How to Choose a Home Renovation Contractor

When you have to choose a coF0Entractor for some of the renovation work on your home, how will you tell the difference between a certified professional and a charlatan? Research and the right questions are what you'll need to make this important decision. Keep reading to learn how to choose the right contractor and save yourself both time and money.

Where to Find Good Contractors

Before you even begin interviewing potential contractors, you need to find them first. Initially, educate yourself on your proposed project so you have an idea of the expertise that's going to be needed for your particular job. For example, if your home improvement project involves a lot of plumbing work, then you know to look for a contractor with plumbing experience.

When looking for contractors, try asking your friends for referrals, check online customer review sites, ask at your local home hardware store and try the yellow pages. Call at least three potential contractors to interview and get quotes. When you're requesting quotations, give every contractor the same information so your comparison is consistent.

How to Interview a Contractor

When interviewing a potential contractor, it's important to ask these questions:

1. Are you licensed in this city/state? If your potential contractor has a license, get the number and call your local building department's licensing office to validate it. Also, call your Better Business Bureau and your state's Consumer Protection Agency to find out what's required to get a license in your state.

2. Can you provide me with 3 references from jobs done in the last year? Use references to check your contractor's work history, reliability and ability to stay on budget and schedule.

3. What insurance do you have? Contractors should come to you insured. They should have general liability, workman's compensation, auto insurance, and property and personal liability. Ask for a copy of your contractor's insurance because the last thing you want is legal and financial responsibility should an accident happen on your property.

4. How experienced are you? Find out how long your contractor has been in business. Anything over five years is usually a sign of a reliable, stable business.

5. Do you have a portfolio? Most contractors will have before and after photographs of their past work. Look through these to get an idea of the type of work your contractor does and his or her abilities.

6. May I have a detailed estimate? Ideally, you want an estimate or quote that's itemized and includes labor, materials, overhead and a schedule. Ask for it in writing so you can easily compare it to estimates you receive from other contractors.

For information on practical home flooring recommendations, please visit http://www.home-flooring-styles.com, a popular site providing great insights concerning help with floor renovation ideas, such as Armstrong Vinyl Flooring, Mannington Flooring, and many more!

Home Remodeling Books

Frequently Asked Questions About Fireplace Design

Here are some frequently asked questions, and answers, about fireplaces.

1 - How high should a fireplace chimney be with respect to the height of the house, and what feature1C84s of design affect its efficient operation?

ANSWER: A chimney should extend at least three feet above flat roofs and at least two feet above the ridge of a peak or hip roof. Solid masonry is the most commonly used material. Satisfactory performance of a chimney flue is determined by its size, direction, shape, height, tightness and smoothness.

2. Is there a particular kind of mortar that should be used in fireplace construction? How is it mixed and where is it used?

ANSWER: The brick around a fireplace and flue should be laid with cement mortar, since it is more resistant than lime mortar to the action of heat and flue gases. The best to use, except on firebrick, consists of one part portland cement, one part hydrated lime, and six parts clean sand. Firebrick is best laid in fire clay.

3. What is the purpose of a damper, and how is it constructed?

ANSWER: A damper affords a means of regulating the draft and prevents excessive loss of heat from the room when the fire is out. It consists of a cast-iron or steel frame with a lid hinged so the width of the throat opening may be varied from a closed to a wide-open position.

4. What is the proper procedure for connecting the chimney to the roof so as to guard against fire, and to allow for expansion due to temperature changes, settlement, or slight movement of the chimney during heavy winds?

ANSWER: Where the chimney passes through the roof, provide for a two-inch clearance between the wood framing and the masonry. The chimney must be flashed and counterflashed to make its junction with the roof watertight. Corrosion-resistant metal, such as copper, galvanized metal, zinc, aluminum, or lead is best for the counterfiashing. When tin is used, paint it well on both sides.

