Bathroom Remodeling - Poway Home Remodeling

Bathroom remodeling, no doubt, is among the most rewarding home improvement project that you could ever take. Aside from making every waking day and just every personal minute in your bathroom more luxurious, the job would greatly add up to the value of your New York home. And the fact that an average bathroom remodeling project could yield up to 80-90% on return on investment, homeowners are not as much bothered with how much it squeezes out from their budget.

As with any other home improvement project that could be undertaken, a good plan is crucial in the success of your bathroom remodeling. And if you are not a handyman yourself, nothing beats having to work with a qualified NYC contractor as a top priority. With the expertise and skills of one, going through the steps in achieving your dream bath could be made much easier, giving the most value for your money and with the least risk of remodeling problems.

If you do not have any idea yet on the design you want to take on, you can find inspirations through scouring through bathroom design websites, magazines and even showrooms in your nearest home improvement store. With a design at hand, you can discuss with your contractor estimates on budget and time. The extent of your bathroom remodeling depends on how much you are willing to spend on the project and how long you could put up with the remodeling works.

Your bathroom remodeling can be done as a surface-level project, change in layout or a total renovation which involves both. If everything seems to be in great condition and the existing layout is fine with you, a facelift can be best. A change in layout or a total bathroom renovation should be considered carefully. This involves so much more like the underlying electrical and plumbing systems. But whichever is your choice, make sure to apply for necessary permits early.

The essential keys to the success of your bathroom remodeling project are excellent workmanship as well as product selection. When choosing for materials to integrate into your project, do not stop at the cost alone. If you really need to save up, then shop for discounts but never sacrifice the quality of the products. Your aim should be set for long-term benefits. Find products and materials that offer the style of your choice, durability and less maintenance.

Clutter can easily make a disaster zone out of your bathroom no matter how good looking it is. Depending on its total area, you can implement clever storage solutions. For bigger bathrooms, you can have as elaborate cabinetry and shelving as the space can accommodate. But if space is an issue, there are also lots of innovative products you can choose from that are designed to be compact but functional.

If you can afford it, maximize every single element to make the most stylish, functional and comfortable bathroom remodeling result. If you are doing the master bathroom, a great idea is to have a his and her sink to cutback on the early morning chaos. You can even create a personal, everyday spa.

Eugene Makeev helps New York home owners avoid the common pitfalls in home improvements by matching their needs with the right, prescreened Bathroom Contractor NYC. Feel free to use our Bathroom Calculator.

Common Contractor Shortcuts That Cost You More Than Just Migraines

When you hire a contractor, you want to know that you're going to get the job done and that it's going to be done right. If not, you would never invest the money in the project, right? Unfortunately, some contractors don't look at things this way. They are ready to cut corners in any way they can so that they have to do less work and still receive your money. They don't care if it costs you more money in the long run or more heartache. All they care about is themselves. The goal of this article is to inform you of these common contractor shortcuts which will end up costing you more than just migraines.

Scams

One of the things you need to watch out for is contractor scams. You may be approached by a contractor who claims to have just enough asphalt left over to pave your driveway from another job and offer to repave it for an extremely low price. Of course, this looks like a great deal to you so you go ahead and pay the money. Unfortunately, either the contractor disappears with the money and you have no brand new repaved driveway or they do repave it, but they do a terrible job. By the time you figure out that something is wrong, they are long gone. Never trust someone who approaches you and offers to pave your driveway. Call contractors on your own and make sure the company is legitimate.

Overcharging

Another thing you may encounter is contractors who overcharge to repave your driveway. There are many different materials which go into paving your driveway, like the stone and the asphalt. There are also different grades of stone and asphalt. You could end up paying for the highest grade and getting the lowest grade. Take your contractor through each step of the paving process and find out exactly what materials you're getting and what you are paying for them. If you are suspicious of a company, call another company and compare the materials with the price of the job. This comparison should help you determine what is standard and what is not.

Down Payments

Another thing you may want to watch out for is a company that requires a down payment. They may tell you they need your down payment to take care of the materials. It should make you wonder what sort of company can't purchase the materials without you pre-paying. Make sure you get a free estimate before the contractor begins the work too. The price they estimate should be very, very close to the actual price you pay. Small overages may be understandable but if you're asked to pay a completely different price, things are not right.

By watching out for common shortcuts that contractors take, you can avoid paying more money than you should have, getting swindled or taken advantage of and receiving poorly done work.

The only company which does not charge a down payment in the greater Toronto area is Ludwig Paving (http://www.LudwigPaving.com).

Ludwig Paving is a full service paving and asphalt company. Handling all of your paving needs, from driveways, parking lots, and maintenance, they are Toronto's most trusted asphalt company. Having been in business for more than 25 years, they are the top choice for any kind of paving. For more information, visit http://www.LudwigPaving.com today.

Horizontal Or Vertical Drywall

Repairing a Frozen Pipe

In just a matter of a months winter will be upon us. Besides bundling up from the cold and shoveling snow, homeowners sometimes have to deal with the additional task of fixing frozen pipes.

Prevention is the Best Medicine

The best way to deal with frozen pipes is to prevent them in the first place. If you have the luxury of participating and/or overseeing the building of your home, make sure the plumber does not run any plumbing supply lines in the outside walls of the home. Even if he indicates he will wrap them in insulation, do not accept this compromise. I have seen even insulated pipes in outside walls freeze.

If, however, you have an existing home and there are plumbing supply lines running on the outside walls that you have access to, then insulate these pipes with pipe insulation. It is better than nothing.

How to Fix a Frozen Pipe

If in the event you do find yourself with a frozen pipe, then I recommend the following:

Close the supply line valve and open the faucet at the end of the pipe.

Examine the entire length of pipe looking for cracks, breaks or holes, particularly focusing on the suspect cold areas, e.g. crawl spaces and outside walls.

Thaw Out the Damaged Pipe

Once the crack, break or hole has been identified, use a hair dryer to heat up the surrounding pipe area to get the water flowing again through the pipe. Check the faucet regularly to see when the water begins to flow again. Once the water begins to flow it is time to move on to the repairing phase.

Note: The amount of water flowing out of the faucet will be limited as the supply line valve was shut off.

Repairing the Damage Supply Line

Once the damaged pipe area has been thawed out, using a hack saw or pipe cutter, remove a section of pipe that includes the broken section.

Replace this section of pipe. Use a propane torch, solder and flux to sweat the new joints.

If you are not comfortable cutting and replacing the damaged pipe, pending the size of the crack or break you could simply wrap duct tape or electrical tape around the affected area for a temporary fix. However, a plumber should be brought in as soon as possible to fix the leak permanently.

Once the pipe has been repaired, turn the supply line valve back on, run the faucet and check the repaired site for any leaks.

Finally, apply some pipe insulation and/or electrical pipe-heating wire around the repaired area to prevent the problem from occurring again.

http://www.homeadditionplus.com
http://www.homeaddition.blogspot.com

Over the past 20+ years Mr. Donovan has been involved with building homes and additions to homes. His projects have included: building a vacation home, building additions and garages on to existing homes, and finishing unfinished homes. Mr. Donovan's formal education and profession have been as an Electrical Engineer and Marketing Manager.

Painting A French Door

Installing a Walk in Shower

Installing a walk in Shower needn't be as big of a problem as it would first appear. With a little advanced planning and organising your self, it can be a fun and interesting project to work on. With a big sense of satisfaction in the end result. Done properly it will last for years to come and look great every single day.

The following is some helpful tips and advice to help make your project that little bit easier and more successful.

I am going to have to assume that you have already purchased a walk in shower , that you have enough space available to fit it in, that you are happy the cubicle and tray offers you enough space for your needs and that you have at least some basic diy skills.

Some forward planning and thinking about the job at hand will make the installation be a little less painful. Some of the things to consider are:

Water supply, is it easily accessible for installing and connecting the shower.

Walls, are they clear of old decoration and plaster/render in good condition.

Floor is it strong enough to take the extra weight or does it need strengthening?

Waste, Can you get to it? Is the drain able to run the water away from the shower?

Electricity, is there any electrical wiring under the shower area or in the wall where you are working? If so, consider moving it now as it will be much easier.

Is the general working area clean and clear of unnecessary clutter?

If any of the above need sorting get those done first. Taking time with the preparation stage will make a huge difference to the finished project.

Leave your new walk in shower in it's packaging so as not to loose or damage anything, of course check that everything is there in the first place.

After you have sorted all the above and that you are satisfied that the area is ready to install your walk-in shower. Get yourself a assistant as some of these cubicles can be very hard to assemble on your own.

