Monday, September 29, 2008

Using a Project Manager Can Save the Homeowner Both Time and Money

A construction project manager is someone who will take over the job and make sure everything runs smoothly when you are remodeling or having construction done on your home. He or she is like the foreman or the one that organizes everything to make sure everything goes smoothly and their primary job is to look out for clients well being during the remodeling or construction process.

A construction project manager also helps you with the blue print or plans that are needed to build your new home or addition to an existing house. He deals with all the contractors and suppliers to make sure they get paid to make sure everything gets done on time and the good thing is that he or she negotiates with the sub-contractors and suppliers to get the best price for you the home owner. To add, the contractor also keeps the budget within specified guidelines and keeps the time lines in check.

You want to have a construction project manager on your job so you know everything is going to run smoothly and you have someone to deal with rather than have to deal with various different people and getting different answers from different people you're only dealing with one person. This way the client can concentrate on what the costs are, where the project is going, and gives the client total control in the decision making of the project.

As with all construction projects you want to make sure the construction project manager has no complaints against him or her and you can check with the BBB also known as the Better Business Bureau to make sure they are in good standing. They may also have some awards or certifications that you might want to look into before hiring a construction project manager.

Some of the construction project managers work independently of a construction company and this is a good thing because there is no favoritism towards one construction company or another. Those way things get done in a timely manner and this is what you are in need of. The benefit is that the homeowner saves because the project manager only makes around fifteen percent of the project cost. This way the owner can reinvest in the property with the savings or pocket the money as profit.

Cheryl Criswell: I am also a registered builder, and build 2 spec houses a year for the market. I also provide project management for those wanting to be their own builder. For more information got to http://www.renovatingreferral.com Find out how this website can find the best contractor, project manager, or remodeler for you and your project.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

You Really Should Hire a Remodeling Contractor

When you take on the next home improvement project you may be wise to seek the services of a remodeling contractor for certain task. There are many projects that a person can certainly complete themselves, but certain projects will be more cost effective in the long run if you hire a qualified remodeling co2214ntractor. This article will look at some of the home remodeling jobs you may want to consider a project for the remodeling contractor.

So, What Is a Remodeling Contractor?

Remodeling contractors are often small companies that specialize in certain aspects or the remodeling field. Some are skilled at adding decks, sun rooms, and saunas to give your home that new luxurious feel.

Flooring Can Be Tricky

If flooring is one of the remodeling projects you have planned for a room you may want to consider hiring a remodeling contractor. If you have all the tools to do the job correctly you may be ok on the end of the project, but the skills needed to do the job right can be tricky. Another value that a remodeling contractor may be able to offer is a better connection on product price and that may make up the difference.

Kitchens Are a Gate Way to Value

Kitchens are one of the most remodeled rooms in the entire home. Your family will spend a lot of hours in the kitchen. Some aspects like adding some new counter tops or dressing up the cabinets can be done on your own. If you plan to replace the kitchen cabinets this may be the time to hire a skilled remodeling contractor who has a proven list of satisfied customers. Trying to get them level and situated is a job. You will discover that your kitchen is not as square and level as you might have thought.

The main benefits of hiring a remodeling contractor is the speed at which they can complete a project, and they have the benefit of doing several project just like the one you need done. If you do it you may be facing the project for the very first time.

Find more helpful remodeling tips by visiting http://best-home-improvement-projects.com where you will find helpful remodeling tips, advice and resources to include Remodeling Contractor.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Home Remodeling Tips

Home remodeling includes remodeling of various parts of your house such as kitchen, bathroom, lobby, sitting room, basement and all. Home remodeling is a complete package that gives a new and complete look to your home. With home remodeling, you also get to modify the exterior5B3s and interiors of your home in a way that you want. Home modeling is now a common phenomenon amongst many home owners in many parts of the world. Home remodeling also lets you restructure your home and incorporate the latest trends and fashion.

However, there are a few things you need to consider before opting for home remodeling. First of all you need to hire a contractor to remodel your home (of course after you have done enough research find the best one; internet research is a good option). A contractor is a n expert and can also show you various options and designs. An expert will do a better job than you can do any day. Second, you need to have a budget for home remodeling. You need to keep some money aside for home remodeling. Also, keep in mind that during the process of home remolding, sometimes there are unanticipated expenditures. So, always have some funds aside for that.

