Do it Yourself Garage Remodels

With the current credit crunch, households around the world are coming up with an unexpected source of additional income: they simply convert their garage into an apartment and lease it out. Garages are no longer repositories for the family car.

Thinking of it, that's not a bad idea, is it. Even if the idea of leasing out your garage does not sound very good to you, there are still ways of taking advantage of the garage extra space and put it to some productive use.

An apartment garage plan is pretty easy to design, and with a bit of know-how, to build.

What is it for?

Obviously the first question to be asked is what will the garage future use be. Traditionally, garages have doubled as storage space for anything from gardening tools to old books. It is also being used as workshop, office or even as an additional room for the boys. With a bit of imagination, there is no limit to the good uses one can put his garage to.

Once you have made up your mind about the intended use, you are in a better position to design the garage layout.

Here are a few design tips:

• If you plan to use the place as storage space, a good idea is to place wall shelves to accommodate gardening tools like the lawnmower, brooms, hoses, shoes etc. Try also to group these in categories, based on their respective frequency of use: normally the most used items should be of easy reach.
• Place hooks. These will allow you to gain as much space as possible on the the wall and even on the ceiling.
• Remember accessibility. If the intended garage apartment is located next to your house, try to create a direct communicating door between them.
• Create autonomous units. If you intend leasing out the space, integrate a small kitchen, a bathroom and a maybe couple of additional rooms.

Can you do it yourself?

If the idea sounds interesting, you may choose to hire the service of a prefab contractor to build an apartment garage for you. While their technical expertise is valuable, designing your own garage plan is easy, provided you apply some basic design factors.

In general an apartment garage plan should provide for one or two doors, and depending on the number of rooms, a few windows too.

How about the budget ?

The cost of building home additions depends largely on the region where you live.
Once you know exactly what suits you best, you are in better position to work out the financial side of the project.

The building materials

The building materials to use will also influence the overall cost as well as the durability of the construction. I have found that prefabricated kits that come with an instruction manual often cost less.

Finally, remember too to take into account aesthetic considerations. A good apartment garage plan should not only look nice on paper, but it should also be practical and usable once build.

Additional Apartment Garage tips can be found at Homes By Olga.

Cork Flooring Basics

Cork trees are a variety of the oak tree species. While most other wood or grass (bamboo) flooring materials are made by utilizing the stalk of the plant, cork is the outer layer of bark. Harvesting the bark of the cork tree is environmentally friendly, as it does not kill the plant. In fact, cork trees grow a fresh layer of harvestable bark every six years. The cork tree can continue to grow new bark for decades if not centuries. Very little of the harvested bark goes to waste.

No other material has the visual detail that is found in cork flooring. It is an excellent flooring material in both homes and offices. Cork has been used as a floor covering for many centuries because of its durability and appearance.

Durability and Resilience

Cork provides resilience and comfort. Unlike many of the ceramic flooring materials, standing on cork does not lead to sore and stained calf mussels. Many people believe that cork is soft, elastic, can be compressed, and hence should not be used if you want a long life floor. This not the correct and the proof is, that there are many century old European estates that still have their original cork floors. When cared for properly, as is necessary with any hardwood flooring, it is capable of providing decades of service.

An excellent flooring material for both kitchen and bathroom floors, cork is extremely resistant to any penetration by a liquid and it provides a non-slip surface (somewhat dependent on how it has been finished). Note: Cork should be sealed when installed as a kitchen or bathroom floor.

Health Benefits

Cork is naturally hypoallergenic and antistatic. Homeowners who are concerned about the allergenic effects of any building materials should consider cork as it resists the growth of mildew and mold and will not attract pollen or dust particles. Cork floors are easy to maintain and do not release fibers nor do they emit any toxins into the air making it an excellent flooring for individuals with respiratory ailments.

Insulating Properties

Cork has outstanding insulation characteristics. Its naturally low thermal conductivity provides a barrier to excessive heat or cold. It reduces energy costs in both heating and cooling. Its thermal properties make it an excellent flooring over above or below grade cement subfloors. Even without under floor heating a cork floor is warm to the touch. An excellent solution to cold, basement, family room floors.

For additional information on flooring products for your home or other renovation projects, visit Renovation Headquarters.

A Shingle Installation Tip

If you're looking for shingle installation tips, you've come to the right place. But first a true story... 17 years ago, I worked for a small roofing company in Cape Coral, Florida. The boss had sold a new flat roof to a homeowner who had a leak on his lanai. The flat roof was very old and obviously needed replacement. But after one of our crews installed a new flat roof, the irritated homeowner reported that his roof still leaked in the same place.

The boss sent me out to take a look. The leak was showing up at a back corner of the flat roof, right at the base of a valley in the shingle roof. As soon as I saw it, I just knew it was a valley leak. I had seen that very same situation many times before.

Based on the location, I couldn't believe the boss hadn't sold a valley replacement along with the flat roof. I figured we would probably be stuck replacing the valley for free. But the Boss was the kind of guy who could sell ice cubes to Eskimos. He actually got the homeowner to pay for the new valley. I did the work and found that the valley metal had holes rusted all the way through it. Obviously, we had found the leak... Or so I thought. Next rain, the irate homeowner calls again. Same leak. Same place.

I went back for another look. The only other thing I see is a little dip in the shingle installation at the flat roof transition. The guys hadn't tapered out the layers of flat roofing very well. The shingle roof was only about 3:12 slope and I could see how a little dip like that could hold water and leak. So I reported to the boss that we had to redo the transition on our brand new flat roof. Since there was no way the homeowner was going to pay for that, we were going to have to eat that cost. So now both the boss and the homeowner were irate. That was until I did the work and it rained again. Same leak. Same place. They weren't just irate any more... It had turned to rage.

The official term for leaks like that is a "head-scratcher". Over the years I've become somewhat philosophical about them. I figure they exist to teach me patience... and keep me humble! Back then, though, I was more upset than the boss and the homeowner put together. In fact, I decided that if I couldn't find that dumb leak, I was going to quit roofing altogether. I went back over to the house one more time and sat down on the flat roof trying to figure out where the water was getting in. We had fixed everything it could possibly be.

That's when I noticed a nail sticking out of the shingles. It was several feet over from the top of the valley... but it was right in line with the leak. The rusty nail was the same color as the shingles and virtually impossible to see when standing up. It was also so loose I could pull it out with my fingers. It only took a few minutes to repair the nail hole... and it stopped the leak. The homeowner needed a new flat roof and valley, but it was the dang nail that caused the leak.

The lesson here is that protruding nails (or "nail-pops" as they are usually called) cause leaks. In fact, they are one of the most common shingle installation problems. They typically occur when the roofer is using a nail gun and a nail fails to seat all the way. Over a period of time, the protruding nail pokes right through the shingle above it, eventually causing a leak.

To prevent it, make a habit of glancing at the nails you just installed. Keep a hammer handy and smack down any that are sticking up. Also, take a look at the roof about a month after the shingles are laid. That will give time for the shingles to lay nice and flat. From the ground it's easy to see any shingles that are sticking up a little. Those are nail-pops. Just pop the shingle loose first thing in the morning when the shingles are cool and pound the protruding nails down.

Of course there's a lot more "shingle installation" information you need to know. To make the job easier and help you avoid big mistakes, go to: http://www.roofingsecrets.com

John C Bishop is the author of "Roofing Secrets: How to Avoid Leaks and Save Thousands of Dollars!"

Tips in Remodeling a Small Bathroom

Being among the top players world-wide in the financial, commercial, entertainment and cultural industries, New York City has become the most densely populated city in the country. With such reputation, the cost of housing soars leaving smaller living spaces a more popular option. Making a home out of these amply-spaced to smaller units is a challenge to many. This includes making important features of the home seem much cozier such as remodeling a small bathroom.

When remodeling a small bathroom, a complete focus on space fused with the right amount of creativity is key to the success of the project. Another important thing to ponder on is that quality does not come cheap. But it does not mean that you would have to always stick with the most expensive service or product, it only means that you should take careful considerations before letting go of your hard-earned cash to be able to give the most value to the money that you spend.

There are various ways to make less space appear much bigger. Enlisted are helpful tips in remodeling a small bathroom:

First off, unless you have significant skills and experience in plumbing, carpentry and electrical works, or the project is not a major one; you should seek the expertise of a competent NYC contractor to help you. Following this first tip in remodeling a small bathroom would save you a whole of time and money in the long run.

Instead of having a tub, maximize the space by having a shower instead. Rather than the traditional shower pan construction, a simple one-piece pan would serve as a much sleeker option as well as a leakproof solution. But if you still prefer a tub over a spacious shower, then go for the soaking bathtubs that are smaller but deeper designs.

In remodeling a small bathroom, choose a lighter and cooler hue for the walls and delicate patters for wallpapers or tiles. Light colors have an airy feel to them creating an illusion of more space. To create a better impact out of these designs, install fixtures offering heavy lighting. Another way to better illuminate the small bathroom is through skylight features. A bay window is a good choice as its alcove may also offer additional storage space.