Take your time with the whole process.

Read and understand the fitting instructions before starting and lay everything out, somewhere out of the way. You don't want to put your foot on the glass door and break it at this stage!

Things to remember with installing your walk in shower and tray.

Water, will over time destroy any porous materials it comes in to contact with.

Water, can be the cause of mildew and mould to build up

Water, running will find the path of least resistance. If there is a small whole water will make it bigger and bigger.

Water damage is one of the most common problems in modern homes.

Written by James Chapman, a director of Bella Bathrooms Ltd who supply walk in shower products across the UK.

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.

Floor Repairs

Budapest As a Stag Party Destination

Stag weekend abroad? Why not? The most important questions usually are where to go for a fantastic stag weekend and what to do there.

The world is shrinking owing to the fast growth of air transport and thanks to the low cost airlines getting from A to B is getting cheaper!

So, lets say from A means from Anywhere and to B means to Budapest. But why Budapest? Let us help you answer this question!

Budapest is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. That is a great reason to visit, but may not motive enough to choose it as the destination for your stag weekend. Beside the sites Budapest offers great day time activities, brilliant restaurants and bars, bustling night life, friendly atmosphere and beautiful people.

Right from arrival you can have the feeling of a very special weekend. Most of us dont travel regularly by Limousine or Hummer, whilst sipping champagne during the ride. And in case you dothen dont come down a peg! You can rent a Hummer or Limousine for an airport pickup. And if that is not flashy or exciting enough for the stag or for the group then spice it up with some cheeky entertainment that you can enjoy until you arrive at the hotel. Your choice in finding the right hotel is limited only by your budget whatever that might be, we have excellent wide-ranging solutions.

Probably you dont travel abroad for a stag weekend just for drinking and watching sport channels. Budapest is the perfect place to do various activities. It offers many programs from relaxing spas to extreme sports. In the case of the men, we all know they never grow up - in many ways it doesnt matter how old they are, so we just let them play! They can be soldiers and play real to life war games with mock machine guns with Airsoft or Paintball. In the case that they feel they are too old for all that running around and they need something more real to play with then they can go shooting with real guns or drive a tank! And if their dream is to be a racing driver we take them to a track where they can drive go-karts, receive a medal and bathe in champagne! If it is still not enough and they are looking for something more extreme and for higher adrenaline level? They can drive a quad, go stunt flying or try a tandem parachute jump. The possibilities are almost unlimited!

However a stag weekend is for adults (hopefully) who are usually looking for programs that are clarified as for over 18s! Budapest is not short of these types of activities either! Above that it is generally known that Hungarians girls are beautiful and sexy. A cautiously chosen striptease bar promises an excellent time. Besides the good erotic clubs you can order spectacular erotic shows; for example after dinner in restaurants private rooms or if you hire a private boat as entertainment.

For partying and having a few drinks the options are numberless. Bustling bars and night clubs, good music, beautiful girls and a good party atmosphere are the best words to describe Budapests night life.

During the last few years Budapest has become one of the most popular stag party destinations and considering what it can offer it is not surprising.

Adrena Brandt has worked all her life in customer service. Over the years she has specialized in program and events organization. At present she is managing a company called Adrenalinebomb that is deals with corporate and private entertainment.
http://www.adrenalinebomb.com
http://www.staginfobudapest.com

Termite Mud On Wood

Accessibility in Bathroom Remodels

If someone in your family has a disability or is aging, your bathroom remodel design will either make the remodeled bathroom more comfortable and accessible or inaccessible. Your design can easily incorporate the features and space recommendations that will make the bathroom more accessible for everyone.

The housing industry has outlined several levels of accessibility standards in bathroom design and construction ranging from barrier free to accessible to industry standard housing. The main difference is in how accessible it is for everyone with special needs. Over the last few decades, bathroom designers, architects and manufacturers of fixtures and other bathroom safety products have begun to respond to the need for greater accessibility (and safety) in bathrooms. The result is a set of standards known as universal design.

Many of these features are nice to have in any home and can be added with little or no cost when you remodel a bathroom. Regardless of your current situation, you might want to review the list and see if some of these recommendations can work in your new bathroom for the comfort of your family.

The universal design recommendations for bathrooms include:

• Place electrical receptacles at 15 or 18 inches above the floor
• Allow a door opening width of 34 - 36 inches
• Leave a minimum of 18 inches of clear floor space beside all doors on the "pull side" to allow space to get out of the way when opening doors
• Leave a turning space in the bathroom of 5 feet in diameter (for wheelchair)
• Use contrasting colors between floor surfaces and trim to make them easier to see
• Choose easy-to-use hardware: lever door handles, push electrical plates, loop handle pulls on drawers and cabinet doors, lever faucet handles, touch latches, keyless locks
• Position light switches 35-44 inches above the floor, maximum
• Pressure balanced anti-scald valves at tubs and showers
• Hand-held showerheads at all tubs and showers in addition to fixed heads.
• Bathing fixture requirement: minimum 5 feet long by 3 feet deep (4 feet preferred) curbless shower or tub with integral seat, waterproof floor and a floor drain
• 30" by 48" clear floor spaces at each fixture (spaces may overlap)
• Clear space of 3 feet in front and to one side of toilet
• Toilet centered 18 inches from any side wall, cabinet or tub
• Broad blocking between studs in walls around toilet, tub and shower for placement and location of grab bars
• Minimum lavatory counter height of 32 inches
• Clear knee space 29" high under sink (may be accomplished with fold-back self-storing doors)
• No pedestal sinks
• Mount sink as close to front of countertop as possible.

These are the primary elements of "universal design" in bathrooms. You might, however, choose to install grab bars in tub and shower and beside and in front of the toilet simply because it is helpful for people of all ages and physical ability.

Aaron O'Hanlon has been helping contractors increase profits through exclusive website marketing and search engine optimization at Footbridge Media. See his companies latest creation: Virginia Bathroom Remodeling or contact him directly at Contractor Marketing

Fungus On Roof Shingles

The Grand Hotel Des Bains

Venice is a city with many great hotels and it is difficult for the tourist to select the best or the nicest one. With Hotel Des Bains, you can't go wrong. Located along the beach of Venice Lido, this five star hotel can best be described as beautiful. To get to the hotel, it takes a delightful 15 minutes boat ride from the Marco polo airport. Another 15 minutes and you are right in the heart of the city of Venice - St Mark's square.

The hotel has 191 full suites, each fully furnished with both modern and traditional Italian dcor. Each room has all the usual daily living amenities and is tastefully decorated. From the rooms, the view of the lagoon at night is simply spectacular. The surroundings of the Hotel des Bains offer a peaceful setting where one can relax in pure Italian style and elegance. For those who want to remain active, there is tennis, sailing, wind surfing and swimming.

The hotel is not far from the Lido Shopping center, the Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge and Piazza San Marco. All round this area, one can view the ancient Italian architecture. For those who love cappuccinos and like to see people, just sit outside one of the many cafes in the area. After a long day in town, come back to the hotel and go for a swim in the large garden size pool where you can have a snack or drink some wine.

Those individuals who are on business or those who want to plan something more exciting like a wedding need not fear, Hotel Des Bains has a fully staffed conference hall with all the necessary furniture and equipment.

Everyone who goes to Italy dines on Italian food but almost every type of international cuisine is available here. At the Pagoda, one can sit outdoors, relax, watch the sunset and eat some of the best home made Italian pizzas around. The hotel does have a bar service and also a lounge where one can have cocktails and snacks throughout the day.

For the tourist who wants to keep away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Venice and also want grand opulence, there is nothing better than Hotel De Bains. Not only is the food great, but the service is unbeatable.

Veraz is a blogger and freelance writer who writes travel articles for various travel sites and blogs. After travelling extensively in Italy, she began her own site on Venice luxury hotels

Find out more about luxury hotels Venice Italy at her own site. A great reference tool for those who love to travel in luxury.

Bad Termite Damage To Window

Kitchen and Bathroom Remodel - How Do You Begin?

Kitchen and bathroom remodels are on the rise as many people are deciding to invest in their existing homes instead of trying to sell their home and buy a new one. While the return on investment can be great, the details involved with making it all happen are often overwhelming.