5. Is it necessary that a flue be lined, and if so, what are the advantages in lining it?

ANSWER: Chimneys can be built without linings, but those with linings are more efficient. When the flue is not lined, the mortar and bricks directly exposed to the action of fuel gases disintegrate. This disintegration and that occuring from changes in temperature often cause cracks in the masonry, which reduces the draft.

6. What is the proper way to build the smoke shelf?

ANSWER: The smoke shelf should be made by setting the brickwork back at the top of the throat to the line of the flue wall for the full width of the throat. The depth can vary from six to twelve inches or more, depending on the depth of the fireplace.

7. Does the kind of fuel to be burned have anything to do with the selection of a fireplace design, and does the size of the opening affect the operation?

ANSWER When a fireplace design is being selected, the kind of fuel to be burned should be considered; also, the design should harmonize with the room in proportion and detail. Years ago, when cordwood was plentiful, fireplaces seven feet wide and five feet high were common, but they required large amounts of fuel and were often smoky. Where cordwood is cut in half, a 30-inch width is desirable for a fireplace, but where coal is burned, the opening can be narrower. Thirty inches is a practical height for the fireplace where the width is less than six feet. The higher the opening, the greater the chance of a smoky fireplace. In general, the wider the opening the greater should be the depth.

Following these guidelines, a satisfactory chimney may be selected.

Would You Like Tips On Fireplace Design?

I've Got Loads Of Great Ideas And Expert Advice To Help Design Your Fireplace.

Click Here For Free Ideas: http://www.fireplace-design.org/

A Guide To Handyman

A handyman is a person who has a lot of skills that you may not even imagine. Most people cannot do all the jobs required for maintaining a house. We always look for some people who will do these little chores for us. For example, we look for a person to fix the shower or repair a broken cabinet. Little tasks like these will be on the list that we have on the door of the refrigerator. You may not have the time 2238to do such small work or you may not know how to fix them. In such circumstances, the handyman is the right person to just do that.

A handyman is competent and proficient enough to do those odd small jobs for you. Without him, you will find it difficult to maintain your house or your garden. Nowadays you hire a handyman through organized services that are available throughout the country. All you have to do is to contact a company offering such a service and request a handyman to do the task you want. When you approach a professional service you get a lot of benefits. The handyman who arrives at your home would be in proper uniform and arrives on time to do the task. Since they are company employees it is easy to track them and you get satisfactory service from them.

Some of the areas in which a handyman can work are maintenance of doors and fences, cleaning of gutters, maintenance of tubs and showers, and locks & deadlocks. Repairing the walls, decks, siding, grout and tiles can also be done. Odd jobs like pressure washing, weatherproofing, tile work, and some carpentry works can also be done through these professional handyman services. All you have to do is to call the company and tell the task that you want to be done. They would give you an estimate and you can request for the service. Payment can be made through cash, check or credit card after the work is completed.

Handyman provides detailed information on Handyman, Handyman Services, Starting A Handyman Business, Handyman Tips and more. Handyman is affiliated with Home Remodeling.

Poor Concrete Stair Finish
Possible 6 X 6 Wood Post Damage

Ladders - How Using The Right Ladder Can Make Those Jobs Easier

Ladders come in a variety of styles and heights, and it's important to choose one that meets the needs of the task you're performing. Safety should always come first when using a ladder, so it's necessary to make sure you use the right ladder for the job. For instance, an extension ladder is suitable for reaching those high spots when decorating or cutting tree branches. But trying to reach up too high on a step ladder can be hazardous and lead to accidents. On the other hand, step ladders are ideal for those odd jobs round the house, from changing a light bulb to hanging curtains.

Extension ladders are used for all kinds of outside jobs, from professional window cleaning to painting gable ends of buildings. Aluminum ladders are commonly used, being lightweight and easily portable. However, a fiberglass ladder, although much heavier to move, is safer to use in the vicinity of electrical cables. Well-known manufacturers that sell a range of quality ladders include Werner Ladders and Wing Enterprises.