Two elements have long since been known to give an illusion of more space. Reflection
and vertical objects and designs such as unframed mirrors and tall bathroom products that have shiny surfaces can be used in remodeling a small bathroom. You can have two mirrors installed opposite each other or facing the window. And when shopping, choose a tall but compact model of toilet and either a wall-mounted or sleek sink.

Important considerations when remodeling a small bathroom are the storage of toiletries and room for decorative items. Choose to have spaces cut out into the walls to serves as additional storage or display area rather than having free-standing cabinets or shelves installed into the walls. Lesser things protruding from the walls would help make the space seem larger.

Eugene Makeev has been in the home improvement industry for a while. His skills and expertise, which have been polished through time, are now used to help New York home owners avoid the common pitfalls in home improvements by matching their needs with the right, prescreened NYC contractor. To know more about remodeling a small bathroom, visit Contractors New York

7 Tips to Cleanup Bathroom Water Damage

1. Assess Damage
Before beginning any cleaning, you first need to turn off the water. Then, you can assess the damage and see if it's even doable. If the problem is do to an overflowed toilet and didn't soak the carpet in the hall, you're probably fine to do it on your own. However, if the damage happened when you were away and has already soaked the carpet (which will then have to be pulled up), floor and walls you may want to call in a water damage specialist. Whatever you choose, do it fast because you don't want that water seeping into your walls.

2. Wear Protective Gear
If you decide you can do this on your own, protect yourself with proper sewage cleaning attire. Sewage contaminated water is highly hazardous and not safe to touch or ingest. You'll need long and thick gloves, goggles, a mask, waterproof boots, protective coat or clothing, and your hair up if it is long. You will look ridiculous, but it's worth it.

3. Throw out Textiles
Any rugs, towels, or clothing that were seriously affected by the water need to be thrown out. Small stains may be taken care of possibly, but any drenched materials shouldn't be discarded. If a certain item is very important to you, you can out it in a garbage bag and try taking it to commercial laundry.

4. Get Water Out
First things first, get that water out. Rent or borrow a shop vac if you don't have one to take care of the job quickly and easily. If this is not possible, you may have to just mop it up yourself. Dispose of all water properly and safely, and make sure to thoroughly disinfect your mop after using it.

5. Disinfect and Clean
Make a disinfecting agent with a high quality cleaner from the store. You can also use bleach and water, if mixed properly. For your safety, follow the instructions on the bottle per-diem and never mix chemicals without knowledge that it's safe to do so. Once you've disinfected the floor, bottom of walls, and anything else the water touched, let it dry. Then come back in a little bit and go over it all once again.

6. Dry and Ventilate
Put on the bathroom fan and open some windows to let the area dry properly. It's highly important to ventilate fully as to avoid mold or structural damage of any sort. If you're not sure if the water protruded the walls, you may want to call out a mold expert to check to be sure.

7. Finish Up
Throw away all rags used to clean in thick industrial garbage bags along with any other supplies or items used to clean the damage. Remember the water is highly hazardous and even the fumes from the garbage can be hazardous and should be kept outside.

The Water Damage Team is a nation wide disaster restoration company, with years of experience in water removal, extraction, and drying. For flooded basement help, or flood water extraction check out Flood Repair Team.com.

Pebble Tile Shower Floor

A Pebble Tile Shower Floor enables you to redecorate your home by using the same techniques and style used by the Greeks and the Romans. If you look for a quick way to redecorate any surface at home, you should try these natural stone panels. If you are interested about Easy do-it-yourself tiling techniques - read the following article.

Short overview

A Pebble Tile Shower Floor is about gathering the same small flat stones that are manually and carefully attached onto a mesh backing of 12" by 12" size. The seashores of S. East Asia are rich with these flat pebbles, and indeed most of these tiles are originated from that part of the world. It seems like no other tiling technique enables you to redecorate practically anywhere inside and outside your house: Bathroom flooring and wall coating (including showers), kitchen surfaces such as countertops & backsplashes, patios, pools and even fireplaces.

Main advantages

Using this simple tiling solution definitely brings various redecoration advantages:

* Durable to most common home detergents.

* Considered inexpensive compared to other tiling solutions.

* Installation process is quick and takes only a few hours.

Useful tips!

* Upon completion, it is important to wait the adhesive's recommended drying time before you begin on grouting.

* Use a tile saw in order to cut stones to fit edges or corners.

* Make sure the surface you are about to tile is flat, clean, dry and free of contaminants.

Conclusion

Pebble Tile Shower Floor remodeling is highly effective for any home-maker as it requires minimal effort, knowledge, and resources. We could easily find many other benefits provided by this fun & easy remodeling option, simply because any average and unprofessional home-maker can do it easily by him/herself. If you wish to succeed with your first installation it is recommended to use the following tips & advices just as you decide on using these natural panels.

Get creative! - Learn more about how you can easily decorate your bathroom with Pebble Tile Shower Floor.

Vessel Sinks Work With Antiques

We all need a sink to clean up in, and the proliferation of great designer vessel sinks has opened a world of possibilities to recycle all manner of antique cabinets, chests and tables as vanity cabinets. Endless design possibilities can create a truly unique bathroom in almost any style. Juxtaposing historic pieces with contemporary fittings generates excitement, and many vessel sinks cleverly mounted on cabinets are really works of art. Sinks are available in countless styles and colors of glass, painted porcelain, brass, copper and nickel.

Faucets have many different finishes in traditional and modern configurations. Antique and vintage dressers, sideboards, writing tables, work benches, and baker's tables can all be recycled into sink cabinets that are one of a kind, reflecting your individual taste and creativity. Many of these pieces are much less expensive than than the charmless mass-produced cabinets seen in home centers and bath design shops. It takes a little more planning and vision, but the result is certainly worthwhile.

An example uses a late Victorian or Eastlake washstand from the 1880's. Originally made for a bedroom in the days before plumbing, a bowl and pitcher would have sat on the marble top, and the waste jug would have been behind the door on the bottom. Built of solid walnut, the original beveled mirror and marble top were fitted to accommodate a glass vessel sink and brushed nickel contemporary faucet. The stunning result is functional and truly unique. A craftsman easily drilled the marble top, made adjustments to the interior of the chest, and the installation was relatively simple. The result is an elegant and historic look.

Another bathroom recycles an Art Deco cabinet from about 1930 that was meant to hold sheet music next to a piano. Now fitted with a textured glass vessel sink and a waterfall faucet, this adaptation of an antique piece was even simpler. Compact enough for a small bathroom, this installation is bright and cheerful with the clean, sleek lines of the 1930's.

Countless antique and vintage pieces of furniture can be adapted to hold a sink. I suggest ignoring the original function of the furniture, judge how much the piece appeals to you, and consider its size and scale for your project. Take the time to find a piece you really like to live with. As Willie Nelson says, "The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese." Bathroom sinks can be so much more fun than the "hospital equipment" look of the past. Surprisingly, historic cabinets are the latest innovation not only in bathrooms, but in kitchens as well, anywhere a sink would be convenient. Go for an exciting or timeless look - "Exuberance is beauty," according to William Blake. Of course, recycling a historic piece is so much better for our environment as well.

Ken Melchert is a co-owner of The Harp Gallery, a renowned antique furniture gallery located in Appleton, WI. Ken and his wife Rebecca have been selling and restoring superior antique furniture for over 20 years. Visit their store online: Harp Gallery Antique Furniture

Types of Foundations - San Diego Construction

The foundation is the first part of a home that is constructed. It creates a base for the rest of a home's parts. If a foundation is not good, the rest of the house will have problems. Because there are options for choosing a foundation type, builders and home owners have an important decision to make. Any decision concerning a foundation should be made while keeping in mind the cost, market demand, soil composition, and weather conditions of the area.

There are three main types of foundations: full-height basement, crawlspace, and slab-on-grade. All of these foundations do a more than adequate job of supporting a house.

Full-Height Basement

Full-height basement foundations provide an accessible space between the soil and the bottom of the first floor of a home. This space can be finished to provide extra space for a family or left unfinished and used primarily for storage. This type of foundation provides more head room for individuals than a crawlspace will allow.

This foundation type is typical in an area with a colder climate where the foundation needs to be below the frost level. A foundation needs to be below the frost level to prevent it from cracking.

Crawlspace

A crawlspace foundation creates an accessible space with limited headroom between the soil and the bottom of the first floor. This type of foundation is predominantly used in areas with heavy clay content in the soil.

The crawlspace foundation does not provide a new room for a family to use but it does allow for ample storage.

Slab-on-Grade

Slab-on-grade foundations are the least complicated of the foundations. It is just a structural concrete slab poured directly on the dirt. There is no accessible space between the foundation and the dirt because the foundation sits on the dirt.

This type of foundation is popular in areas that have a high water table. The water table is the depth to which an individual must dig before he or she can find water.

All of these foundations are generally constructed from concrete. There are options to concrete though. The two main ones are Concrete Masonry Units (CMUs) and Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs).

Concrete Masonry Units (CMUs) are hollow, concrete blocks similar to cinder blocks. The hollow portions are filled with concrete from top to bottom to hold the blocks together and to hold the wall together.

Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) are rigid foam insulation forms into which concrete is poured. The insulation forms are made of a mold, hardware, and any necessary bracing a wall or foundation could use.

After the concrete hardens in the form, the outside, the inside, or both forms are removed. This type of construction is common in areas that have building codes which require insulated foundations. The biggest benefit of this type of foundation is that the homeowner or builder can immediately finish the basement without adding studs.

Joseph Devine

If you would like more information concerning foundations or the home building process, please visit http://brchomes.com/article_choosing_a_custom_builder.aspx. Their team will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have concerning foundations or any other aspect of your home

Stair Parts Contribute to Sturdy Stairways

One of the most noticeable features of a house would be having a grand stairway to welcome you as you enter the homeowners place.

For many people who grew up in a house with at least two floors, the presence of a stair case often lead to reminiscing childhood memories when one joyfully slides down it. For many, a stairway is often an integral part of the house as it contributes to the aesthetics of one's home.

Staircases are often times situated where it lands directly to a main door. This makes it one of the first things that people see when they get the chance to visit our homes. Be it our relatives, friends or spying neighbors, a staircase often gives the impression of grandeur.

Stairways are built by carpenters whom we contract to build our house as well. Often times, experts are not hired to make this for us. Many people do not see the need of getting a stair maker or even a craftsman in building our stairways or even adding those designs either.

There are two stair parts: the steps and the rails. The look and feel of the stairs would showcase how these stair parts are put together. Stair parts can be made of different materials. Some people use stone, others use marble. Some people prefer wood while others like metal stair parts more. The same stair parts may be used, or the home owner may also decide on mixing them. Some have wooden steps with a metal rail, while others may have stone steps and marble railings. The choice of what to use, really depends on your preference based on the design of the house of course.

A flight of stairs may be crooked; it can be straight and it can be spiral as well. Just the same, selection on what it would look like would really depend on the over-all look and feel that you would like to create for your home.

Aside for its aesthetic purposes, it is important to keep in mind the true function of a staircase. This is to provide members of the home a means to access rooms and parts of their house - be it to go up or go down the flight of steps. With this, it is equally imperative to ensure sturdiness of this system. First on the list is to invest in the right quality of parts to use. Secondly, checking the design to make sure that they are comfortable and safe, examples of which are to make sure that the steps are not too narrow that one risks into an accident tripping down.

Indeed, a good staircase is always a sight for sore eyes in any home. We just have to make sure that it is as sturdy as it looks well.

For more information feel free to visit http://sinkdepot.net/

Eliza Maledevic Ayson writes for Jump2top.com - SEO Company

10 Tips For Cheap Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

Are you set to remodel your bathroom but the cost is hindering your plans? This article on cheap bathroom remodeling ideas will help you to turn your bathroom into an enchanting delight from a dull one.

We often tend to visualize everything brand new and over look the fact that by simply replacing small fixtures can bring new life to an existing bathroom. Cheap bathroom remodeling ideas are a great for the do-it-yourselfer.

Cheap bathroom remodeling ideas

1. If you are a DIY person, you can save a lot of dollars by refurbishing items like cabinets, varnish, vanities with paint etc.

2. Space is an important factor. Try rearranging the bathroom layout.

3. Gather inspiring ideas from the internet.

4. Get creative and take a tip from your nearest bathroom shop.

5. Paint the wall instead of using wallpapers. Paper wallpapers cannot handle the moisture and will soon peel off.

6. Shower/Bath glass enclosures are easy to install and clean than cloth or plastic curtains. This is also a fashionable way of dressing up your bathroom.

7. Never touch any plumbing or electrical jobs as you may end up paying the plumber/electrician for repairing the damage.

8. Another cheap bathroom remodeling idea is that you can change the toilet seat or a toilet seat cover. With the help of couple of screwdrivers, a toilet seat can be easily changed. This is a very easy task compared to other fixtures in the home. Match the cover to a new rug. This will give a new and an elegant look to your bathroom.

9. Allow your children to display their creativity in the bathroom. Ask them to stick some fancy stickers in the walls. You will be amazed how it adds value to your bathroom. However, do not encourage children to stick them on the mirrors. This would take lot of time to clean and would be tough if you are planning to sell your house.

10. Consider some cheap posters .This will make the area look different and good. You can also cover the areas that are not appealing with posters, if you are not planning to paint currently.

Tips

Take advice from the experts and do some price comparison before purchasing. Remember to bring samples of the necessary items to avoid several trips to the store. Take a picture of your bathroom as this will give you a visual sense, and you will be able to select better. Carry the exact measurements and a floor plan when are you are shopping. Always balance your needs with your budget and try not to stray from your budget.

If you're looking for more information about bathroom renovation or are looking for bathroom remodeling ideas come visit me at my bathroom remodeling blog.

You will find lots of information about bathroom tile design, shower and tub installation, bathroom remodeling tools, bathroom renovation ideas, bathroom remodeling pictures and even specific information about the topic of this article: cheap bathroom remodeling ideas.

Church Building and Church Buildings

Church building is a term used to designate both the physical building of a church facility, and the spiritual building of a group of people into a unified body of believers. The physical church buildings are made of wood, stone, mortar, and brick, but the act of spiritual church building comes at the cost of evangelism, preaching, and teaching. Church building sometimes involves both acts together when a new building is being built and a new congregation is being pulled together. Those that build them with the eternal purposes of Jesus Christ in mind consider Church buildings a ministry in themselves.

A church building is the physical location where a group of Christian believers come together each week to worship God and fellowship with one another. Church buildings often require a great monetary sacrifice on the part of the church members, and often a church building project can last for years. Church buildings can be small or large and the capital necessary to build them varies as well. Sometimes a capital campaign is launched to generate giving on the part of committed church members. Other times church members that are craftsmen or artisans donate their time and services to help lighten expenditures.

Church building requires wise counsel and experienced help to pull it all together. Learning how to build a church to meet the needs of your particular ministry often requires experienced consultants that can offer peace of mind by helping you lay the groundwork both figuratively and literally. Knowing what you can afford to build and how you will pay for it are vital concerns for church building campaigns, and many times just making those decisions with wise counsel can reduce stress, uncertainty and effort. Church buildings are an integral part of a church's ministry to the community, and therefore much thought and planning should be undertaken. Church building is a blessed work and worthy of much prayer and forethought.

Church buildings are places where the Word of God is taught and people come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Acts 14:27 says, " And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles."The work of the Lord that occurs in a church building is holy, blessed work, and everything involved in that church building, from initial construction to the day to day care and cleaning should be right. Church buildings are where God's church, his people, grow up together in love.

For more information about church building and church buildings, visit:
http://www.christianet.com/christianbusinesses/churchbuilding/
http://www.christianet.com/

Replacing a Bathtub

Why are you replacing a bathtub?

Replacing a bathtub is a big job, and you should first consider why you want to replace the bathtub. Removing a bathtub is not an easy job, and you should first consider your reasons, and see if there are other options. If maintained well, a bathtub will give good service for many years.

If your existing bathtub is pink or aqua, I can see your point. In that case, reglazing might be an option. This is not inexpensive, but will eliminate the struggle of getting the bathtub out of it's existing space.

If the bathtub is white, and the bathtub surround is shabby, or the enclosure doors are in bad shape, you might be better served by installing a new surround and new shower doors. this can give a bathtub a stunning new appearance.

If you are installing a new surround, take this occasion to install an anti-scald device. This will give you the pleasure of even water temperature even if someone flushes a toilet, or the washer begins filling. Instead of water flow suddenly becoming icy or scalding hot, the water temperature will maintain evenly.

This is a great time to install a new updated faucet system which will also enhance the appearance of your bath area.

Going Green tips

With the trend toward "going green", working with what you already have could be your contribution. Considering some or all of the going green tips above could save you money and put one less thing in the landfill.

On the other hand, if the bathtub itself is in a bad state, then replacement might be the only option.

Before replacing a bathtub:

1. Shop and consider the options available.
2. Consider what bathroom in your home this is, and who will be using the bathtub.
3. Don't forget the possibility of future resale. You may have no desire to sell at this time, but life is full of change. Think about who would be the bulk of your market. For instance, if your home has three or four bedrooms, families with children would most likely be the bulk of your market.With that in mind, replacing a standard bathtub with a whirlpool in a main bath would probably not be a good idea. People with small children might be put off by this addition to a main bath.
4. Review the value and benefits of different bathtub material and different styles before making a final decision.
5. And lastly, decide how you will get the tub into it's final space. Take measurements and think where through your home the tub will have to travel to get there. Replacing a bathtub in a finished home as opposed to installing in new construction where these elements are added before walls are finished, are very different situations. You will need to find a solution before making a commitment.

Discover tips on bathtub style and other helpful bathroom remodeling advice at => http://www.bathroom-remodeling-hints.com

Energy-Star Appliances Can Help You Save Money

Your household appliances are responsible for a large percentage of the energy consumed in your home. As a matter of fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approximates that kitchen appliances account for almost half of the $2,000 that most average families spend on utilities each year. In addition, appliances that are over 10 years old use more energy than their newer counterparts.

