The contractor then will have a builder or builders who will subcontract the construction work, the supplies and the labor required. You must pick a contractor that you can trust in picking subcontractors and the materials that you need, but this does not mean that you will leave everything to the contractor. You must be the one to give the final approval on the selection of the subcontractors and the materials. You must also review the construction that is being done on a regular basis. You must also be the one to handle the finances that will be involved in the renovation as you can control the cost of the renovation.

50 Remodeling Tips Managing people

Remodeling your house will require that you be able to effectively deal with the people doing the renovation. Knowing how to handle your builders can ensure a smooth working relationship and you can also avoid being taken advantage of by your builders. Being a good "manager" will require you to be fair but tough to your builders, which entails making sure that the work being done on your house is of high quality with a certain level of assertiveness. You must also be able to keep records of the financial transactions involved in the renovation.

You must also be able to provide a good working environment for your builders so that they will be encouraged to do quality work for you. Delays in the renovation should be avoided as much as possible because delays cost money, how ever, if they do occur you should be prepared with alternative plans. Most importantly, you should be able to ensure the quality of work being done by doing regular inspections.

Renovating a home is not an easy task. It will entail that you need to be a manager, a supervisor, and a financial manager at the same time. Therefore, having the right knowledge in the steps of renovation and the right managerial skills can help you avoid the delays and the unnecessary stress that poorly planned renovations bring.

http://50remodelingtips.com/

Warning Signs of a Crooked Contractor

How to Detect a Scam Artist Before You Hand Over the Money - 4 Warning Signs of a Crooked Contractor
I hate to say it, but not all contractors are honest.
We’re not all crooks. But there are people out there who will overcharge you and give you garbage. Others aren’t dishonest, just incompetent—they couldn’t build a birdhouse if you put a gun to their head, let alone a bathroom.

Wouldn’t it be great if all dishonest, incompetent contractors were terrible at selling themselves? That way, when you talked to them over the phone or had them present their project idea in your home, you could separate the good from the bad right away.
Yeah, and I’d like to win the lottery while we’re dreaming. Let’s talk practicalities.
Here are 4 of the 8 signs in my book “Home Contractor Secrets—Revealed” that will warn you away from a crooked contractor. If you see any—or all—of these signs, you have trouble on your hands. Cut the interview short and walk away.

1) The contractor makes a cold-call to your house. A “cold call” means he calls you out of the blue. He doesn’t know anyone you know, an d no one recommended him.
If a contractor is making cold calls, it’s because none of his other clients will recommend him or give him referrals. Do not work with this kind of contractor.
There are a few exceptions to this—some good contractors are aggressive in trying to grow their businesses, but they’re rare. One situation that I can think of is if your neighbors are remodeling their home—a worker might come by and give you a flyer. In this situation you can go see the remodel for yourself. You can ask your neighbor about the quality of the work. In this situation the worker isn’t trying to sell you anything. If you like what you see, you can give the company a call.

2) The contractor tries to pressure you into making an immediate decision. An honest contractor knows you need time to think it over. Crooked contractors will tell you that their price is a discount that is good “only if you accept it by the end of the day.”
They are trying to stop you from getting any other bids. 90% of the time, their “discount price” is more expensive than everyone else’s regular quote. Run, do not walk, away from these “deals.”
3) The contractor offers discounts or finder’s fees for finding other customers. Good contractors rely on referrals and word of mouth to get their business. Good contractors don’t have to bribe you to make you work with them.
4) The contractor wants you to get all the building permits. This could be a sign that the contractor is not licensed and is trying to avoid getting caught. This is not always the case, but be aware.

If remodeling is a war, then scam artists are the vultures that circle the battlefield looking for easy prey. A scam artist doesn’t want to work. He wants money for nothing. But a scam artist can’t fool you if you do your homework. If you want more information on how spot a crooked contractor before you give him any money—and learn other ways to save thousands of dollars on your remodeling project, go to www.HomeContractorSecrets.com.
20 year third generation builder and remodeler helps families save money and prosper.

Certified Roofing Contractor
How to Fire a Contractor
Plumbing Problems
Construction Estimating
Finding Your Dream Home