Inside the home, ladders come in handy in a number of situations. For instance, if you have high book shelves, fitting a rolling library ladder makes it quick and easy for you to reach those top shelves. Library ladders are generally made from wood, and come in a choice of colors and finishes to blend in with your dcor. Another place where a fitted ladder comes in useful is in a loft hatch. An attic access ladder makes it simple for you to utilize that extra storage space in the roof.

Whatever your requirements, from doing DIY in the home or garden, to reaching high shelves, there's a ladder to meet your needs. Choosing the right ladder for the job can help make your task much simpler.

Caroline Smith is a regular contributor to GetLadders.com - an online resource offering a range of ladders including attic ladders, the Little Giant Ladder and more.

Termite Damage
Structural Repair

Frequently Asked Questions About Fireplace Design

Here are some frequently asked questions, and answers, about fireplaces.

1 - How high should a fireplace chimney be with respect to the height of the house, and what feature1C84s of design affect its efficient operation?

ANSWER: A chimney should extend at least three feet above flat roofs and at least two feet above the ridge of a peak or hip roof. Solid masonry is the most commonly used material. Satisfactory performance of a chimney flue is determined by its size, direction, shape, height, tightness and smoothness.

2. Is there a particular kind of mortar that should be used in fireplace construction? How is it mixed and where is it used?

ANSWER: The brick around a fireplace and flue should be laid with cement mortar, since it is more resistant than lime mortar to the action of heat and flue gases. The best to use, except on firebrick, consists of one part portland cement, one part hydrated lime, and six parts clean sand. Firebrick is best laid in fire clay.

3. What is the purpose of a damper, and how is it constructed?

ANSWER: A damper affords a means of regulating the draft and prevents excessive loss of heat from the room when the fire is out. It consists of a cast-iron or steel frame with a lid hinged so the width of the throat opening may be varied from a closed to a wide-open position.

4. What is the proper procedure for connecting the chimney to the roof so as to guard against fire, and to allow for expansion due to temperature changes, settlement, or slight movement of the chimney during heavy winds?

ANSWER: Where the chimney passes through the roof, provide for a two-inch clearance between the wood framing and the masonry. The chimney must be flashed and counterflashed to make its junction with the roof watertight. Corrosion-resistant metal, such as copper, galvanized metal, zinc, aluminum, or lead is best for the counterfiashing. When tin is used, paint it well on both sides.

5. Is it necessary that a flue be lined, and if so, what are the advantages in lining it?

ANSWER: Chimneys can be built without linings, but those with linings are more efficient. When the flue is not lined, the mortar and bricks directly exposed to the action of fuel gases disintegrate. This disintegration and that occuring from changes in temperature often cause cracks in the masonry, which reduces the draft.

6. What is the proper way to build the smoke shelf?

ANSWER: The smoke shelf should be made by setting the brickwork back at the top of the throat to the line of the flue wall for the full width of the throat. The depth can vary from six to twelve inches or more, depending on the depth of the fireplace.

7. Does the kind of fuel to be burned have anything to do with the selection of a fireplace design, and does the size of the opening affect the operation?

ANSWER When a fireplace design is being selected, the kind of fuel to be burned should be considered; also, the design should harmonize with the room in proportion and detail. Years ago, when cordwood was plentiful, fireplaces seven feet wide and five feet high were common, but they required large amounts of fuel and were often smoky. Where cordwood is cut in half, a 30-inch width is desirable for a fireplace, but where coal is burned, the opening can be narrower. Thirty inches is a practical height for the fireplace where the width is less than six feet. The higher the opening, the greater the chance of a smoky fireplace. In general, the wider the opening the greater should be the depth.

Following these guidelines, a satisfactory chimney may be selected.

Would You Like Tips On Fireplace Design?

I've Got Loads Of Great Ideas And Expert Advice To Help Design Your Fireplace.