The Energy Star classification system was created by the EPA and the US Dept of Energy (DOE). This system identifies home appliances that decrease energy consumption, lower your utility bills and improve the air quality in your home. Energy Star appliances are usually more expensive than traditional models but the savings in daily energy usage will help them pay for themselves in the long term. Some Energy Star appliances can even save you up to half of the energy you use each day.

Understanding Your EnergyGuide Label:

All Energy Star appliances are required to have an EnergyGuide label. This label displays the model number, features, size and capacity of the appliance. In addition, the label estimates the average energy usage and operation costs of the model per year.

Each label also displays a range of energy used per year by similar models so that you can comparison shop and determine if this particular model meets your needs.

Standard Features of Energy Star Appliances:

Refrigerators:

Use up to 40% less electricity.

Savings of up to $150 each year.

Dishwasher:

Use 50% less water.

Use over 40% less energy.

Save $90 over the lifetime of your dishwasher.

Clothes Washer:

Use 50% less water.

Reduce drying time by extracting more water in the spin cycle.

Less wear and tear on your clothing.

Use up to 40% less electricity.

Savings of up to $110 each year.

Dehumidifier:

Use between 10 - 20% less electricity.

Savings of approximately $30 each year.

Household Air Conditioner:

Use 10% less energy.

Save approximately $250 over the lifetime of your air conditioner.

Investing in Energy Star appliances will help you save on monthly utility costs and reduce emissions in your home and the environment. It's an easy way to save yourself some money plus do your part for the environment.

Gwen McIntyre is a Marketing Manager for PartSelect.com. PartSelect.com is a provider of appliance repair parts to help repair your home appliances. Partselect has a full selection of appliance parts for all major appliance manufacturers.

Ghana Could Lead the World in Sustainable Building

A Ghanaian's heart seems always to be with Ghana. Though many of Ghana's citizens leave their native country for the purpose of earning money to support their families, many still dream to build their homes in Ghana. Being exposed to certain building technologies, Ghanaians may take more than money back home.

One of those technologies is the use of insulated concrete forms or ICFs. ICFs are a stay in place foam block that stacks to form foundation and structural walls. Once rebar is placed, concrete is poured into the cavity creating a 4 inch solid concrete wall with 2 inches of insulation on each side. At 6.5 pounds each, the ICF straight block is 4 feet long and 1 feet high covering 5.33 square feet.

Organizations such as Energy Star rate the ICF block as meeting sustainability and energy efficiency goals having an effective R-value of 32. Manufacturers report consumers as experiencing a 50 - 80% reduction in energy costs annually. Thermal imaging shows homes built with ICF blocks as having a temperature change of less than 2 percent. This means that during hot months, once the ICF home gets cool, it stays cool for longer periods of time as compared to a conventional built home. This feature further reduces the operating time of cooling or heating units. Conventional built homes show temperature changes of 11 - 20 degrees. The ICF home in Ghana would use roughly half of the energy as needed for conventional built homes. This is a necessary benefit in a country known for its fledging infrastructure.

Until now, concrete or sandcrete block has been the Ghanaian building material of choice. This is a Ghanaian age old tradition that has changed little over the years. In the age of the Sustainable Revolution, Ghana may be poised to make the transition to building with ICFs quicker than developed countries.

The insulating concrete form is a concrete product. The skill set to build with concrete block is easily transferrable to stack ICF blocks. Crews accustomed to the weight of CMUs can work with greater speed with the 6.5 pound ICF block. Not only is the ICF block lighter, it also replaces 6 concrete blocks and covers 5.33 square foot of exterior wall space. That's no small benefit to the Ghanaian owner who would in turn save on the cost of labor.

New construction technologies takes a strong market demand before becoming common in the marketplace. With the scarcity of ICF block manufacturers in Ghana, the transition may be a little slow. However, Africans in America are increasing becoming aware of the ICF block and wish to build with ICFs should the cost prove to be cost effective with the additional shipping charges.

Ghana has been called an underdeveloped country when compared to countries such as the United States or Canada. However, because of their customary concrete building practices, Ghana and other West African countries may very well become the leader in sustainable building.

Lakisha David, construction manager with Light Ready Construction, LLC. and supplier of ICFs to Ghana. http://www.lightreadyghana.com

Drag and Drop Bathroom Design - The Benefits and Advantages

Considering the fact that our appetite for hi-end, avant-garde technology is getting voracious by the day, the explosion of drag and drop bathroom design software is not really that mystifying. But what has really left several members of the interior design community completely in awe is the manner in which these user-friendly programs have managed to win the plaudits of every nifty homeowner.

No doubt, these downloadable, versatile, easy to work with programs are not just about having loads of fun, but also promise a uniquely insightful experience. It's your chance to give wings to the artistic genius in you.

Your Dream Bathroom- Just A Few Clicks Away

If you maintain that creating your dream bathroom takes more than just a few clicks, you better get ready to invert that absolutely absurd thinking. Here's what these software programs promise:

• Creating accurate, graphical representations of bathrooms is simpler than it actually sounds.
• It gives you the opportunity to customize existing designs or create something refreshingly different.
• Apart from drawing up the master plan, you can drag-and-drop all existing features, from the wash basin, shower and bath to the lighting, furniture, fixtures, cabinets and more.
• The breathtaking array of materials, textures and colors helps you enliven your plans like no other. From intricate floor tiles to ethereal wall papers, you are never hamstrung for lack of options. So you can be sure that your newly-designed bathroom is the stuff that Technicolor dreams are made of.
• There's a dizzying assortment of 3D bathroom symbols to choose from. So you can design and edit in 2D and 3D.
• The veritable mosaic of brilliant colors that display your dream bathroom from different angles is mind-blowing, giving you a spectacular sense of space and specifications.
• The virtual walkthrough experience enables you to make the necessary improvements in the design without moving an inch.

Well, I guess now you why not only homeowners, but also bathroom and tile manufacturers, interior design and retailers are completely in thrall to the magic of these software programs.

Here's exactly how you can generate 100's or even 1000's of positively brilliant Bathroom Remodeling Ideas ... FAST ! And you could easily increase your home's value by several $1000s fast with these 25 street-smart tips for Dirt Cheap Home Improvement

How to Refinish Coffee Tables

Coffee tables, due to their size, are great to keep around and use for many years. They receive a good deal of punishment, though, as they can be used for a variety of activities. Serving drinks, playing cards, and eating while watching television are all suited to coffee tables. A quality finish will stand up to regular wear and tear, but you may find that the day comes to strip the old finish and apply a new one. Coffee tables are good to work with as they usually don't have a large surface area and are fairly simple in design. Many of them don't feature tricky corners or ornaments.

The first step is to remove the old finish. A bristle brush, a good mask, and a chemical strip will be necessary. The chemicals will give off powerful fumes, so be sure to invest in a high quality mask. Apply the strip with the brush and scrub vigorously. Most coffee tables will require this step to be repeated once or twice.

After letting the fumes evaporate, move in with a paint scraper. Be careful here, as you do not want to damage the wood. Doing so will create another problem that is not remedied quite as easily (coffee tables can be fixed with filler, usually). After the old finish is stripped completely, you can start the next step.

You have a lot of freedom here, as there are a number of stains and finishes that can be applied to modern coffee tables. Determine what look you want for the table, and decide on a product that matches it as closely as possible. Some even contain a finish and sealant together. These can be very useful. Whatever you ultimately choose, determine if a sealant will be necessary. If the finish you use does not contain one, purchase and apply it separately. Follow the instructions on the product label, as there are specific methods for various substances. Some are even designed for coffee tables.

FeelMoreHuman.com offers a wide selection of coffee tables, console tables, and other coffee tables at great discount prices. Visit RogueStatus' blog for details.

Bathroom Accessories For the Modern Bathroom

If you have a modern looking bathroom then it's a necessity to have small accessories scattered around the room to give it a livelier feel and mood. Having too many accessories can over do it so using them where necessary such as taking the eyes of visitors off a less attractive part of the bathroom is always a good idea.

Having accessories such as towel holders and bathroom mats extinguish the simplistic bathroom effect while still providing the space needed for other objects and accessories. It's essential to keep accessories and storage to a minimum size as it will cramp the bathroom size and it won't receive the style and fresh look your bathroom truly deserves! The main purpose of multiple accessories is the organisation of someone's bathroom - keeping your bathroom organised with less clutter will increase the bathrooms attractiveness and keep it clean.

Having a modern bathroom really needs those stainless steel products such as bins, mirrors and cabinets - they give the modern look a fantastic fresh appeal and a clean atmosphere. A wider range of accessories such as shower curtains tend to be some of the easiest accessories to buy that give that straight look of attention in any bathroom - they often stand out with a one colour look or hold multiple patterns.

Stainless steel accessories such as bins and mirrors really stand out in a light modern bathroom and should be taken into account when modifying your bathroom. The reflections on the stainless steel create a lighter atmosphere and it just looks clean and attractive when in a bathroom. It shouldn't be used everywhere in the room as it can be some what of a boring modern standard - it's not a unique method to attract freshness in a bathroom as it's used widely across the world.