The key to successful remodeling projects is having a plan in place that identifies all the major functional and aesthetic items needed to complete the job even before one hammer stroke is made. Setting up a binder or a accordion style file folder to organize all of the information you need to collect is crucial. Your contractor is going to be asking you for decisions on the big things such as flooring and counter top materials, and the small things such as cabinet hardware and towel holders. You should ask your contractor for a project plan so you are aware of the flow of work and can anticipate what materials will need to be selected and paid for, and what level of disruption you will be experiencing at the various stages of the project. Often plumbing fixtures and decorative lighting need to be ordered and there can be a lead time of up to two months. If your flooring or counter top materials are coming from over seas, there can be a three month or longer lead time.

Although it may seem counter intuitive, hiring a professional interior designer to assist you can actually save you money in the overall scheme of things. A professional designer will be able to select finite options for you to chose among, and has knowledge about the pros and cons of building and design materials. He or she will be able to help you make educated choices about where you can save money, and where there is a firm link between price and quality.

About the author:

Suzanne Lasky, Allied ASID is the owner of S Interior Design. S Interior Design makes homes harmonious, functional and beautiful for families with 2-legged and 4-legged members. Suzanne has an M.B.A. and an A.A.S. degree in Interior Design. Suzanne offers years of real world experience, giving her clients the peace of mind to know that their projects will be professionally handled from start to finish. She is an experienced residential and small commercial interior designer and is the exclusive provider of Pawprint Design Services 'Stunning Interiors with Pets in Mind'.

For more helpful tips-visit http://www.sinteriordesign.com

Copyright 2007 Suzanne Lasky, All Rights Reserved, http://www.sinteriordesign.com

You have permission to re-publish this article as long as the Resource Box is included with the article. All rights reserved.

Linoleum Edge Lifting

Now Your Dream of Owning a Wet-Room Can Be a Reality

Imagine the scene - a hilltop villa overlooking the shimmering Mediterranean sea. The Tuscan sun beats down on the travertine tiled floor of the veranda, a single screen of invisibly clean glass shields the cascade of shower water from the gentle honeyed breeze. Bronzed bodies fresh from the salt and sand revel in the open air shower, the glistening water snakes across the tiles and trickles away into the floor level gully. No walls, no restrictions just pure shower freedom.

The wet-room has always conjured images of luxury, design, space and wealth. The dream bathroom everyone will have as soon as the big lottery win happens or their daughter makes it big in the music industry. However what most people don't realise is the reality of the wet-room is now within everyone's reach thanks to huge advances in the engineering of wet floor systems, the ever rising skill of the British bathroom fitter, fantastically designed products and most importantly new ways in which we look at what a bathroom needs to be.

Most people's first thought is "I just don't have the space", but the wet-room concept is about bathroom freedom rather than bathroom space. Utilising a concise and clever bathroom plan will open up your bathroom in ways you never thought possible. For example, water conservation and rising energy bills have sparked a decline in the number of baths being used and installed, and even estate agents aren't insistent on a bath to help sell a property anymore. Because of this the wet floor concept has begun to inhabit the space in a bathroom where the bath used to be.

The wet floor system is a fully waterproof seal that sits level with the existing floor, it can come in the form of a tray, a kit or flexible matting, in most cases a combination of the three. Because the area is so adaptable the wet floor can be any size required, giving you the freedom to have anywhere from just the corner of your room, to the entire floor space completely waterproofed. Anti-slip tiles are then laid with just enough of a slope to ensure that all the water flows towards the drain and in essence that's it. From this point on there are no restrictions and the industry is full of great products to create your perfect wet-room.

A glass screen is seamlessly mounted directly onto the floor, the screen acts as a barrier keeping any spray or puddles in only the place you want. Not only is it stunning to look at but completely functional, no hinges, runners, or mechanisms to collect scale and dirt, or to break over time. Not only giving you the freedom of movement in your bathroom but also the freedom to do something other than scrubbing the lime scale again!

Wall-hung sanitary ware is the perfect choice to compliment a wet floor area as no part of the ceramic is in contact with the floor. Looking effortlessly stylish the concept makes the room feel open and free and throws open the boundaries of what was previously thought possible in a small space.

So choosing the wet room idea for your bathroom means more choice, more space, no restrictions and the all important wow factor. Today there is so much to choose from to make your space something truly spectacular including wall tiles, floor tiles, waterproof panelling ( wall boarding ), chromatherapy lighting, underfloor heating, towel radiators, shower systems, remote controlled options, accessories and even water proof televisions! So if you want real freedom in your bathroom there's never been a better time to go for it!

Need inspiration for creating that designer bathroom look? Ocean Bathrooms is a leading luxury bathroom supplier. Check out our article and images for creating the perfect wet room.

Home Water Heater Damage 1

Add Value to Your Home - Refurbish Your Kitchen Or Bathroom

TV's Phil Spencer has recently been urging homeowners to "do everything they can" to improve the saleability of their properties saying that improvements to kitchens and bathrooms are among the best ways of selling houses. A recent Lloyds TSB Tickbox.net and Opinion Matters survey found that 73% of people in Greater London claim that installing a new kitchen is the best way of adding value to a property. The Lloyds TSB poll showed that a high percentage of people thought that an energy efficient boiler was the environmentally friendly home improvement that added most value to a property.

In a Telegraph feature earlier in 2008, '50 ways to improve your home', upgrading your existing kitchen was at number 19 whilst 'banishing broken bathrooms' came in at number 20.

There are many things that can be done to improve the saleability of your home and increase its value where kitchens and bathrooms are concerned. Here are just a few ideas:

1. Fit a spacious walk in shower - far more convenient and practical than an over-bath shower.
2. Install under floor heating in a bathroom - this will remove the need for unsightly radiators thus saving space and creating a far more seamless design. What's more, under floor heating is far healthier as the heat is more evenly distributed throughout the room rather than staying at head height, and it also keeps nasty things like mould and damp at bay.
3. Update your kitchen so that it includes built in modern conveniences - this will really make an impact on potential buyers because it's a job they won't have to do themselves.
4. A modern eco-friendly condensing boiler will help tip the scales in your favour when selling a property because potential buyers will be able to enjoy the benefits of reduced fuel bills and increased energy efficiency.
5. Consider the installation of a solar hot water heating system which will offer considerable savings on fuel bills for your potential buyers.
6. If space allows, add a downstairs cloakroom. Modern WCs and basins come in the most compact of sizes and it is relatively straightforward to liberate some space and transform it into a very convenient feature.
7. If your bathroom does not need a complete overhaul but could do with a little 'something' then go for some new taps. Choosing attractive taps from a high quality range will miraculously transform the look of any bathroom, and it should be a relatively low cost exercise in terms of your potential return.

If you are looking to improve the saleability of your property then a good place to start is by talking to your plumber who will be able to give you sound advice on your heating system options and energy efficiency for starters. A good plumber will work with reputable kitchen fitters and other professional craftsmen to provide a complete service and overall they will be able to provide you with space-saving and energy efficient solutions.

Ivor Bates is the director of Bates Heating and Plumbing Limited, a plumbing and heating company established in 2001 and covering all areas of London, Docklands and Essex. Bates Heating is CORGI registered. They can install, replace or refurbish bathrooms, kitchens and various types of heating system including energy efficient condensing boilers, under floor and solar heating. For more information visit http://www.batesheating.co.uk

Checking The Level Floor Framing

Checking the Building For Square

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.

Corrosive Metal Conduit

Cupola Design

Small structures on roof tops have a special place in my heart.It was to the belfry(a cupola with a bell) of a renovated 1865 school house that I took my wife Alicia on our first date.We talked about life, watched the sun set, drank a glass of wine and felt like we were on top of the world.Almost three children and 10 years later, I think that belfry must have played a part in my good fortune.

As I drive along country roads it is the cupolas I see first in the distance as they create a jagged skyline above the barns.These are small buildings in their own right perched atop of the roofs of larger buildings.In farm structures their function is mostly for ventilation and sometimes to bring light into the hay mow, but no one can deny that they were put up with thought and care.When you see a cupola atop a barn on a rural road you should look at it very carefully. Often it is the one place where the builders 200 years ago had the opportunity to showcase their design and detailing ability.The barn itself usually needed to be put up quickly and simply so the farm could continue to function. The cupola on the other hand is where time was spent working on the details and having some fun.

The role of the cupola on the roof of the American homes is long and varied.Some of my favorite lanterns(cupolas that bring light into the interior) are on Greek Revival and Victorian homes in the Hudson Valley.Early home designers used cupolas the same way we use them today. They used them to ventilate attics, to bring light into an interior space. They made covered rooms to view the world or protect their precious bell, and used cupolas simply as decoration for their rooftops.When cupolas are designed and placed properly, it is hard to imagine the larger buildings without them.

Lanterns not only bring light into homes, but also give off a warm glow on snowy winter nights that feel like beacons guiding us home.