Click Here For Free Ideas: http://www.fireplace-design.org/

4 X 4 Stair Handrail Post

How to Use Columns

Room Addition Real Estate Ideas

In recent years, the use of columns in the design of public spaces such as plazas and hotel atriums has shown their wide range of uses. Columns can be a part of the structure in a load-bearing or weight-bearing capacity or purely decorative, and the types of materials from which they can be made are practically endless. The styles available, too, are too many to describe, ranging from stock traditional Roman or Greek columns to specially customized designs that 11D2you create.

With these three column components, you can create an infinite number of columns to suit an infinite number of needs. You're limited only by your imagination as almost anything you come up with can be made by a good manufacturer.

Porch Columns

The word "porch" is derived from the Greek "portico," which means a columned entry to a temple. So it is an appropriate acknowledgment of history that porches remain one of the most popular places for columns, whether they are incorporated into the porch railing or stand alone.

Porch columns are available today in a number of designs that help define the front of the house. The more elaborate choice might be a fluted porch column with decorative rings at the top and base, following one of the Roman styles. Round porch columns are made that provide two architectural design choices. Tapered round columns provide a formal touch. Traditional round columns bring elegance as well. Square columns are reminiscent of America's rural tradition.

Porch columns today are manufactured from both wood and synthetics. Fiberglass porch columns have become a popular architectural alternative to wood because they require little maintenance: fiberglass porch columns won't crack, peel or warp.

Exterior Columns

A number of exterior uses for columns are also prominent in today's architectural stylings. For example, a column makes a great base for a garden birdbath or sun dial. Custom sizes can be made from almost any material to create a staggered look or uniform appearance for repeat pieces or complementary ones, as you prefer.

Columns can be used as seats in a garden. Wide bases can be used as a table and smaller bases can be used as side tables. Another interesting exterior use: stepping stones or stairs up to an elevated area or a deck. Columns also work well as fence posts for decks or around the yard. A grand choice would be a walkway or driveway up to the house with columns on each side. Whether covered or uncovered, this creates quite a first impression, adding formality to the look and a great deal of value to the home.

Interior Columns

As new home design has turned to extensive use of wide open spaces, interior columns have become a significant architectural tool. Open floor plans usually incorporate kitchens and eating areas with dens. Architects will often provide breaks in these expanses by using interior columns incorporated with a slight change in elevation. A variation on this concept is a divider between kitchen and den area that has interior columns spaced across the open area above the divider.

Columns are also often used to help define a dining area that is part of a living room. The use of interior columns with furnishings such as sideboards or opaque folding screens between them can frame off an area around the dining table without creating a separate room. These columns can also provide a load bearing function when necessary, serving a practical as well as a decorative purpose.

Decorative Columns

Depending on the interior decorator's motif, these columns may appear to be wood, marble or stone. In most cases however, decorative columns are made from fiberglass, perhaps some sort of fiberglass and stone composite, coated aluminum or pre-cast plaster. Decorative columns are by definition non load-bearing columns, and so can be made from whatever material is appropriate to match the surrounding decorative style and keep maintenance to a minimum.

PolyClassicColumns.com is the leading provider of interior/exterior architectural columns. Using the finest materials to craft superior products, it is undoubtedly matchless in customization, variety, and quality. To find out more, please visit polyclassiccolumns.com.

Tips for Home Remodeling

Home Stair System Home Remodel Help

Are there things you need to know when it comes to home remodeling? Home improvement is big business today. Many of us look at our homes and consider ways we can improve on the look and feel of it. There are obviously pros and cons to performing a home remodel, but is there a direction I should take in the home remodeling process?

Like many projects you may take on with your house, home remodeling is often tim1C82es a do it yourselfer. Most of the time that is due in no small part to budget. Like with anything you do yourself, home remodeling success is has a lot to do with the time you spend on it before you ever start.