Depending on what sort of style you want to achieve in your modern bathroom this is just an example of what you can do with different accessories, you have your own tastes so you'll most likely have different preferred styles and methods.

Written by James Chapman, a director of Bella Bathrooms who supply Bathroom Accessories for the UK market.

Bella Bathrooms is an online retailer formed by 2 plumbers from the North East of England. Having hands on experience of custom bathroom installation and products has enabled Bella Bathrooms Ltd to only select quality bathroom products for their online shop. They sell bathroom furniture, bathroom suites, showers and bath related products for consumers through the United Kingdom.

The Beauty of a Construction Site

Something that architects and contractors take for granted but that homeowners rarely experience, is the construction site. When it is your house being built or added onto, I recommend that you spend as much time as possible with the "insides" of the place where you will be living.

It is a bit like viewing the inside a person during an operation. Yes, it may be messy and confusing unless you know how everything works, but it is always fascinating and sometimes beautiful. Not to take the metaphor too far, but a home has structure like we have bones, wiring and controls as we have nerves, and mechanical systems like we have...maybe I've gone too far, but you can see where I'm going.

The most universal observation is that during the building process, the scale of rooms and the overall building changes dramatically depending on the phase of construction. When the foundation is poured the space may look too small, with the framing up, the building may look too large. Trim, siding, windows and roofing bring the massive structure back into proportion. Inside finishes and trim as well as cabinetry and paint make a room that felt too large or small, feel comfortable.

The craftsmanship that goes into the framing and rough plumbing and electrical work pays off as the home is being finished. Straight, plumb, and square walls and floors make the trim carpenter's work easier and faster. You can tell a lot about a contractor by the way the early stages of the building are completed. If they care about the way the house is framed, chances are they will take the same care in finishing the job. A friend and talented photographer, Michele Muir was at one of our job sites photographing everyone in our office, and took some time to record the beauty of the job site.

http://www.crisparchitects.com/

James M. Crisp, AIA is an architect working in New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts.

Ideas To Make Your Bathroom Remodeling Feasible

You may wonder why, for such a small room, the bathroom is one of the significant rooms in the house. The bathroom is a room wherein you can entirely be yourself and express yourself as much as you like.

Since people are spending a lot of their time inside them, then it can be improved to make the time spent inside more pleasurable and not just tolerable. Here are some practical tips and remodeling ideas for your bathroom.

1. Identify the length and breadth of your bathroom. How much space does it have? By knowing exactly the space you have to work on, you can make out a plan on expansions and additions.

For example, do you want your shower area to be more spacey? Do you want to add a bathtub under you shower as a combo?

Meanwhile, if you think your bathroom area is already limited and cramped, then your remodeling may lean more on clearing out several spaces. You can make an otherwise small bathroom roomy if you just have the right ideas.

Installing overhead cabinets and accessory racks may serve to store stuff otherwise put in stand-in cabinets and racks or cluttered on the floor.

Once your bathroom is spacious enough, you can be more comfortable. It will also become big enough for uninhibited movement.

2. Transform the ambiance of your bathroom by remodeling it according to what is trendy but not gaudy.

You can focus on your bathroom's flooring to take away the drabness. If the tiles in your bathroom are plain and lifeless then you could be challenged to consider having more attractive floor tiles. Consider a tile pattern that would lend a cozier feel throughout the room.

Another ambiance-changing activity you can dwell on is the repainting of the bathroom. Choose a color that is soothing and at the same time would complement the lighting to brighten up your bathroom.

If there is still some space that would not interfere with your movement, putting up some ornaments like plants, bathroom accessories, aromatic candles and other decors is a good bathroom remodeling idea.

Home depot stores always have the latest implements for the bathrooms.

3. Remodel your bathroom according to your available financial resources.

If you have enough money for a remodel, then your only problem will be the design. Nevertheless, if you have limited budget then, your plans and ideas for remodeling the bathroom may be limited according to what your resources would allow.

To learn more bathroom remodeling ideas, visit http://www.bathroomdesignideas101.com

Basement Waterproofing is Essential

The foundation of your house depends on a strong basement. Basement waterproofing prevents water from penetrating into the basement area Waterproofing your basement is mandatory or else it could lead to structural damages and collapsing drywall.

Given below are 5 reasons why basement waterproofing is essential:

" Structural damage: Water seepage is very common problem in basements; especially if you live in wet areas with moist soil. If you do not take proper preventive measures for this problem then it could lead to structural damages to your property. You find seepage mainly in the corners where the wall meets the floor. This process is typically slow and won't show immediate consequences but if ignored then it could cause major damages such as bowed walls and cracked foundation. Basement waterproofing is very important to treat wet basements. Timely preventions can save you from disastrous structural damages.

" Infestations: If you live in an area where there are black molds, then it becomes absolutely essential to waterproof your basement. Damp areas are a breeding ground for waterborne contaminants such as black mold. All kinds of mold can grow between walls and under padding of wet carpets; the worst kinds are the black molds. It is very toxic and can cause death. If basement waterproofing is not done in time them these infestations keep breeding in the wet areas which can cause major health hazards. You may even have to abandon the house if the professionals are not able to take care of the infestations.

" Natural calamities: If you live in an area where there is heavy rainfall or in hurricane areas, basement waterproofing becomes very essential. These areas are prone to flooding; as a result, water is very likely to enter the basement. Rainwater can penetrate through cracks in the wall causing seepage. Also when flood water collects around the foundation walls, water collects in small pockets in the soil next to the foundation and starts forming hydrostatic pressure. Over the time this pressure increases until the water is pushed through the wall. Thus basement waterproofing becomes necessary in such areas.

" Damage to property: Most of us keep a lot of stuff in the basement like furniture, books, equipments, etc. sometimes there are workshops or even wine cellars down in the basement. But if the basement is not waterproofed then water seepage can cause a lot of damage to your property. Wooden furniture rots when it gets damp. Expensive items could be damaged due to dampness. It you plan to use your basement for important purposes then it becomes even more essential to waterproof your basement.

" Sloping and grading: It's important to know if the ground around your house is sloping away from your foundation. The soil outside should meet the walls; if it doesn't then the water can penetrate between the gaps. In this case you have to hire a professional grader to help slope the ground downhill and away from your house. But as preventive measures it is best to waterproof your basement just in case you do not detect the sloping around your house instantly.

Basement waterproofing can be expensive but it's worth the cost to prevent you from irreparable damages in the future.

To learn more about the importance of basement waterproofing and to get helpful guides visit our website at http://www.allaboutbasementwaterproofing.com

Does Your Thermostat Read Temperature Properly - Homeowner Tips

Through out my career as an air conditioning, heating and refrigeration technician, I have seen thousands of jobs with the same problems over and over and over. I have seen just about every mistake you can imagine. I've been in the field going on 23 years now.

I came across one job a few years ago where the contractor (so called professional) installed a replacement digital thermostat in the same spot where the old unit was located. In between two door jams in a hall way. This guy used the old wires that were attached to the old thermostat, which is not a problem in it self, but the location of the wires is where he ran into trouble. The problem here was the person who installed this thermostat, installed it sideways because it was too long for this location. Instead of telling the customer he needed to go get a thermostat that fit the application or moving the wires to accommodate the thermostat he had on his truck, he installed what he had with him at the time and he told the customer "that was how these new digital thermostats needed to be installed" so they could operate properly. Of course the customer was a senior citizen in her late 80's and he had no morals or values. The funny thing is that this digital thermostat would have actually worked properly installed this way, because the sensor was a solid state device on a circuit board. Except for reading what the display said and reading what the buttons said, this thermostat actually operated correctly. You should have seen the way he installed the duct work but that is another story.

The reason the lady called was because it seemed to her that the furnace would always shut down too early or it would sometimes run for a long period of time making the room warmer than she wanted. I had to laugh when I arrived on the job and saw what this guy had done. The biggest issue mechanically with this thermostat was not the way it was mounted, but that it was mounted and covering a very large hole, where the thermostat wires came though the wall. The sensor was very near the hole on the wall and it was reading the cold inside wall cavity temperature. I removed the thermostat and installed a new one for her, free of charge and then filled the hole with sheetrock mud to stop the stat from reading the wall cavity temperature.

The customer wanted to pay me for my trouble and my materials but I told her that the next time she came across someone that needs a new furnace or air conditioner that could could simply give my name and phone number out and that would be enough. She agreed and thanked me for my trouble.

I still get referrals from her today. It has always bugged me to see someone take advantage of elderly people, especially when they have no business doing the work in the first place.

The digital thermostats today can do a lot and they are generally pretty reliable, most of the time its either that its installed wrong or programmed wrong, wired wrong or there are not enough wires to it. Maybe the thermostat needs the common wire from the thermostat hooked up to operate properly. The majority of these problems are the result of poor technical knowledge on behalf of the installer, or perhaps they simply don't care enough to read the installation instructions. Sometimes people get into the trade and learn how to install duct work and put sheet metal screws in with a drill gun and bam they think they have enough experience to go out and become a contractor.