From the Oxford English Dictionary
Cupola:Arounded dome forming or adorning a roof or ceiling.
Belfry:The place in a bell tower or steeple in which bells are housed.
Lantern: A square, curved, or polygonal structure on the top of a dome or a room, with glazed or open sides.

http://www.crisparchitects.com/ James M. Crisp, AIA is an architect working in New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts.

Toilet Pipe Going Through Floor

Bathroom Decorating For A Zen Like Spa Look

Bathroom decorating can be fun and challenging but when it ends up giving you the relaxing feeling of a Zen like spa it is well worth the effort. Here are some tips on how you can get this relaxing feel in your bathroom

You should use soft colors and neutral tones colors for your Zen bathroom. Matching colors with your wall paint, towels and shower curtains is key so get paint cards that have your paint colors on them and bring them shopping with you when you buy your bathroom accessories - that way you will get a perfect match.

In the bathroom, consider accessorizing with artwork on the walls, as well as toiletry and toothbrush holders, towel racks, towels and decorative soaps. You want to end up with a minimalist look so don't put too much in. Consider sleek designs for the hamper and wastebasket.

If your bathroom is big enough it could include shoji screens, plants and furniture with simple lines as well as a table water fountain and some bamboo. Window treatments for the Zen bathroom decorating theme should be simple and plain. Try updating your windows with bamboo blinds. After you get the ideal look on your windows, you might realize the walls are drab by comparison. To overcome this, try hanging watercolors or oriental silks in frames around the room.

While you may not think about it much, flooring plays a vital role in your interior design style so putting in bath mats to compliment your Zen decorating theme can really improve it's style. The best type of flooring for the peaceful and serene style is organic woven mats which you will want to purchase in neutral tones.

For some decorative touches which will help tie together your Zen decor think about a lotus bowl with 1 flower, rice paper lamps, and Asian pottery to accent your room design. You could also add towels that match your wall colors rolled up and stacked in a bamboo basket just like you might find at the spa.

Your Zen bathroom decorating theme can be a snap if you take the time to plan it out adequately. Simply buy the pieces on your plan and put them in place - your room with have the feeling of a peaceful spa before you know it.

Visit http://bathroomdecoratingguide.com for more great tips on decorating your bathroom in a variety of popular bathroom decorating styles.

Home Mold Solution Books
Home Garage Books

Window Header Framing Problems

As a building contractor it is my job to assemble the house to meet the specifications from the architect and the structural engineer. I do this by looking at the building plans and installing the specified lumber sizes. I can take it upon myself to install a larger size wood beam or window header adding an additional cost to the job of course. I don't think so.

It's not uncommon for a framing contractor that has an additional 5 foot scrap piece of 4 x 8 left over that he now has no use for. He can then choose to use the 4 x 8 instead of a 4 x 6 for the window header. This type of building is common and acceptable.

If the structural engineer calls out for 4 x 6 window and door headers do not take it upon yourself to replace the 4 x 6 with a 4 x 4. I have seen too many framing contractors or carpenters make an on-the-job judgment like this.

A good example would be a single story house with 2 foot wide windows that require a 4 x 6 window header. As the carpenter builds homes over the years he can come to his own conclusion that a 4x4 will work fine for this application. Again keep this in mind as a framing contractor and a carpenter you are assembling the home not designing it.

Do not change the sizes of any headers or beams.

A long time ago carpenters used a standard rule of thumb, you could go up two sizes larger than the window opening for your header. Let me give you an example of what I'm trying to explain.

A 4 foot wide window opening would require a 4 x 6 window header. A 6 foot window opening would require a 4 x 8 window header. This should give you an idea of what I mean by going up two sizes larger than the window opening to figure out the lumber necessary to use for your window header.

This rule of thumb does not necessarily apply in today's building industry. The reason for this is structural changes from earthquake damage. The structural requirements that are required for building a home require a lot more metal bracing and strapping. Therefore some of the lumber requirements for beam sizes and window headers will be different.

This message is for general contractors, framing contractors and carpenters. When installing a window header and you take it upon yourself to change the size you also assume the responsibility if the building fails. This type of mistake is common and you guys know what I'm talking about.

It's not worth it. Keep in mind you are the assembler and not the designer of the building you are working on.

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He is currently working on more Building and Remodeling Library and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry.

Visit us and get more information on building and remodeling your homes and House Framing Structural Repairs

Tile Roof Stucco Damage

Mortar Repair - 4 Common Crack Problems on Your Home

It's a sunny morning and you're up early. You decide to grab your coffee and take a quick stroll around your homes' exterior to look for signs of wear. You find nothing and are pleased until you turn the last corner of your home and stop abruptly in disbelief!

There before you in the beautiful brick masonry of your home is a huge crack! How did it get there? What do you do? You wonder. Whom do you call?

Well take a deep breath and relax. You're not alone. Millions of homeowners have experienced this gut wrenching feeling as well. So don't grab the For Sale sign just yet! Read these handy tips to understand what may be happening to your home.

1.) Settlement Cracks - These common cracks usually manifest as a 'stair step crack' or a crack that steps up as it moves horizontally across the wall. Found at or close to the corners of the home, wing walls and quoin corners they are common and easily repaired. Just watch and expect additional movement if the settlement has not stopped.

Solution: Contact your local masonry crack repair pro to have these cracks repaired to keep water, bugs and reptiles from entering the home.

2.) Thermal Expansion Cracks - A vertical or stair step crack usually located in the upper portions of the masonry can be caused by thermal expansion. Bricks walls expand when heated by the sun and if expansion joints are not present, can cause cracks. These cracks appear anywhere within the surface of the sunny wall or in close proximity to abutting walls

Solution: Contact your local masonry repair pro and/or a structural engineer for an evaluation. Some cracks are simple for a repair pro to evaluate and others may require an engineers analysis and testing to determine the cause and recommend the type of repair needed.

3.) Steel Expansion Cracks - Another common crack occurs at the upper corners of doorways, garage doors, windows or any opening. The usual culprit is the steel that supports the masonry above these openings. This is due to the daily and seasonal differential movement between the steel and the brick materials which expand at different rates.

Solution: Contact your local masonry repair pro to have these cracks repaired or caulked. Caulking will move with the materials and help minimize future cracking.

4.) Bulging or Bowed Wall Cracks - Cracks can appear throughout an entire wall or the wall is bulged, bowed in or out or has sunken. This is a serious issue and is usually the symptom of age related failure or structural failure due to improper reinforcement of the masonry.

Solution: Contact a structural engineer immediately for an evaluation and recommended repairs.

It is a good idea to check your home annually for signs of cracking or structural damage in the bricks on your home.

Michael Olding is tradesman and consultant in the field of restorations and repairs and currently operates a restoration and repair business in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is also a Master in the field of masonry construction, restorations and repairs.

In addition he is a writer and speaker as well as a marketing, training and business consultant for the contracting industry. If you interested in his services he may be contacted by visiting http://www.cincihomepro.com

Bathtub And Sink Rough Plumbing

Rain Shower Heads - Experience Downpour in Your Bathroom

Have you noticed how most people hate to get caught in the rain? But isn't it surprising that the same people who hate a rain shower love to get rain soaked in their own bathrooms! This is because water from it covers you with warmth and soothes your body whereas rain water chills you to the bone. If you are looking to purchasing the best rain shower for your bathroom then read through the following tips.

Tips For Buying Rain Shower Heads

It is advisable to choose a model which has easily adjustable arms. This makes it easy to direct your shower top in any direction that you want. This can also be beneficial when you want to wash only a particular part of your body, say the lower part, without allowing your hair to get wet. Make sure the adjustable arms come along with it. In some cases, even though it may be shown on the product photo, you may have to pay more for it. A handheld rain shower head is more common because of ease of use. Search online for the best deal before making a purchase. You could get some excellent products for less than $100! Check the size of your shower outlet pipe and buy a top which fits it right. For greater durability, look for a shower head which has a solid brass core construction. Often, people combine it with a high pressure shower head for a more relaxing and effective experience.

Features

Most of them comes with an adjustable arm and wingnuts for easy adjustment. The head diameter varies between 3" to 6". Nearly all hand held showers and standard-style rain shower heads generally have a spray top swivel action of 180 degrees. They have a solid brass, chrome or nickel construction. You can even find it with optional flow control mechanism. It can deliver 2.5gpm at 80psi, unless the water pressure is less than that.

Visit CORE online to get free access to tips and advice for buying rain shower heads.