You get into your newly purchased home. You are happy, but you notice that there are things that just don’t quite work the way you had hoped. You don’t want to move since you just bought the home, but you feel like something should be done. You finally decide to consider home remodeling to help your situation.

One thing to consider in all stages of a home remodeling project is cost. Start off by hiring a designer who will only charge you hourly and not a bunch of flat fees and excess charges. The architectural plans will likely cost you a lot of money. That is money you don’t want to spend until you know for sure what you are doing, so have your design consultation before you go forth with anything like that.

Next, check out whether or not your home will be able to be modified to create what you want. You will also want to contact the building department in your area. Often times there is paper work or permits that must be filed before doing any large home remodeling projects. If you make sure everything is on the up and up from the start, you can avoid expensive fines and problems down the road in your project.

There is one other person you should consider consulting before you take on a home remodeling project: your real estate agent. The agent can find out whether or not the improvements you are making will be met with a reasonable increase in your home’s value. He or she knows the real estate market in your area and how adding or changing your home may effect you financially when it comes time to sell your home. Take him or her out to dinner or lunch and talk about the pros and cons of what you are thinking of doing. Once you have done that, the final decision is yours based on all of your research.

Your home is a big investment and probably the largest purchase you have ever made. So you may become attached to it and when it doesn’t quite fit with what you want anymore, rather than moving you can consider a home remodeling project. Before getting started, though, make sure you do a lot of research. Talk with designers, architects, your local building department, and even your real estate agent. Once you have all of your homework out of the way, though, you will have the knowledge to put together a functional, affordable, and reasonable home remodeling project.

If you would like to view more of my personal articles on home remodeling, please visit my remodeling project site.

Choosing The Right Countertop

- Part 2 Skylight Help Deck Stairs

Countertops are a focal point in a kitchen or bathroom. You have many choices of material, each has advantages and disadvantages – learn which is best for you!

Solid Surface

Some people confuse solid surface with Quartz countertops. They are not the same. Solid surface counter tops are totally synthetic. They are similar in appearance to natural stone but when installed properly are totally seamless including angles and nosing. Using chemicals to melt the edges of the material, the seams are in fact welded together and disappear. Common brand names are Gibraltar, Staron, Avonite, and Corian. The material comes in a variety of colors and finishes.

Sinks can be under-mount, surface mount or molded as a one-piece part of the countertop leaving no areas for the accumulation of dirt or bacteria. There is no need to protect the material from hot pots. These materials will scratch so a cutting board is recommended.

Maintenance: The manufacturers all have their own cleaning products, but in general, liquid detergent and warm water will clean the surface nicely. Stains and surface scratches can be removed with buffing.

Cost: $90-$150/lin. ft., installed

Quartz

Quartz countertops are manufactured by mixing quartz dust with a resin to create a product that is easily molded into any shape and form. Quartz is one of the hardest materials and hence countertops are extremely durable, stain and scratch resistance. Quartz countertops come in a variety of colors and patterns.

Quartz countertops lend themselves well to under-mount or surface mount sinks. Edges can be finished in a variety of shapes. They are impervious to heat.

Maintenance: Use a non-abrasive cleaner with warm water and rinse. Should a scratch appear on the surface it can usually be buffed out. It is not necessary to seal a Quartz countertop.

Cost: From $110-$250/lin. ft., installed

Stainless Steel

Impervious to bacteria and heat, stainless steel is the ultimatE79e in countertop surfaces. Stainless steel has become the “in” product for kitchen countertops by decorators and is now very popular as a finish for major and small kitchen appliances. Scratches and marks give the stainless steel the feel of a working kitchen, but does not decrease its aesthetic value. Stainless steel countertops have become popular in traditional and contemporary kitchens.

Sinks are generally surface mounted although they can be under-mount. It is also possible to have the sink pressed into the stainless steel as a one piece unit, although this is a very expensive process.