Unfortunately home owners have no way of knowing whether or not the service company they chose has enough experience or knowledge to do the job right. The NATE Rating is about as close as you can come to being sure you hire the right people. However" I was trained a long time ago in a technical school that focused on the theory and operating principals of electrical, refrigeration, air conditioning and heating. Long before the NATE Training certificate came about. My schooling was 990hrs and the course took place over 9 months. I don't have the NATE certificate badge myself. I guess I should go get it to look more legitimate and I probably will get it as that seems to be the standard today. I have not looked into the certificate yet but eventually will.

You can contact me by email located within my site or you can post questions in our forum and I will respond fairly quickly. Maybe you had a new system installed and are having problems that the installer can't seem to fix. I would be glad to give it a shot. I specialize in residential gas/propane forced air heating systems, heat pumps, air conditioning and zoning.

John Grisler
Specialist in Environmentally Friendly High Efficiency Residential Air Conditioning and Heating Systems
Graduate Universal Technical Institute February 1986
23 Years Experience Residential/ Light Commercial Heating Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
US Patent 7234318 Multiple Stage, Single Pass Refrigeration System. June 2006
Designer of the Self Contained Air Conditioned Chair -see grizzco@feeservers.com

my web site is http://greenfeetco2.com/

Hotels in Delhi - Security Beefed Up!

Delhi, the national capital of India, is a perfect blend of history, traditions as well as modernity. With a culturally and historically rich background, it attracts a huge number of tourists. The city has everything to offer its visitors, right from magnificent temples, splendid forts, colourful bazaars, blooming gardens to pulsating night-life. Every year numerous visitors gather in the city to witness the grand forts and monuments. The city offers an insight into the history of India and promises an exciting tour for the tourists. In all tourist attractions in Delhi are a varied and colourful affair all together.

Tourists visiting the city look forward to a good stay at hotels. The aftermath of terror strikes in Mumbai city, significantly led to a fall in the number of tourists visiting the place. The gory incident took place on 26 November at various hotels. The incident took place at Trident hotel, Oberoi hotel, Taj hotel and Nariman point apart from other hospitals and railway stations in Mumbai. Terrorists targeted the hotel occupants and gunned down innocent tourists. The issue has brought to the fore the security of the people staying at hotels. In the backdrop of the incident, numerous hotels have beefed up security measures in hotels. The security check has been made more stringent and measures to tackle an emergency situation have been addressed too.

The hotels being the hub of important business meetings, social gatherings, housing dignitaries from all over the world, have had to undergo security like never before. The incident shook the entire nation. Now, hotel authorities have been verifying the identity of visitors and staff besides carrying out extensive checking of vehicles before allowing them entry into the premises. Barricades have been placed outside the hotels with private security guards maintaining a close vigil on the movement near the hotel premises. All this is being done to provide upgraded security to visitors.

Visitors can be rest assured of stringent security measures in hotels. The luxury hotels offer you unparalleled opulence, along with international standards of comfort and hospitality. You are assured of the best cuisine, the best dcor; the best facilities while your stay at hotel. We are committed to make your stay more enjoyable and peaceful. Look forward to the best stay at hotels at favourable rates. Police have also taken stringent measures to provide utmost safety to people staying in hotels. Have a pleasant stay at any of the hotels in Delhi.

Sadhna D, Expert Author, Platinum author

For more information on Hotels in Delhi

Hotel in Delhi

Information on Hotels in Goa:

Hotel in Goa

Replacing Shower Faucets - Avoid the Traps - Get Expert Advice

It's the same old story all over again. The drip-drip saga of your shower faucet threatens to rock the boat. Tired of those countless fitful bouts of sleep, you have pulled out all stops in repairing that wretched fixture. But, to no avail. The constant, and now extremely grating leak, has wrecked havoc in your life.

Now before you begin to sound like the protagonist of a Shakespearean tragedy, you better put an end to this Himalayan battle. And how does one achieve that? Does replacing shower faucet sound like a plausible solution? It may be music to the ears of faucet manufacturers and suppliers, but it's the only way you can enjoy the soul-stirring silence of solitudes all over again.

Eight Tips That Attenuate Concerns

But replacing an old shower faucet is not something that one greets exultantly. And the grounds for this kind of trepidation are not that risible too. The possibility of replacement of the valve from behind the wall or through the closet or even a change in the surround is enough to deflate the optimism of a seasoned veteran.

But things are not as complicated as they seem. Here are a few tips that ease your concerns quite a bit:

• Don't select the new faucet in haste. Remember the saying, size does matter?
• Be very clear about the measurement of the holes for the fixture. Take the old faucet along when you venture out to purchase the new one.
• Style is not something you can be utterly cavalier about either. Make sure the new fixture manages to get you out of your blue funk.
• The instruction manual must be treated like the Holy Grail. Follow it religiously.
• While dealing with that recalcitrant old faucet, make sure your efforts are ably buttressed by the right tools. So a pipe wrench is used only on pipes.
• Switching from iron pipes to copper or plastic is a nifty choice since they come without any kind of threading.
• While bathtubs have a two-valve faucet assembly, a two-valve shower assembly is common place among showers. This means the installation of the faucet is detached from the taps that supply water.
• However, the internal mechanism of tub and shower faucet assemblies is strikingly similar to those installed in sinks.
  

With the faucet replaced, you better get used to the silence that resonates from every pore.

Learn exactly how to generate 100's or even 1000's of positively *BRILLIANT* Bathroom Remodeling Ideas ... FAST ! And here are 25 Dirt Cheap Home Improvement Ideas that could increase the value of your home by several $1000's ...

Romantic Bathroom Ideas

Creating Romantic bathroom more often than not requires the Master Bathroom of the property to be transformed with a masculine touch, whilst keeping in mind that two people share the bathroom space and one of them may have more masculine tastes in decorating. Romantic usually comes hand in hand with old world decorating accessories and decorates, when placed in an old world style bedroom or master bath, exaggerate the room's comfort while crafting ambience, drama and style. Consider framed art, wall tapestry and iron work when decorating a romantic bathroom.

Like all rooms in your home, choice of wall colour and accessories determines the decorating style. Enhance a bathroom's romantic look by including scrolled iron wall art in your bathroom decorating equation. Enjoy casual romantic bathroom decorating by choosing storage and display accessories that compliment European classical and in particular french interior design. Moen's Kingsley line of bathroom solutions, including faucets and shower faucets, are sure to have the finish to match your decorating flare. Meeting the expectations of the couple desiring a romantic ambience in their master bath is challenging, but coming to the rescue are the Mediterranean Italian - French decorating styles. Create a beautifully well designed bath by decorating the walls. Decorating French Style with Italian Ceramics and Scrolled Iron.

Today, wall mounted bathroom accessories are fashionable and practical, and can be suited to compliment both contemporary and classic styles. Add a ledge of candles or a romantic French style wall sconce to provide ambience and luxurious style to your powder room. If you are looking for beautiful coloured reflections, in classic Mediterranean style the Celice oval mirror is a widely acclaimed choice.

For more bathroom accessories ideas, please visit bathrooms cheaper

Lee Tyrrell of Bathrooms Cheaper

Discount Hotels - On the Internet

Everyone loves to travel and everyone loves to travel cheap! While traveling, you tend to spend the maximum on transportation and lodging. A hotel is one thing you cannot even compromise on, even if there's a dearth of resources. Everyone longs for a comfortable stay when he ventures out of his home and at a rate that suits his budget. Discount hotels heed to all your wishes and make your stay and vacation an occasion to remember.

To find discount locations was a cumbersome task earlier. Not any longer. With the proliferation of internet in every household of UK, life has taken a turn for the simple. Things are accessible to you by a mere click of the button. Similarly, keying in the words 'discount hotels' will present before you a plethora of websites that will offer you a list of budget hotels, fulfilling your requirement in the destination of your choice.

Hotels give discounts to its customers for various reasons. Sometimes, because of the negotiation power of the guests and sometimes due to the off-season. Moreover, internet users are given a special preference and status these days by the hotel owners. They keep a reserved quota of rooms for the online guests and these rooms are not made available to the regular guests. Also, a special discount is offered to the online customers by various hotel chains.

Also, reserving discount hotels through the internet also has one more benefit. If you happen to make the transaction through a cashback portal, you would end up getting richer! Book your discount hotel through a cashback portal for your next vacation and you would get back a percentage of the amount that you spend on their site!

Avail great discounts offered by various hotel chains throughout the year. For that, you just need to research a little and a hotel of your choice in the destination that you wish would be offered to you at a rate that suits you budget.

Adam Jaylin provides you best and latest info on Discount Hotels and Travel Package Deals

Bathroom Rugs - Necessity Or Fashion Accessory?