Masonry Books
Home Electrical Books

Nailing Or Screwing Drywall

Nails versus screws who will become the winner. When drywall first came out the installers used everything from regular steel nails to galvanized roofing nails. After a short amount of time they started to develop major problems from nails popping out of the finished drywall.

Nail popping results when the nail is driven into moist lumber and as the lumber shrinks the house settles and nail can actually pop out to the walls. Hard to imagine the nail could actually pop out of the drywall as the wood was drying out.

How far the nail would actually pop out was determined by how far it was driven in to the framing studs or ceiling joists. Well pretty soon drywall installers started to use ring shank nails to eliminate this problem. This worked great but these nails were hard to drive in and would often break.

As time went on the nails improved and were made out of galvanized metal with cupped shaped heads and came in a few different sizes. The size of the nail used was determined by the thickness of the drywall. These new nails worked great and had good holding power and eliminated a lot of nail popping.

Using nails means driving them in with a hammer. If you miss the nail you damage the drywall. This seemed to be a big problem and was virtually eliminated with the screws.

Well pretty soon people started using screws which had greater holding power and pretty much nail popping. Another advantage to using screws over nails is the simple fact you need less screws than you do nails to attach the drywall to the metal or wood framing.

This means less labor installing and finishing the drywall.

There is one problem with the screws and that is they have to be set perfectly. They can not break the paper surface on the drywall but have to be set enough into the drywall so that it can be finished properly. Most screw guns have an adjustable setting used to get just the right depth for the screws installed in the drywall. But this also was a problem when screwing into a hard piece of wood you can actually snapped the screw head off, strip the screw head or break the screw.

Nails on the other hand can bend while driving them into a hard surface.

Who wins the nails versus screws while installing drywall? I have got to give it to the screws. That doesn't mean the nails just got screwed or the screws just got nailed.

I couldn't resist. I actually preferred the screws over the nails except for when nailing the drywall corner bead on. Some drywall professionals use nails to hang the drywall and go back with a screw gun and some screws to finish the job. The nails sometimes seem handier than the screws when installing the drywall.

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He is currently working on more Building and Remodeling Library and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry.

Visit us and get more information on building and remodeling your homes and Carlsbad Home Improvement

Rubber Paint Over Shower Backing

Solar DIY Kits and DIY Wind Power

The increase in popularity of the solar DIY kits and wind turbines for homes has brought about a radical change in the way that most people view this technology. For many years, it was ludicrously expensive to install and would take years before you starting to make your initial investment back. There was no such thing as cheap solar panels, but that has all changed. Do it yourself solar panels are not just easy to manufacture in your back yard, but will cost a fraction of the price of the already made models.

Even without any experience in building home solar systems, just about anyone can follow the novice video instructions and build an 80watt panel in their own garage. Just by popping down to the local hardware store, you'll find everything you need. The solar panels cost no more than $200 to manufacture and because you built it, you know how to fix it. A roof solar panel can be used to run a refrigerator, or a television or even a washing machine. At a cost of just a few hundred dollars, you can turn these cheap solar panels into a lucrative income by building them and maintaining them for people you know.

You don't have to stop there, household wind turbines are just as easy to manufacture and at half the cost of a solar panel, you can harvest a breeze into extra power for your home. Wind generators for sale are usually of the marine kind and do an excellent job, but due to the cost involved, they are not often used as wind turbines for homes. The home wind generator can be built in hours and can be a great addition to your alternative energy plan.

With your very own solar wind generator system, you can save money, earn money and in the event that there is a power cut, you don't have to miss that vital sports game. In fact, you can still watch and have a cold beer while the neighbours watch on jealously and all this while doing your bit for the planet.

Stove Smith has lived off grid for a few years on a remote island in Central America and discovered that with the aid of new techology, going green doesn't have to mean going hippy. A tech savvie guy with a passion for saving money and saving the planet. Take a look at how you can cut your bills without spending a fortune and do your bit for the planet while you're at it - http://www.no9to5ers.com

Framed Door Opening Ready For Door

Miami Hotels

As they say, there is a hotel for everyone in Miami. Miami has a range of hotels, including discount hotels, airport hotels, beach hotels and condos. If you are a budget-conscious traveler, you would like to visit one of those hotels that offer you a discount of 30% or more. These discount hotels are located in Miami Beach, near the airport or even within the city. If you are on a business trip, you would like to stay in one of the good hotels near the Miami airport. Airport hotels have a business environment even while providing you amenities like spas and gyms.

The widest range of hotels in Miami is available for honeymooners and families. These hotels provide facilities that include nightclubs, serene oceanside rooms, discos, prompt service and several other recreational facilities specially customized for children as well as adults.

Getting the hotel of your choice requires a little effort on your part. You will need to browse several offers of hotels on the web and then get in touch with the hotels customer service staff or make your bookings online. You will also need to learn about the weather for the time of the year you plan to visit Miami, and the facilities that you seek during your vacations. Some hotel websites will provide you a virtual tour of their rooms and other facilities so that you can make a wise decision.

Miami hotels are known for their service, so getting a special facility is not a problem. The moment you land up in a hotel, you are surrounded by an ever-ready group of hotel staff who are there to ensure that you get the best. So even if you are planning to go for a cruise or water-skiing, the hotel staff will be more than willing to assist you.

Miami Hotels provides detailed information on Miami Hotels, Miami Beach Hotels, Discount Miami Hotels, Miami Airport Hotels and more. Miami Hotels is affiliated with Miami Beach Real Estate.

Home Theater Books
House Lighting Books

Planning Your Bathroom Remodel Budget - Home Improvement Ideas

As a bathroom remodeling contractor, I get calls from people, that have no idea what they want or how much anything is going to cost. Here's some simple tips that can be very helpful when planning a bathroom remodel budget.

Bathroom Remodeling Investment

In 2008, the average mid-range bathroom cost around $16,000 and you could recoup around $12,000 of your original investment upon the sale of your home. According to a popular remodeling magazine, larger bathrooms using expensive fixtures, tile, bathtubs, woodworking, toilets and showers had an average of $52,000. Upon the sale of a home, you could recoup around $36,000 of your original investment.

Finding out How Much Things Cost

My first suggestion, would be to visit your local home improvement center, lumber yard or plumbing supply warehouse. Larger stores like Home Depot and Lowe's, seemed to provide you with value pricing but don't have a large selection. While doing some research on the Internet I noticed that some of their pricing is outrageously, outrageous. Some plumbing supply warehouses can provide value but beware others won't.

Create a List of Bathroom Remodeling Parts

You can get a good idea of your bathroom remodel costs for your budget by making a list of bathroom parts with pricing and then adding them up for a grand total. If you're a total bathroom remodel budget is $15,000 and you have a $6,000 bathtub with $4000 worth of tile, you could have a budget problem.

Figuring out the Labor

You will have to contact a contractor to get an actual cost for the labor. Sometimes you can double the cost of your bathroom remodeling parts to get a rough idea. If you have a list or a couple of lists and a few pictures of some sample bathrooms, this will make the contractor's job easier and often they can give you a labor price within a few days.

Give Yourself a Cushion

I would suggest leaving yourself a small financial cushion for any additional remodeling items. For example, you could see a different toilet, or instead of painting the walls, you now choose to wallpaper, you could incur additional expenses that you haven't planned for. If you know exactly what you want and stick to the original bathroom remodeling plan, you shouldn't need the cushion.

Financial problems often transfer into construction problems, so spend some time figuring out, how much money you want to spend on the bathroom remodel and try not to go overboard on the budget. I hate to see homeowners struggling with home improvement loan payments. Try to create a bathroom remodeling budget that is realistic and will not create a financial burden upon you or your family.

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

If your looking for some more bathroom remodeling or home building ideas.

Carpet Damage From Cat

Tips For Getting an Affordable Exterior Paint Job

There are several very important steps to take to ensure you receive the most for your money when having the exterior of your house painted.

ESTIMATES

Promise yourself to hold off making any decisions, signing any contracts or spending any money until you have received at least three and preferably five estimates from reputable painting contractors. To gather five names, start first by asking friends, acquaintances and neighbors who have recently had their homes painted. If you see someone having their house painted and the people doing it look neat and reliable don't hesitate to stop and ask the homeowner about their experiences and get a business card from the contractor.

WHAT TO ASK THE CONTRACTOR

There are some very important questions to ask each contractor when they come to give you an estimate.

Does my house really need to be painted? If so, why?

Is there any wood, trim, or siding that is rotted and needs replaced?

How many coats of paint do you think it needs?

What paint do you think is best and how will it be applied? Will it be sprayed or applied by brush? If so, which is best and why?