Maintenance: Use a specially formulated stainless steel cleaner. Scratches can be buffed with a fine steel wool or scouring pad.

Cost: $85-$150/sq. ft., installed

Tile

Designers cannot decide on whether tile countertops are in or out of style. The most popular tiles used for countertops are granite, ceramic, and porcelain. Other tiles, which are not as common, include glass and natural stone. Tiled countertops have the inherent problem of grout. Grout discolors, stains, and is not easy to clean. As well, the surface is not flat. While countertops made of small tiles seems to be out of fashion, at the moment, countertops made of larger tiles appear to be “in”. Most home handymen can install a tile countertop and backsplash. The nosing is usually created by using a molded tile specifically shaped for that purpose. Some tile countertops are made by inlaying the tile into a wood frame and using the wood to provide the nosing and backsplash.

Sinks should be surface mount.

Maintenance: Granite tiles must be sealed (see section of granite countertops). All of the grout should be sealed. Ceramic, porcelain tile and the grout can be cleaned with liquid detergent and warm water.

Cost: $10-$90/sq. ft., installed

Wood

Hardwood countertops or butcher block, as they are known in the trade are timeless. Many species of hardwood make excellent countertops. The most common being maple. Other common materials are oak, cherry, and the very high-density woods such as zebra and wenge. It is recommended that a professional make the countertop in order that the boards do not eventually come apart or warp. Besides it’s beauty hardwood has the inherent quality that it can be refinished many times.

Sinks can be surface mount or under-mount.

Maintenance: Do not use polyurethane finishes on countertops because they do not stand up to heat or scratches. Use a mineral oil monthly or specially formulated food grade, finishing product (follow the manufacturer’s instructions). Burn marks, scratches, and stains can be sanded out.

Cost: $30-$150/sq. ft., installed

To see the advantages and disadvantages of other materials view part 1 of this article or follow the link below.

For additional information on kitchen and bathroom remodeling, visit Renovation Headquarters

When All You Have Is A Hammer

As the saying goes, "When all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail...". This is never truer than when you decide to do a quick repair and decide you can make do without the proper tools on-hand. My advice for anybody who decides to try this is this: DON'T. Nothing makes a job more frustrating than trying to make a what should be a quick repair without the correct tool on hand.

For example: This past winter my battery died while I was at work. No snow on the ground and I am parked on a hill so I roll-start the car and drive to the nearest auto/hardware store. MISTAKE NUMBER 1: instead of buying a battery and taking it home to install (where the tools are), I figure I can borrow a screwdriver and wrench and do this in the parking lot to save a 20 minute trip back with the old battery. 4 different tool purchases and 45 minutes later, as it gets darker and colder, the old battery is no closer to being removed than it was when I pulled into the parking lot. Frustration being at an all time high, the new battery is used to jump start the car and I proceed home where in a well lit garage with the proper tools it takes all of 5 minutes to complete the job.

Need another example? Being a good son-in-law, I decide while visiting my wife's family to replace their bathroom sink fixture. Again, my tools are 1 hour away so I figure I can make do with what tools are on hand. MISTAKE NUMBER 2: some jobs require the correct tool for the job - any substitute will only result in frustration, damaged work, or injury. After spending close to an hour attempting to remove the old fixture with channel locks, pliers, screwdrivers, and every other tool short of a sledge hammer I took made a 20 minute trip to the hardware store and purchased the correct tool, a basin wrench. Once this tool was used, the replacement proceeded quickly with no more cuts, scrapes, bruises, or cursing.

If you are the type of person who likes the occasional do-it-yourself project, then you probably have a decent set of tools already. The well stocked toolbox should have a variety of screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers and other tools for any basic repair. If you have been doing this for more than a few years, you may also have acquired a number of specialty tools as well (i.e., snap ring pliers, locking pliers, torx drivers, basin wrench, spanners...). You may find (as I have) that you tend to collect a new tool or two every time you start a new project. Here are a couple of tips for managing your tool habit:

Buy quality tools - I have purchased my share of cheap tools and they typically end up broken, bent or otherwise useless. If you plan to use it more than once and it is not emergency, spend the invest a little extra and purchase a tool you will have for a while.