Bathroom rugs are extremely popular in areas around the world such as Los Angeles, where a warm climate encourages individuals to keep their floors bare most of the year. With the extremely popular bathroom rugs that are so common in these areas, it is easy to create some warmth in the winter simply by putting down a bathroom rug and allowing the product to do its job. With the increased popularity of bathroom rugs in areas such as Los Angeles, it is easy to see that there is no end in sight for these types of products. With so many people and so many individuals making so much of an effort to utilize bathroom rugs in areas such as Los Angeles, it is not surprising that the popularity for these types of products has begun to skyrocket for those individuals and who are in need of some type of covering for their bathroom floor.

While many individuals avoid putting a bathroom rug down due to the moisture and amount of water that gets splashed around in the bathroom, there are specifically designed bathroom rugs that repel water and are less likely to be subjected to mildew. Utilizing these types of bathroom rugs is a good way to keep your floors warm for your comfort if you get out of the bath as well as increasing the level of safety and preventing slips. Slipping and falling in the bathroom is one of the most common incidents of injury in the home. It is a good idea to avoid this type of injury with the use of a bathroom rug, especially in warmer areas around the world that tend to have bare floors, such as Los Angeles. With a bare floor, you can keep your house cool in the summer, and when winter comes along, you can put down a bathroom rug to keep your feet warm.

With the emphasis on bare floors and bathroom rugs in cities such as Los Angeles that traditionally keep floors bare in the summer, it seems obvious that there is a great need for a type of covering on floors in the winter in order to preserve the warmth of the room as well as provide comfort for people who walk barefoot in the mornings after getting out of bed. By providing a warm surface such as a bathroom rug, you can make your home more comfortable all around.

PJsSleep.com is a Los Angeles mattress company that offers bedding, organics, and other home furnishings.

Long Stucco Crack
Bad Termite Damage To Window

Remodel Your Home For Ease of Use - Universal Design and Aging in Place

As aging baby boomers consider staying in their homes, Universal Design and Aging in Place will be gaining more momentum in the years to come. Here are some practical home modification tips to promote safety, comfort and independence in everyday living.

What Is Universal Design and Aging in Place?
Universal Design is a concept that focuses on comfort, ease of access, and maneuverability within homes for all people, while aging in place is a popular lifestyle option for older homeowners preferring to safely and independently live in their homes.

Did You Know?
89% of people 50+ wish to remain in their own homes indefinitely, while National Association of Home Builders cites 75% of remodelers have seen an increase in requests for aging in place work.

Suggested Universal Design and Aging in Place home modifications include:
- Installing lights strategically to maintain a well-lit hallway

- Having non-slip interior and exterior flooring

- Replacing knobs with levers handles

- Setting up pantries and cabinetry with rollout cabinets and lazy Susans

- Mounting adequate handrails for stairways and ramps

- Building or installing a roll-in shower with multiple showerheads

- Installing a no-curb shower

Local Certified Remodeling Professionals
To address the growing number of consumers looking for local specialized professionals, the Remodelers Council of National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has created a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) resource directory for homeowners. You can visit their website for a list of local specialists in your area.

When remodeling for ease of use, look for simple and practical products which are safe to use and easy to maintain. With these simple and practical home modifications, you can design your home for how you would like to live now and for the future.

You are welcome to publish or reprint this article, free of charge, as long as the article remain unchanged, all hyperlinks are active, and the "About the Author" section is included in the reprint. The author is not liable for any loss profits, expenses, or any other damages resulting from the use or misuse of articles published on this website.

Villette Nolon is the President and CEO of HomeSavvi.
HomeSavvi provides free home remodeling instant inspiration. Online guide features home remodel design ideas, photos, expert advice, including bathroom and kitchen designs, budgets and costs and other helpful information.

Roof Repairs
Subfloor Joist Reinforcing

Outdoor Shed Foundations - Home Building Tips

When looking to build your own outdoor shed the first place to start is with the shed foundation. Your storage shed needs to be built on a strong foundation. Whether it is wood or concrete your slab needs to be a firm base that your outdoor shed will be built on. If you don't have a good shed foundation then your shed will not last as long as it should.

Wondering when to use a concrete slab or wood for a shed foundation? Here are the two main reasons for choosing one or the other. A wood foundation for your outdoor shed will allow you to move it if you ever decide that your original spot is not right. If you use a concrete slap then you will not be able to move it at all.

After you figured out what type of foundation you want you need to start to assemble it. If you're going to use the wood foundation, make sure you use pressure treated wood. Any home improvement store will have it just make sure to ask for help if you're unsure of the type and size you need. Tell them you're building an outdoor shed and they will be able to point you in the right direction.

An easy way to build a nice strong shed foundation is to get a couple of skids. These can be found at just about any store and usually they are in the back and free. Lay the skids out and placing your pressure treated wood around the outside nail then together. Using 3/4" plywood for the floor will give your outdoor shed a very strong foundation. Using bricks under the skids will help level the shed floor off and also keep any moisture from getting into our wood foundation.

If you decide to use the concrete slab make sure you have picked out the correct location, as this will be a permanent structure on your property. If you need your outdoor shed to support a lot of heavy equipment then you want to use the concrete slab foundation. It will be able to hold a lot more weight than the wood foundation.

It's always best to have a plan of attack before starting any home improvement project: it can save you time and money. Think about what you plan to keep inside your outdoor shed, if its going to be heavy equipment and you know that the wood foundation is going to be raised up off the ground 5-8" you may need a ramp to get stuff in and out. A concrete foundation can be made to be ground level. Keeping all these things in mind before you start building your outdoor shed will make this go so much faster and give you less headaches.

Learn more about outdoor storage sheds & buildings

Roof Framing Blocks Over Wall

Antique Wood End Tables - A Fantastic Way To Add A Vintage Look To Your Space

Your home has a vintage feel to it. You have a lot of old fashioned and traditional furnishings, plus, decorations and a home interior to match. So, when you are going out shopping looking for new pieces of furniture, you need ones that are going to fit into your homes present dcor and antique wood end tables would a wonderful selection that would work well in your home.

Antique wood end tables have a very pleasing look that is sure to enhance the appearance of any room that they are put in. Obviously they are crafted out of wood, but there are many different woods used to make them and each has a very distinguished and beautiful look, featuring many lovely finishes. A few of those wood options include maple, pine, oak, and cedar while some finishes include antique, cherry, black, and many more. Usually, these fine furnishings will feature a lot of intricate detailing, including elegant scrollwork, carvings, edging, and lovely accent touches like eye-catching hardware and even hand painted designs, patterns, and inlays. Sometimes they will just be very simple and will have a table top and supporting for legged base and other times they will have a table top that has an apron, a drawer or side cabinets for storage, extra shelves to display items, and instead of the four legs will have a single pedestal base. All the options make it easy to find the perfect one for you and your space.

Not only are antique wood end tables a fabulous choice for a home that is traditionally decorated, but one would also be a lovely choice for a modern home as well. Like, if you are looking to add a vintage look to a room or if you want something that is just a little different from everything else in your home. One would be a nice addition. However, if you are not into antique wood end tables, there are also many other kinds of end tables to choose from that fit well into any setting. Other selections include those of the modern variety that are made from metal or wood that have glass table tops, ones that are a little more artsy that feature unique designs and styling using all types of materials, and ones that are plain, yet sophisticated and are made out of wood. From traditional to modern, there are many that you can choose from. For a quick way to see the many different options, just hit the World Wide Web and do some online shopping. You can easily compare prices without ever having to leave your home.

So, if your home has a classic feel to it, or you simply want a furnishing that is a little more traditional than what you have, an excellent choice for you are antique wood end tables. Extremely appealing to the eye, one or a few would be a fabulous way to enhance the look of your home.

As an owner of many home decor sites, Jennifer Akre offers product reviews and information on tables and accessories, giving the online consumer help finding elegant end table or end tables. Decorate your home your style - your way - Click today: antique wood end tables

How to Install a Bathroom Faucet

It is important to know how to install a bathroom faucet. If ever your faucet gets broken in the middle of the night, you do not need to call for a repair person or ask on how to install a bathroom faucet. The job is quite easy and all you need is a wrench, elbow grease and these instructions on how to install a bathroom faucet.

First, you have to get rid of the old faucet. Check if the sink has the right number of holes and that they are in the right places. Do not forget to shut off the valve below the sink. Use a wrench in turning the nuts to be able to remove the supply tubes and drain the water. Take away the nuts and the washers and remove the faucet. Do not forget to clean every hole carefully. Read the instructions if you need to do other pre-installation steps.

After removing the old faucet, you are now ready to install the new one. Make sure that you read and understand the instructions included in the faucet. It is necessary to know if you need to do some preliminary set up. Between the faceplate and the gasket, place in the plastic gasket. Make a seal using a plumber's putty if the kit has no gasket included. Do not forget to apply nut and washer below every supply tube and then put together the supply tubes and the shut-off valves.

Follow the instructions in the kit in installing the pop-up device. Many types of pop-up device are available so make sure that you check the instructions. Place in the lift rod and then connect it to the pop-up device. Check for leaks after turning on the water. If there is any leak, take out the part and put a seal around it.