Will you pressure wash first?

Will you remove the shutters and/or downspouts and screens prior to painting?

Will you open the windows from both top and bottom prior to painting the trim?

Will you caulk thoroughly?

Do I need mildew treatment in the paint?

How long will it take?

How many people will be here working on the house?

Will you provide me with a written contract and include everything that is covered by the price?

Do you have liability insurance?

Do you have a business license?

How long have you been in business?

Can you provide me with a list of three recent references and their addresses so I can look at their homes?

Do you offer a guarantee and if so what does it cover?

Use this list of questions as a master and ask each contractor the same questions. In the process you will learn a great deal about the condition of your home and the contractor and how he/she works. In the end, it is not always the cheapest price that will secure the best, longest lasting paint job. Quality products and workmanship can provide a paint job that will last as many as ten years whereas poor workmanship and cheap products can require a re-paint within several years.

HOW TO DECIDE

In the end, this information will help you make your decision. Consider your budget, consider how long you plan to own your house and find a contractor you feel comfortable working with. If this is the first time you have had your house painted, you may have sticker shock at first, but securing multiple estimates will give you a good idea of the going rate in your neighborhood and you can adjust your thinking accordingly. Keeping your house well protected will save you money in the long run by avoiding the extra expense of extensive prep work and wood repairs when paint has begun to peal.

http://www.durhampaintingcompany.com - Professional Residential Repaints

Interior Roof Shaped Ceiling

Turning Your Home Green

In recent years we can see more and more people switching to buying green homes. This is either because they are getting concern about the environment or that the standards and techniques for building green houses have improved tremendously over the past years. In addition, sellers can also get a higher price for these green homes as they tend to save more on maintenance costs and utility bills. As such, if you are keen in purchasing a green home in Texas, how do you know that it is worth the price that you are paying for the house? This article will give you some tips on how you can get yourself a good deal. Check to see if the following things are found in the house:

1. A passive solar design

This is useful for natural heating and cooling of the house. Make sure there are not any skylights or greenhouse rooms in the house because that would mean too much heat gain in the building and will be very hot.

2. Attic spaces ventilation

Attic spaces can also accumulate heat, especially in hot climates, thereby causing the house to become very hot. On the other hand, moisture will remain in these attic spaces which are not ventilated, causing the wood to rot and smell.

3. Use of recycled or renewable materials

Since you are getting a green home, you should ensure that the materials used to build the house are not damaging to the environment. Some examples are using waste wood to build decks, use materials that are locally produced and can be renewed easily or recycled wood for the flooring of the house.

4. Use of safe materials

Products that are water based, non-toxic and biodegradable are more environmentally friendly so these should be used to build the house. Ensure that there are no materials that contain ozone depleting chemicals which are detrimental to the environment.

5. Site protection

The surroundings of the house is equally important, thus, ensure that the natural vegetation and animal habitats are protected from any unnecessary harm, especially if you need to do any additional constructions to the estate.

Search Texas Home Builders and Green Home Builders today.

Home Fence Books
House Foundation Books

Dangers Using Wood Stair Cleats - New Stair Construction

I would imagine most people don't even know what it wood stair cleat is, in construction we have so many words that describe the same thing. A stair cleat is another word for a thread bracket. In other words it's the part of the stairway that connects the stair stringer to the stair step. These have been used for years and over time, most of them will develop the same problem.

Most wood stair cleats loosened up and create a safety hazard. If the stairs are located outside in extreme weather conditions, for example, if it rains or snows a lot, extremely humid humid weather, or extremely hot and dry temperatures, your staircase might not last that long, if it is or isn't maintained properly. It's not a bad idea to use steel or concrete for stairways in these climates.

If you're ever walking up a set of stairs with wood cleats and the stair steps feel a little loose or wiggly, make sure you examined the stair cleats for safety. It's not uncommon for someone to be walking up or down a set of wood stairs and having the stair step or tread giveaway because the wood cleats has loosened.

If the wood stair cleats are nailed to the stair stringer, the nails can loosen up, causing it to become loose, as you walk up and down the stairs applying pressure to the stair cleat, this will create movement in between the stair step and the stair stringer. This could cause the cleat to crack, break and separate the connection between the stair step in the stair stringer.

I would suggest using metal brackets instead of wood cleats. The metal brackets will not crack or disintegrate like some wood cleats. Stair building brackets of course can loosen up and should be maintained regularly.

If you decide to use wood stair cleats, I would suggest using screws instead of nails and drilling holes in the wood stair cleats, most of the time this will prevent cracking the cleat. Try to use a thicker material for the stair cleat, for example using a 2 x 4 with lag screws and washers would be better than using a 1 x 4 with nails.

If you're walking up a set of stairs and a stair step feels loose, contact the owner of the property and let them know, they have a problem with their staircase.

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He is currently working on more stair building books and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry.

Bathtub Skirt Wall Damage

Tips For Making a Successful Home Repair Franchise Business

Though it may come as something of a surprise, home repair businesses are often some of the most stable when the economy takes a dive, and the biggest reason for that is a relatively simple one. People are most likely to spend money on what means the most to them, and for most homeowners, the house is one of the things that is most important in life, because it's the biggest investment the average person will ever make. Therefore, even in recession, people remain willing to spend the money it takes to keep their homes in good repair. For that reason, home repair businesses rarely see a large downturn, even when the rest of the economy is dropping off, like it is now.

The fact that the home repair industry will hold strong in the face of economic downturn may be enough to keep a home repair business afloat, but alone it isn't enough to keep a business successful. To do that, even in a strong market, takes a good deal of business strength, character, and a small host of helpful practices. For the home repair entrepreneur hoping to keep his small business strong during this downward season, here are a few tips from other home improvement entrepreneurs for pushing your business ahead.

1. Constantly Learn and do New Things

The last thing the owner of any home repair franchise wants to do is pigeonhole himself. Whatever your client needs done, take the steps to learn how to do it and then get it done. Even when clients are only requesting services you're well versed in, keep your nose in home improvement magazines and websites; learn everything you can, when you need it and when you don't, because it's sure to come in handy sometime.

2. Grassroots Marketing is the Way to go

Almost all franchises come equipped with well established marketing plans, which are vital to the success of their franchisees, but absolutely nothing can replace good, old-fashioned grassroots advertising. Building relationships and getting your name out there are the keys. One good idea is to take donuts into the local hardware store on a Saturday morning. Make friends with the staff and ask if you can post an ad somewhere at the counter. Go to neighborhood places like the community center or your church and post your ads there. Send out postcards with company refrigerator magnets or go door to door with door hangers. Visit Home Depot on the weekend and leave your big truck in the lot with your business name and phone number painted on the side where everyone can see it.

3. Seek Guidance in Pricing Bids

If your franchisor doesn't have a set pricing system, talk to friends and associates in the industry about how best to price your bids, because though labor is what gets the job done, it's cash flow that keeps the business going. If you under-price, you won't be able to afford the business, but if you over-price, you'll never get a job. Either is equally fatal, so seek some help.

4. Price Yourself to Account for "Non-Billable" Hours

It's tempting to believe that only the hours actually spent building walls and windows count toward labor when you're billing your clients, but that's only part of the puzzle. In reality, buying materials, doing office work, and drawing up bids (none of which have any direct impact on how many square feet drywall go up that day) can often account for 25% of your day, and your bids must be priced to account for those hours too.

5. Having a Cell Phone is as Important as Having a Hammer

Very simply, your clients must be able to reach you at all times, and talking to an actual human being is vital. If your business can't afford to hire a fulltime secretary to answer a landline during work hours, then spend the far lesser cost of having a cell phone on you, so that you can talk to your clients directly. It also comes in handy when a job or task winds up taking longer than you expected and you're forced to postpone something else for a day or two. You can call up all affected clients and immediately let them know, which is something they are sure to appreciate.

With those tips in mind, the entrepreneur who doesn't yet own his own business may be wondering what business opportunities exist in the home repair industry. Here are a few franchise opportunities for you.

CTi-Concrete Technology

Serve clients with this business for sale by restoring and beautifying the concrete they already have around their homes. The concept is simple, and so is the business model, requiring no more than one or two employees to assist the business owner with the day-to-day work on client's pavement. There is already a well established marketing plan, territories are protected, and profit margins are huge, making this a perfect opportunity for a wise work from home franchisee.

N-Hance

This franchise business has perfected a method of restoring and refinishing hardwood floors and wooden cabinetry in a fraction of the time it generally takes, and with no dust or foul odors. Startup is cheap and quick and there's little overhead, which makes this a low-hassle opportunity for the franchisee, who profits from his labor as well as from the sales of cleaning solutions and tools.

