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.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
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
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/
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
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
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