You can choose either specialized contractor or general contractor for your tasks, depending on your requirements. Also, consult your friends and relatives when choosing a contractor. If possible, see their past works to get an idea of the quality of their work. Home renovation does not happen everyday, and when you get it done, ensure that you get the best.

For more tips and details please visit www.allremodel.com.

Natasha

Aspects of Conservatory Sunrooms

If you have decided to build a sun room, it is probably because you are hoping to be able to use this room through the year and that means in all seasons. To do this, you need to consider the rooms design very carefully to avoid overspending your budget. Everyone knows that insulation is the most important factor in design with a conservatory, for example, but inadequate insulation doesnt necessarily save you money. First, if you have too little insulation (or too much), you may discover that your conservatory sun room is less comfortable than you thought it would be. Secondly, you may end up spending more money in keeping the house warm and cool than you would if you had spent the money in the design phase on proper insulation. Youll need to take a look at the building code requirements for conservatory insulation. and then talk about this issue with your contractor. Its entirely possible that by so spending a little more and exceeding those recommendations, it can save you in the long run e.g. if you were to dispense with the commonly-used 2x4 studs and use 2x6 studs instead, you would gain an additional insulating 2 inches for your room. After insulation, consider windows. Because they will make up the main cost of your conservatory, you need to choose them carefully. Windows do not only impact your homes appearance. but they have a functional component. Plus, they are a major factor in the construction budget of your sun room.

First. you should think about the type of glazing you require. Glazing isnt just for letting sun in - it should not only let sunlight in, but it should also keep out harmful rays and protect your family and you from the suns UV.

Some special glazes can retain heat in your sun room, acting as an additional insulation. The insulating properties of windows will depend on their cost and the material from which they are made.

Windows frames made of wood are normally the most expensive option, and these will need some maintenance such as occasional painting or possibly refinishing. But wood windows are relatively efficient too, in terms of energy.

Vinyl windows are very energy efficient, as well as moderate in cost compared to other types. Youll have a wide choice of colors and often a low maintenance requirement.

Finally. windows constructed of aluminum are less energy efficient, but are usually lower maintenance or even in many cases maintenance free. The clad style is very common, and these are relatively maintenance free, with energy efficiency that comes close to wood frames but at a far lower cost. Remember when planning a conservatory that whether or not a window opens and closes will impact their cost. So, the more non-opening, or fixed windows that you choose to include in your sun room, the cheaper your overall design will be. Think carefully about which of the windows will need to be accessible and opened or closed, and which can be non-opening in order to give you the flexibility that you need in using the room, without the additional cost of opening windows you wont really be needed.

Andrew Caxton is the author and editor of many resources published at http://www.allsunrooms.com He provides tips and advice about patio enclosures as well as on the patio rooms at conservatory sunroom

Remove Black Mold From Your Bathroom Walls

In order to remove bathroom mold, you will need a solution that can remove the source of the black mold. When cleaning mold and mildew, you have to observe the perimeter wall and also look for any sources of moisture. If you have black mold and mildew in your bathroom, it is most likely causing a problem with you and your family. By having these toxins which the spores produce, it will cause serious mold health effects. When removing mold, you will have to be sure to remove the source of the problem. Since mold a1109nd mildew are attracted to moisture and also need something to eat, you will have to find these sources. In more times than most, black mold and mildew grows on the wall because the wall is a building material which is a food source. When you have a high humidity value inside the areas of the bathroom, you will see dark spots of the black mold growing.

If you were to live with black mold in your house, you would feel some signs and symptoms of the toxins which the black mold delivers. These symptoms are caused from the excrement of the mold and mildew. Excrement is really the digestion of the mold and mildew. After eating off the walls of the home, the black mold delivered excrement which is toxic. Thus, while you and your family have mold issues.

In order to effectively remove the spores of the mold, you will need to find the source of the problem. If you have a water leak or some type of moisture intrusion, then you will need to find the source of this problem. By just removing the mold on the walls, and ignoring the source of the problem, you will still have a mold problem guaranteed. What mold inspections are about is finding the source of the problem. If you are clever enough to know there is a moisture problem you can then go ahead and attack the area using a natural cleaning product. Be sure when using natural cleaning products that they are strong enough to remove black mold effectively. Natural cleaning products are all about using regular household ingredients, but will effectively remove and prevent mold and mildew. The challenge with most green cleaning products is that they are not tough enough to destroy mold and mildew. Let me give you an example, most people will use bleach to remove the spores of the mold and mildew. But what happens here, is the mold is only removed temporarily. By using bleach you are only removing the topical surface of the problem. It is not attacking the source or changing the DNA make up of the mold and mildew. There is a natural ingredient out there which cleans mold and mildew and also creates a barrier to prevent mold growth.