Don't have the right tool for the job, 5B1borrow it! - What are friends and neighbors for? If you have a job that requires a special tool, and you doubt you will need it again in the next 10 years, ask your neighbors and/or friends if they have one you can borrow. You can save yourself a few dollars on a tool you might not use again and may also benefit from suggestions or advice from somebody who has had to use it before.

Can't borrow it, rent it - you would be surprised at the tools you can rent reasonably. In some cases, you can even borrow the correct tool for the job for free if you are making a purchase from that store (I have taken advantage of this from auto part stores on a number of occasions).

Organize your tools - As you collect tools, you will notice that tools fall into certain categories. My basic toolbox has the everyday tools you would expect: screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, socket sets... For other tools, I store them by the type of job I use them for so I always know where to find them. Pipe wrenches, basin wrenches, spanners, solder, and other plumbing related tools/supplies are stored in a the plumbing crate. Painting supplies like rollers, brushes, and edger's are stored in the painting crate. I also have a crate for electrical and hobby supplies. By keeping my tools organized, I keep my toolbox to a size I can manage (and carry) and always know where to look for the tool I need.

Don't be afraid to have more than 1588 - some tools are useful in many places and inexpensive enough that you might want to keep a few on hand. Screwdrivers, hammers, tape measures, and utility knifes are examples of a tools that can be found in a few different locations around my home. A small toolkit for the car is not a bad idea either (see example above on trying to change battery...). I try to keep at least a one of each type screwdriver, a pair of pliers, and a few other basic tools in the trunk just in case of emergency.

Keep some basic hardware on hand as well - Many people have all the tools they need, but sometimes cannot find a simple nail or screw to hang up a picture. It pays to keep some basic hardware "in stock" since you never know when you will need it. I have a simple organizer hanging on the wall of my garage with a small supply of the most common types and sizes of nails and screws I commonly use. These range from finishing nails to decking screws.

Ray Breitenbach writes for Simple Home Repairs. Please visit for more information on how to perform you own basic home repairs.

Some On Log Siding

Log siding is an effective way to make your home look like a true log home. Any home, any style, any size, and any where can be constructed or remodeled to look just like a log structure. It's so convincing that even the professional can't tell it's not full-log!

A full line of quality log home siding products include various types of log siding corner options and log siding trims to make any home look like a log home.

Log Siding - The Real Deal

If you are remodeling an existing home or constructing a new home log siding can make your dreams of owning a log home. Real log timbers specially cut into log home siding; LOGSIDE may be used inside and outside of your home for the look and feel of an authentic full log home. Logside is unique in that it can be used virtually anywhere.

Whether you'reB65 already a homeowner, are planning to build your own dream home, or just looking to add an addition or remodel an interior room, LOGSIDE package that suits you best.

Some features of the Log home products are

The Log Home siding look is very attractive. Quality Log Siding adds a Rustic appearance and is also very affordable. You may choose to change the exterior of your log home siding or start with the Log Siding on a new structure. Whether you decide to use Cedar or Pine Siding you will always have that attractive Log look.

The cedar and pine log/flat paneling is an attractive addition to any area of your home. Priced affordably, the paneling is easy to install and is ready to be stained or clear coated. It is available in various widths and is kiln dried to prevent shrinkage.

Rustic Rails is also capable of suiting you Log home siding needs. You may choose from different types and sizes of Log home siding Beds or settle with a nightstand to change the atmosphere on your bedroom.

Flooring products are similar to our other products in that each is tongue and grooved on the sides and then end matched for easy installation.

No log home siding would be complete without using some of our rustic railing for your front porch or deck.