Stone to Foam

Specializing in custom garage floor coatings, this home based business works in association with the Home Depot, whose local stores provide business leads for nearby Stone to Foam franchisees. Five days of training gets franchisees off the right foot, then continuing training keeps them that way, and everything needed for sales and installation is kept in a simple trailer pulled behind the company vehicle, making work a piece of cake.

Find more small businesses for sale including home service businesses and low cost franchises at Small Business Sale

Hot Moped Shower Floor Pan

Planning Your Bathroom Remodel Budget - Home Improvement Ideas

As a bathroom remodeling contractor, I get calls from people, that have no idea what they want or how much anything is going to cost. Here's some simple tips that can be very helpful when planning a bathroom remodel budget.

Bathroom Remodeling Investment

In 2008, the average mid-range bathroom cost around $16,000 and you could recoup around $12,000 of your original investment upon the sale of your home. According to a popular remodeling magazine, larger bathrooms using expensive fixtures, tile, bathtubs, woodworking, toilets and showers had an average of $52,000. Upon the sale of a home, you could recoup around $36,000 of your original investment.

Finding out How Much Things Cost

My first suggestion, would be to visit your local home improvement center, lumber yard or plumbing supply warehouse. Larger stores like Home Depot and Lowe's, seemed to provide you with value pricing but don't have a large selection. While doing some research on the Internet I noticed that some of their pricing is outrageously, outrageous. Some plumbing supply warehouses can provide value but beware others won't.

Create a List of Bathroom Remodeling Parts

You can get a good idea of your bathroom remodel costs for your budget by making a list of bathroom parts with pricing and then adding them up for a grand total. If you're a total bathroom remodel budget is $15,000 and you have a $6,000 bathtub with $4000 worth of tile, you could have a budget problem.

Figuring out the Labor

You will have to contact a contractor to get an actual cost for the labor. Sometimes you can double the cost of your bathroom remodeling parts to get a rough idea. If you have a list or a couple of lists and a few pictures of some sample bathrooms, this will make the contractor's job easier and often they can give you a labor price within a few days.

Give Yourself a Cushion

I would suggest leaving yourself a small financial cushion for any additional remodeling items. For example, you could see a different toilet, or instead of painting the walls, you now choose to wallpaper, you could incur additional expenses that you haven't planned for. If you know exactly what you want and stick to the original bathroom remodeling plan, you shouldn't need the cushion.

Financial problems often transfer into construction problems, so spend some time figuring out, how much money you want to spend on the bathroom remodel and try not to go overboard on the budget. I hate to see homeowners struggling with home improvement loan payments. Try to create a bathroom remodeling budget that is realistic and will not create a financial burden upon you or your family.

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

If your looking for some more bathroom remodeling or home building ideas.

Plants Growing In Sidewalk

A Guide For Planning Your New Shower

Adding a shower to your home adds great convenience as well a resale value. However, before you look at shower trays and units, there are a few things you need to know. These are a few tips to guide you in the process of planning for a new shower. Write down the answers to these questions before you contact a professional or attempt a do it yourself project.

Has the room had a previous shower installation? If so, will you be reinstalling a new shower kit, or remodeling the shower entirely?

Where are the main water supply pipe and the waste pipe located? The closer you are to the main water supply, the easier and more cost effective it will be to build, and a shower closer to the main pipe will gain you the best water pressure.

How much space do you have available for your shower? Make sure to take the space needed to swing open shower doors into account when measuring your space. A corner shower is often the most space wise, usually allowing the greatest freedom of movement in the room as a whole as well as a larger shower to be installed.

What is your households existing water system? While the water system in your home won't dictate the style or model of shower you choose, it can limit your selection. Make sure you are looking at installing a shower that will work with your existing utilities. A mixer, power or electric shower may be the correct choice for your water system. Ask a professional for help if you are unsure which one is right for your home.

Now that you have the basic information down, what are the differences between the kinds of shower mentioned above? Three of the more common types of showers are mixer, power and electric models. It is important to have a basic idea of the differences between them. This will help you choose which is suitable for your home.

A mixer shower requires a minimum of 0.1 bar pressure and both hot and cold water feeds. These are a good choice if you have a high pressure unvented system or a fully modulating combi boiler in your home. A mixer shower mixes water from the hot and cold water tanks, to keep your shower water temperature consistent.

An electric shower is a possibility for a high or a low pressure system. It requires only a cold water feed, as only the water which will be used for the shower will be heated within the unit by electricity. While this system eliminates the need to heat more water than you may use, it can use more electricity. An electric shower should be installed by a qualified electrician.

A power shower can be a mixer or an electric style. What makes them different? Power showers use an electric pump to increase water pressure.

Written by James Chapman, a director of Bella Bathrooms who supply Showers 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.

Drywall Books
Home Organization Books

How Today's House Plans Can Lower Building Costs

A home plan is a set of construction documents that serve as the "assembly" manual for a new home.There are no standards or laws that require specific information on these drawings so there is a wide variety in the quality of the plans available on the market today.Some plans show only a floor layout and a simple front elevation.Other plans show more details and include accurate dimension lines, construction details and wall cutaways.But regardless of how detailed the plan may be, the plan is typically designed for one specific lot, one specific region and one set of building codes.An intelligent home plan has the ability to meet any lot, region or code.In fact, an intelligent home plan can make a new home less costly, more efficient and easier to build.

Intelligent home plans are comprised of a sophisticated set of drawings that detail every aspect of home construction.These drawings are created in a way that makes updates, changes and modifications quick and easy.According to Bill Elliott, COO of a national home design studio, the biggest downfall of most online home plans is the difficulty of making changes and modifications.Most home plans will require some type of modification to meet the needs of the home owner, builder or local building code authorities.It is this hidden cost that most people don't see.Builders may purchase a home plan for a few hundred dollars and then spend thousands more to update and change them.Even worse, if the plan is poorly done, the costs needed to modify the plans may be more than creating a brand new plan.

An intelligent home plan is designed to be flexible.They are drawn in a way that supports efficient and rapid changes.Similar elements used in the drawings are grouped together and saved in layers for quick access by any designer.Line weights and dimensions are uniform throughout the plan set and the information is detailed and accurate.These root fundamentals form the foundation of every Intelligent Home Plan - a collection of informative documents that sets the tone for the entire building process.Each intelligent home plan links the designer, builder, contractor, supplier and home owner together into a single organized team.

More than just a nice drawing, intelligent home plans translate the home design into functional packets of data used throughout the building process.Exact dimensions are used for accurate quotes and product specifications.Structural data is dissected to ensure code compliance and building integrity.Design details are interfaced with automated saws and joiners to speed the assembly of walls and floors while realistic virtual models ensure the final product meets every need of the most demanding buyer.Intelligent Home Plans can interface with a variety of software and hardware currently servicing the building industry.Dependable and consistent data from these designs feeds these independent support services and links them together into coordinated and managed processes.

The reliable, accurate and flexible nature of intelligent home plans creates a seamless translation of data across all phases of home construction producing a higher quality home at less cost.In the past, home plans were merely lines on paper used to build a home.But today's challenging housing market places demands on the home building process that cannot be met by a few sheets of paper.Only intelligent home plans can deliver the data needed to build the homes of tomorrow at an affordable price.

Contact:
Craig Sherrett, Director of Sales & Marketing
AVID Home Studios, LLC
888.280.2843
http://www.avidhomestudios.com

Gluelam Hip In Ceiling Framing

Creating Your Electricity

Creating your own electricity and generating your own power has always been one of my dreams. Having a self sufficient home, not only a house that takes care of itself by generating its own electricity through windmills or solar panels but the satisfaction knowing that no matter what happens to the electrical companies you will always have electricity at your home.

What a wonderful feeling it would be to get a check back from the utility company instead of paying them every single month. I don't know about you but my utility bills are ridiculous and seemed to be going up in price constantly. I can't believe all the fees they have been charging for years to all of their customers. If you add all the fees for every person in the city or county this comes to a large, a very large number and it's getting worse not better.

Generating your own electricity with solar or wind power is definitely green thinking. This is going to be the wave of the future as fuel used to create electricity continues to rise in price. I really can't imagine what the price of electricity is going to be like in 10 years as the mass consumption continues to rise in developing countries.

We have got to start taking care of our own needs through solar or wind power. We have got to start creating our own electricity to become self reliant. The more self reliant we become as a nation the less dependent we will be on major corporations, especially large power conglomerates.