By removing mold spores effectively, you will need to make sure the source is controlled. In order to control the source of the problem with mold. You will need a solution that creates a clear barrier or shield from you and the mold. This process is called an encapsulate. The encapsulate is a way which mold and mildew will suffocate because there is no source of food allowed. By protecting the walls of your bathroom, walls of your house, and other building materials, you have an ability to prevent the growth of mold and mildew. The challenge with black mold and mildew is taking away the source of the problem. Using bleach will only remove mold temporarily. If you are serious and have bathroom mold on your walls and in your house, then you need a strong natural cleaning product to kill mold. The natural cleaning product should be organic due to the harsh chemicals in other cleaning products. Have a look at Safe Shield to use as an effective natural cleaning product against mold and mildew. Safe Shield is also an organic solution and combined with Molderizer, it is a strong combination to effectively remove black mold and also prevent it from coming back. To increase the indoor air quality of your home, try an organic cleaning solution that will remove and prevent mold from ever coming back.

Effectively remove black mold from your bathroom walls with an organic cleaning solution.
Got questions about mold and mildew, get free mold removal tips by asking.

Steel Buildings Vs Cargo Containers

It has become somewhat of a common practice to use cargo containers for storage. But before you make an investment in a cargo container, be certain to do your research.

Legalities of Cargo Containers and Steel Buildings on Properties

Recently, those using of cargo containers for storage have come under scrutiny. In some counties, cargo containers have even been banned and their owners fined! The city counsel of Apache Junction recently banned cargo containers for storage, mainly because residents were complaining about the declining aesthetic value of their neighborhoods due to the unattractive storage containers dotting the landscape. As an alternative to cargo containers, the city counsel approved the use of steel buildings and metal buildings for use by residents and businesses.

Owners of these storage containers were forced to remove them from their property and find other ways to store their goods such as metal buildings and steel buildings. As you can imagine, purchasing a new storage solutions and transferring all of their goods created a great deal of additional work and headache for cargo container owners. Even if cargo containers aren't banned where you live, they could be in the near future.

Aesthetic Value of Cargo Containers and Steel Buildings

Cargo containers were never designed to be attractive. They are functional containers designed to transport goods via truck, train, or ocean liner. Used cargo containers are often damaged from years of being transported around the world. Even if you don't mind the lack of aesthetics, you're neighbors or your city may not appreciate the presence of a cargo container on your property.

Steel buildings on the other hand are designed for use on land. Today's steel buildings and metal buildings have come a long way since the basic designs of the past. Though the frame of the buildings are metal or steel, the front and back panels of steel buildings today can be manufactured with siding, wood, or stone for an attractive look that brings a neat and consistent look to your landscape. French doors, residential doors, and finished windows, make a storage unit look like an attractive second home on your property.

Variety of Uses for Cargo Containers and Metal Buildings

Though you may be purchasing a cargo container for storage now, you may want to utilize the space for a different purpose in the future. Many people use cargo containers to shelter vehicles or as office space. Will a cargo container meet the needs of uses you may find for it in the future?

Steel buildings and metal buildings are available in styles and designs to meet a variety of needs. Placing an automatic garage door on the front or back panel turns your steel building into a garage. Windows let light in for a pleasing environment in which to work should you decide to use the building as an office or workshop. Because steel buildings are manufactured for use by people and not for cargo, they can be easily wired for electricity to power lights, computers, refrigerators, power tools, or any other electrical device.

Before you make a decision on how to handle your storage needs, be sure to do your research and weigh all of your available options. You may be surprised at the low cost and wide variety of options offered by steel buildings and metal buildings!

Author is a freelance copywriter. For more information on MS Access Courses, visit http://www.MicrosoftTraining.net/.

Tile Shower Pan Installation Tips

Tile shower pan installation tips can help you build a ceramic shower yourself. Also the more you know about how to build a shower pan, the better you can work with the tradesman who actually builds your shower for you.