Fencing can give your home that completed log home look or add a rustic touch to your existing home.

Log Siding - Emphasizing Nature's Bounty

Modulog Solid Cedar Siding at www.modulog.com is specialty retailer. It specializes in the sale of Cedar. Cedar has hygroscopic properties, which means it helps disperse heat in winter and retains more heat in the summer. In simple terms, winters are warmer and summers are cooler once log home siding is done. Apart from this, it has a natural resin which retards the growth of fungi and does not allow pests to infest the wood.

Log Siding at www.logsiding.com is also a superior material source if you're doing DIY. They make not just wood for log home siding projects, but fo other construction projects as well.

You can also find more info on siding products and Exterior Wood Siding. Homesidingreview.com is a comprehensive resource to know more about home siding review.

Finish Your Attic

8 Tips to Make Finishing Your Attic a Breeze

If you are planning to remodel your attic into living space, you probably know already that you are making a financially smart decision. Remodeling or finishing you111Cr attic may be the least expensive way to add living space to your home. Remodeling an attic, however, is often not an easy task. Attic spaces present unique remodeling concerns. These eight tips will help you plan for and overcome many of the challenges of remodeling an attic into living space.

1. Plan carefully. Remember that the order in which inspections must be obtained will dictate your schedule. Think through every aspect of both the design and the project, consider possible challenges, and devise plans to overcome each challenge.

2. Design the space for the type of room. The way you design and remodel the space will vary with the uses you plan for the finished room. For example, a bedroom may have different requirements than a playroom. It is also important to think ahead and consider other uses for the space in the future.

3. Plan access to the new room(s) carefully. Creating access to the new space is challenging in some homes. If you are trying to reduce costs for your project, you will want to find and construct the stairs in the best point of access and in a way that involves the least modification of the existing structure. You will also need to check local building codes with reference to exit points. For an instant estimate of the cost to finish your attic try this online calculator.

4. Decide how you will work with the slope of the roof. This is an important aspect of planning, and it will affect your cost and the appearance and functionality of the new room. Do you want a pitched or a cathedral ceiling? How will you construct it? How will you install adequate insulation?

5. Design the room in a way that allows you to use the "dead space" near the lowest point of the pitch of the roof. Consider that these areas can be made into outstanding storage areas with a little advance planning.

6. Remember that ventilation and insulation are critical in an attic. Remember that heat rises. Attics can become very warm. You will need to plan for adequate ventilation and insulation to keep the room comfortable without drastically increasing your heating and cooling costs.

7. Plan for wiring and plumbing needs well in advance of beginning work. Electrical wiring and plumbing can present unique challenges in attics. You will need to ensure that the flooring does not rest on any wires. A bathroom will cost least if placed in close proximity to another existing supply and drain line.

8. Consider how and when you will get materials into the space. Consider carefully the size and weight of materials needed for your remodeling project. Plan for how and when you will get large items, like drywall or a toilet, up the stairs and into their permanent position. If you close in the stairs too soon, you could have a problem.

If you are planning to finish or remodel your attic into living space, careful planning and attention to the unique challenges presented by the space will be essential. You can expect to gain valuable living space as well as some increase in the value of your home.

The unique challenges and concerns of attic Remodeling are not to be taken lightly. If you plan to do the project yourself, I suggest the use of an Attic Remodeling Workbook available at www.amazon.com. It will help you plan the project in a way that will make the work go smoother and faster.

Copyright 2008 by ABCD Publishing

Dan Fritschen, the remodel-or-move guru is President and Publisher at ABCD Publishing and operates three very popular websites -- http://www.remodelormove.com, which helps homeowners make this important decision on the basis of knowledge and reliable cost estimates, and http://www.remodelestimates.com, which offers a variety of articles on various aspects of remodeling and remodeling cost estimate calculators, as well as referrals to great contractors throughout the nation, and http://www.remodelingorganizer.com He is the author of three books on home remodeling.