Creating our own electricity can also be used for electrical cars that can be purchased in the future. Think of the money you will say in fuel costs as the price of gasoline continues to increase as well as less pollution into our environment.

This is definitely the wave of the future and common sense tells us this. I suggest you read this article again if you haven't figured out some of the problems coming our way in the future.

Think green and together we can start saving the planet.

While searching for new alternatives and trying to get some advice on creating your own electricity I came across a book you can purchase in digital format. This book seems to have quite a bit of information on creating your own electricity for a totally self sufficient home.

This book has been created in digital format to reduce the consumption of trees and the waste involved in creating a regular book. What a wonderful idea for helping our environment in quite a few ways.

While searching for new alternatives and trying to get some advice on creating your own electricity I came across a book you can purchase in digital format. This book seems to have quite a bit of information on creating your own electricity for a totally self sufficient home.

This book has been created in digital format to reduce the consumption of trees and the waste involved in creating a regular book. What a wonderful idea for helping our environment in quite a few ways.

For more information visit http://www.gregvan.com and look for Get Earth4Energy Here Create your own electricity! Save 1000's with Earth4Energy

Gregvan

North Hollywood CA Hotel

The Comfort Inn & Suites hotel is conveniently located with easy access to many southern California attractions. This North Hollywood hotel is close to Universal Studios Hollywood theme park and the famous Kodak Theatre, home to the annual Academy Awards ceremony.

Enjoy a concert at the Hollywood Bowl, one of the largest natural amphitheaters in the world. Take a stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, featuring more than 2,000 stars dedicated to celebrities in honor of their contributions to the entertainment industry.

Window shopping may be the only affordable shopping in Beverly Hills, but a visit to Rodeo Drive is still worth the short drive. This three-block stretch is one of the most famous shopping districts in America. The surrounding area offers a wide variety of restaurants and cocktail lounges, including several near the hotel.

Guests of this North Hollywood hotel are provided many fabulous amenities, including a delicious, free deluxe continental breakfast served daily. After a busy day of sightseeing or meetings, enjoy a refreshing swim in the outdoor pool.

Business travelers will welcome additional conveniences like free high-speed Internet access, in-room desks and access to copy and fax services.

A picnic area is located on the premises for added guest convenience. This hotel also offers a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. The next time your travels bring you to sunny California, the Comfort Inn & Suites hotel offers you the perfect place to stay in North Hollywood. Our friendly staff looks forward to having you as our guest, and making your stay a memorable one.

North Hollywood California Hotel

Wood Stoves Books
Real Estate Books

Upgrade To a Wet Bar In Your Rec Room

The den, the rec room, the family room...no matter what you call it, there should be one place in the home where the entire family can relax after a long day. If you are especially sociable, the room should be inviting and spacious, perfect for receiving guests, and equipped to entertain. Most definitely, a wet bar is needed for all your planned activities.

If you're not familiar with the term, a wet bar is simply a counter area or bar, recessed within the room or situated like a kitchen island, that features a working sink with running water. Unlike the standard kitchen sink, a bar sink is usually a small single bowl, often stainless steel, used for rinsing glasses and flatware or adding water to mixed drinks. Wet bars may also features miniature refrigerators for storage of wine and beer, and cabinets for glassware and other items needed for entertaining. For families who host gatherings on a regular basis, be they club meetings or a weekly football game viewing, having a wet bar offers a great advantage.

A wet bar takes some pressure away from the kitchen by allowing drinks to be stored and served where the party is, plus the host can save time using this service area rather than having to run to different parts of the house. Using a stainless steel sink for the bar allows for an attractive, sanitary workspace for your parties as well.

Regardless of the layout of your home, wet bars are usually simple to install. Hiring the proper plumber and contractor for the job is one step in the right direction, and an attractive countertop and accessories will enhance the look of your entertaining area. So if you plan to receive friends, family, or co-workers into your home, why not consider making them more comfortable with the luxury of a wet bar? This is one investment guaranteed to enhance the value of your home.

Kate Lively is a freelance SEO writer specializing in tips for home improvement, from buying the right stainless steel sinks to new carpeting.

Bathtub Filler Wall

Inerrancy of the Bible - Are There Mistakes in the Bible

What does the word inerrancy main? Inerrancy would refer to text that is accurate and totally free of any errors or without any mistakes. Does this sound like any book that you have ever read or have knowledge of. Maybe there is a one sentence book that could fall into this category.

Most books however and even this article has mistakes. If I made a decision to base my life, my entire life and that of my children and grandchildren, I would want to make sure that it was accurate as possible.

Is the Bible, 100%, 90%, or even 50% accurate. Are these stories that were written by people many years ago and the lessons have been helpful but now need to be rewritten.

Does the Bible actually contain the will of God? Some scholars believe that certain sections of the Bible meet this criteria while others do not. How can these people judge if they are not God and how can we believe in this stuff is not true.

If the Bible was inspired by God but written by men, this could actually mean that God had complete control over writing the Bible or does this mean that the man wrote the Bible with gods inspiration. I'm inspired by God daily and often write about it, but don't seem to have enough followers to make it into the biblical Hall of Fame. I'm writing with inspired beliefs right now.

If there are errors in the Bible, how extensive or how many errors are there actually. There are actual stories that can be documented as historical facts. This doesn't mean the rest of the Bible is factual, nor does it mean it is historically inaccurate.

The Bible has some errors in it and some facts that we can prove but leaves us with the question, is this a book from the Creator of the universe or a book written by men, to make us believe, it was written by God and if so why are we still believe being in it. Why do some people read this book and other religious text daily? What motivates them to read holy Scripture regularly but doesn't seem to allow them enough time to find out if they are reading accurate information.

The biggest problem I have with the inerrancy of the Bible is the fact that most people tend to ignore certain truths and cling to their childhood beliefs about religion. If this is not the way or the truth, I would want to start looking for it, instead of following someone else's dreams or religious doctrine.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development.

Greg is currently working on a video library filled with great movies on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion. Religious Education And Fear

Mold From Dryer Vent On Joist

Build a Shower Stall That Doesn't Leak

Many different approaches have been used to try to build a shower stall that doesn't leak. Shower pans of lead and copper were used for several years. Mixing metal, cement and water often lead to failure, maybe at twenty years, maybe sooner. Then some installers used hot mopped asphalt over concrete with varying success. Some installers still use each of those methods.

Today there are several methods to build a shower pan that promises a leak proof shower for a long time. The promise looks good and time will tell how these various methods work.

Tile Ready Shower Pans

Three companies including Tile Redi, Schluter and Wedi build systems that use polyurethane or foam and waterproof membranes to build bases upon which tile is then set. The only mortar used is as a base for the shower pan included as part of the system.

These systems all eliminate some of the skill required for building a masonry shower but at a cost. The cost of these systems is higher than a conventional shower, but the shower goes together faster which is a distinct advantage in some situations.

Fiberglass Pans

Consider a fiberglass or acrylic shower stall. You don't get the look and feel of a ceramic shower, but the cost is less. The cheaper shower stalls wear fairly quickly and don't have as long a life as a tile shower, provided the tile shower doesn't start leaking.

Conventional Masonry Showers

Most ceramic showers are still built using masonry construction. A masonry shower pan is built in this manner. A solid base or subfloor is required. A shower drain is rough set in place. The shower pan has two sets of drain holes, a lower set and an upper set. Then a layer of mortar is put down sloped to the bottom drain holes. Pea gravel or broken tiles are placed over the drain holes to keep them open. Then a special vinyl sheet is placed over the mortar layer and glued to the drain base.

The vinyl membrane is the key to the shower base. You must realize that the tile and grout surface you see on a shower floor are not waterproof. Water seeps through the shower floor and migrates down to the membrane and then down the sloped membrane to the bottom drain holes.

Above the vinyl membrane, another layer of mortar is poured to serve as the base for the ceramic tile. After that base cures, the tile is set and grouted on top even with the drain. The construction of the curb is critical too. Around the curb and in the corners of the floor are places where the membrane can crack and leak. Then the walls and ceiling are built.

Some of the modern systems available today will continue to change the way showers are constructed. Most make shower construction simpler. It still seems that for the immediate future some form of the conventional shower will still be the standard. When carefully built using modern materials, a conventional masonry shower will work perfectly for many years.

Puzzled about how to build a ceramic tile shower? Need more information? Visit our site for more tips on how to build a shower stall.

Al Bullington invites you to visit http://www.InstallingCeramicTile.net for answers to your ceramic shower questions.

Home Building Books
House Framing Books