To find more tips about Bathroom Faucet, Bathroom Vanity Design, please visit bathroomdesigntip.com

Wet Carpeting In Hallway

Creating An Eclectic Design Style For Your Room

The master bedroom should be fitting for the master of the home. Unfortunately, most of the time the master bedroom is the last and final room that is decorated. Choosing a design style, such as the modern contemporary decorating style, for your master bedroom can be a wonderful way to make your bedroom into a room that you need and deserve.

Some people prefer a more eclectic style of decorating where they combine a few different decorating styles in their home. This can work well if you do it in a harmonious way that makes a cohesive part, rather than just throwing many different styles together. Create a harmonious flow with your choices to make your room more welcoming and comfortable for you and your family.

How do you make your choice in design styles? You first need to find a foundation for the rest of your design. This can be a paint color, piece of fabric, or a piece of furniture. This is you starting point for the rest of your design. Now you are ready to find items that work well with this particular color, so that you can create a master bedroom to be proud of.

If you are set on an eclectic style of decorating, there are a few combinations that you will want to consider for your master bedroom.

1. Contemporary Style and Country Style - This combination creates a design style that is known as Modern Country. It involves using traditional country furnishings along with new contemporary designed furnishings. This creates a mingling of the industrial and high-tech worlds.

2. Roman and Greek Decorating Styles - This combination creates a design style that is known by the moniker of Greco Roman style. This is when you combine both Roman and Greek design styles and architecture. These two work very well together, due to the fact that they are very closely linked and have very close styles.

3. Modern Style and Tropical Style - You will find that the tropical style can be enhanced by the more contemporary and modern style of furnishings.

Your master bedroom should be a room that you want to take refuge in after a long, hard day of work. By finding the right design style for your room, you can make this room into a beautiful extension of your home and your personality that will give you a place to relax and rest in. Inspiration can come in many different ways, so be sure that you are open to the different design styles, whether modern contemporary decorating style or country style, to create a master bedroom that you will be proud of.

Adam Peters is a syndicated writer of http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com A focused website that offers the best articles on modern wall papers and flooring

Checking Your Building Foundation

The most important thing when building a home is the ability to keep everything as square, plumb and level as possible. Starting with the foundation, if the foundation is not square or level, the rest of the house is going to be out of alignment.

You've probably heard the saying, start with a good foundation. This applies to the building industry as well. There are quite a few ways to build a square foundation, it all depends on what kind of tools you have, to build it with.

Some of these tools can be quite expensive but it used every day can save you a lot of time and of course time is money.

You don't need expensive tools to build a square foundation. You could actually build a square foundation with less than $100 worth of tools. It might take you a little longer but could be done.

Let's start with the 3 - 4 - 5 rule.

Okay lets see if I can explain this in layman's terms. If no West side of the foundation is 3 foot and the north side of the foundation is for foot, then the diagonal measurement from the southwest corner to the northeast corner would be 5 foot. Out of square building can create foundation problems

This can also be done using 30' x 40' should equal 50 foot. You can use this if the building is large and you need to check it for square.

By measuring the foundation diagonally from each corner, the measurement should be exactly the same. If it isn't, the building is out of square and should be adjusted before the concrete is poured. This measurement should always be checked before you get too far along in the form building process.

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He has just finished a Home Buyers Guide to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.

If your having problems in your attic, find out more at concrete contractor basics and home building ideas.

Upside Down Electrical Outlet

Replacement Kitchen Doors - House Remodeling Ideas

For many people, the kitchen is the focal-point of their house. It is generally the first place their children stop when coming from school, and is a relaxing environment to use while entertaining company. A lot of us consider this room where we begin our mornings. The appearance of your kitchen from its flooring to the appliances and kitchen doors can drastically affect the mood of your house.

Changes like getting replacement kitchen doors can really add a lot to your decor without having to shell out a large amount of cash. There are many different choices in kitchen doors, and they can be found in materials such as glass, solid wood, faux wood, and laminate.

Make sure that your replacement kitchen doors match the specific type of cabinet structures that you currently have. If you happen to find a set of kitchen doors that you are fond of, but they don't go with your existing cabinets, you could always consider painting the cabinets so they go together. This whole process would still be much cheaper than replacing the entire structure. A renovation such as this, paired with a couple of special items to tie the new decor together can change the theme of your kitchen from top to bottom.

When you are choosing your brand new kitchen doors, be sure not to purchase a set that is so busy that it takes away from other design features in your kitchen area. The best replacement kitchen doors will make a bold statement while still tying together and accenting the rest of your kitchen.

Don't settle for the first price quote you receive for your kitchen renovation projects. There are many stores out there with great products and services, and you should take your time to find the best items and installation options to fit your needs.

Your kitchen doors should be installed by either a hired professional, or if you are really daring, you can educate yourself in how to complete this project by yourself. Installing replacement kitchen doors is one of those home improvement ventures that can be done more easily than things like plumbing and HVAC.

Make sure you do your research and are completely confident in your abilities before undergoing a feat such as this. You will benefit greatly from speaking with a trained professional home renovator. A lot of times, you can talk to someone experienced with kitchen doors right in your local home improvement store.

A handy money saving tip is to buy your replacement kitchen doors factory direct, as this will save you a great deal of money. This option will also save you the hassle of trying to navigate a crowded home improvement store just to end up paying their steep mark-ups.

Expert advice about recent styles of replacement kitchen doors. The information packed Best Kitchen Doors website will teach you everything you need to know about replacing your kitchen doors

Cabinet Frame Damage

DIY Methods to Save on Utilities

If your utility bill is out of control, you need to consider ways to tame the beast. There are plenty of do it yourself [DIY] ways to save on utilities.

DIY Methods to Save on Utilities

Utility costs for heating, cooling and electricity are near record highs. Worse, they are expected to rise fairly dramatically over the next few years. Since you will live in a residence for the rest of your life, making small changes to save money on utilities will save you tens of thousands of dollars, if not more. Here are some areas to check out and fix to start saving some bucks.

Leaks and drafts from the interior of your home to the exterior can easily double your utility bill. There are a couple of obvious areas to check out such as windows, frames around doors, fireplaces and entrances to attics. Less obvious spots to check include gaps around electric outlets, mail slots, pipes, spaces around baseboards and gaps around air conditioners where the interface with the exterior. If you find gaps, caulking can often take care of the problem or you can pursue a weekend DIY repair.

Insulation in a home can be a real problem when it comes to utilities. Since I hope to avoid getting sued, let me just suggest builders tend to use the minimum amount and grade of insulation required by regulations when building homes. If you live in a tract home, this may be all the more true.

If you seal the areas where you have drafts, but the heater or air conditioner is still turning on every few minutes, insulation may be a problem. Inspecting insulation isnt the easiest or most comfortable task. The easiest method is to first climb into the attic and see if there is any exposed insulation. Unfortunately, the grade of insulation in the ceiling may not match the grade in the walls.

To check the walls, the best bet is to find a small are where you might have a hole. Closets are typical spots. If you have kids, look for areas where a doorknob has punched through a wall. If none of these are available, you can remove a small surface area in a closet. Once done, determine if the entire area is filled with insulation as well as the R grade of your insulation. Compare it to recommended grades in your area. You can then patch the area and nobody will be the wiser. If all else fails, get a thermal inspection for a professional.

Most people are not going to need to blow out their insulation. Doing so will help, but sealing a home will go a long way to cutting your utility costs. With this in mind, give your home the once over.

Rick Chapo is with SolarCompanies.com, a directory of solar energy companies. Visit us to read more articles on solar power and home energy audit checklist.

Handyman Hardware - Home Repair Tips

Handyman can be described as a person who undertakes different types of jobs such as small construction works, electrical works, plumbing, painting, and garden maintenance. All these activities are completed with the help of tools and equipment, which are normally referred to as handyman hardware. Handyman hardware does not consist of specially designed tools and equipment; it is just a collection of tools and equipment used by electricians, plumbers, and construction workers.

Many handyman tools are coated with insulation material that provides insulation against electric shocks. Insulation material is made from specially formulated materials and is scientifically tested before being used to coat handyman tools. Insulated handyman tools are rated according to the level of voltage they can withstand which is usually in the range of 1000 volts to 1500 volts.

A number of manufacturers produce handyman hardware tools based on current national standards defined by American society for testing and materials (ASTM). Handyman hardware tools may include pliers, screwdrivers, knives, scissors, bolt cutters, cable cutters, and hammers. Bags that carry these accessories are made from a combination of cotton cloth, leather, and other strong material to make it long lasting. Household users should make sure that the handyman hardware tools they are buying are manufactured according to standard quality specifications.

Handyman hardware tools need to be replaced after one or two years as they are subjected to heavy wear and tear while rendering handyman services. The cost of replacing or maintaining such type of hardware can be unaffordable for many handymen. The best option for them is to work for an organization that provides all the necessary hardware needed for performing their services.

It is necessary to use handyman hardware tools in a technically correct way, as improper handling can damage the equipment being handled as well as the tool. People can take help from handyman guidebooks or magazines for learning the correct use of handyman hardware tools.

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

Moisture Barrier On Crawlspace