The traditional way to build a shower pan is to use masonry to build a base upon which the tile is set and grouted. This is a simple concept but not so simple to actually do. There are several tricks that tile setters use that make it hard for a normal handy person to build a shower pan. The stakes are high when building a shower pan. Most of the critical elements of a shower floor get covered up during construction. If you make mistakes and the shower leaks, there is no easy way to redo your mistakes so everything must be torn out and you get to start over.

See the real reason for a shower pan is that a shower floor naturally leaks. D81The grout does anyway. The grout in a shower floor is porous...water goes through it. Without a waterproof liner under the floor, some of the water in the shower will go right through the shower base and rot the subfloor. So a shower pan has a waterproof liner underneath the ceramic tile designed to route any water coming through the grout to the drain. The drain is especially designed with weep holes under the surface of the floor to catch the runoff that moves through the grout.

The steps to building the pan are these basic processes.

  • Build a solid subfloor, either wood or concrete.
  • Set the drain so the finished height is at the finished level of the floor.
  • Pour the first base layer of mortar sloped to the base of the drain.
  • Put in the vinyl pan liner six inches up the walls and glue to the base of the drain.
  • Put gravel in lower drain holes to keep hole open.
  • Pour top base masonry level sloped to the drain.
  • Lay tile with thinset over cured base.
  • Grout tile.

That's the concept and it's a fairly simple concept with quite a few tricks and also many variations. For example, some people put the vinyl membrane on the bottom and just pour and slope one coat of masonry.

The way to avoid all this process is with a tile ready shower. At least three companies make complete systems that include pans with built in drains all ready for tile to be installed after the pans are set in place. Some systems use foam and vinyl sheets to make the pans in any configuration. Others use standard pans which may or may not fit your application. But the tile ready shower pans save a lot of time and require less skill. The disadvantage is cost. Complete traditionally constructed tile showers can cost less than just the parts for some of the tile ready showers.

Also you can get fiberglass shower pans to use as shower floors. These pans are probably available at your local building supply store. You can use a fiberglass pan as a base and put tile on the rest of the shower. Fiberglass shower pans are not made for tile installation over the pan. Also anything other than standard sizes will be unavailable or very expensive.

You can see there are alternatives to a traditional masonry shower, but there are good reasons why most tile showers are still built the "old" way!

Puzzled about how to build tile showers? Need more information? Visit our site for tile shower pan tips.

We invite you to visit http://www.installingceramictile.net for answers to your ceramic shower questions.

Choose a Luxurious and Custom Built Hot Tub for Your Home

A hot tub is defined as a large home-made or manufactured tub usually filled up with heated water and used widely for taking a quick dip, relieving pain, massage, or hydrotherapy. The tub has jets for massaging purposes and soothes your pain. Usually located outdoors, tubs need to be protected and monitored regularly to get the best benefits, as well as for privacy. This exercise pool helps you to customize your requirements to set up a spa that fits your outdoor environment and styling.

There are three different styles of hot tubs are available in the market these days:

Simple wooden-staved soaking tubs:

This particular style of hot tub is made up with wooden staves and steel bands; in looks it resembles a very large barrel. Normally, redwood, cedar, or teak is used in such tubs. These types of tubs are not deep and are inset within a wooden deck for ease of entry.

One piece plastic tubs or spas:

In such types of hot tubs arrangements, a person can enjoy a variety of seating arrangements within the tub. In this system, individual seat is often given the coverage of one or more water jets which facilitates the body to relax and sooths the pain easily. Being economical than the wooden staved s10EDoaking tubs, such tubs are far easy to install, and more energy efficient in producing effective results.

Pleasurable sensations:

Such tubs are also known as 'erotic' after the Greek God Eros. Meant only for giving pleasant sensations to the body, in pleasurable sensations the mechanism deals with soothing your aching muscles and relaxing your tired mind.

Importance of Tubs in Modern Life:

In this modern life, the importance of hot tubs cannot be denied. These tubs are easy to place inside the home, needs easy maintenance and can be enjoyed with friends and family. People with limited space at their home can found hot tubs as a great and healthy way of complete fun.

Myself webmaster of http://www.easylifehottubs.com, an online resource for buying the Hot tubs and spa hot tubs for you and your family.