Why Ozone Use is a Must When Properly Treating a Mold Problem in a Home Or Building

Have You Been Told You Can Complete a Thorough Mold Remediation Project Without Using a High Level Ozone Shock Treatment?

Think Again!! Says Nations Top Mold Remediation Expert, Quoting a Military Report Issued By Scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory Which Proves Its Practically Impossible

Did You Know That Anthrax Reproduces With Toxic Spores Just Like Toxic Mold?

I Discovered That The US Military Has Studied How to De-Con a Civilian Building Which Has Been Contaminated by a Spore Based Pathogen Like Mold. The Studies Were Conducted After the Anthrax Attacks on Congressmen Using the US Post Office. Their Discoveries Throw Conventional Mold Treatment Out the Window!

Ozone Myths Shattered!

Often I am asked about the effectiveness of Ozone treatments for mold remediation.This is a complex topic, which has many sides.
If you ask me is ozone effective for mold remediation I would honestly answer, that it depends...

On what you ask? Well on many, many, things I answer.

You see there are some contractors out there that are using powerful ozone generators as a substitute for the actual physical steps of mold remediation. I have heard claims like:

"Our ozone machines are so powerful they will turn mold to ash."

"They will literally vaporize mold."

"Leave the dry wall and the ozone cannons will destroy the mold which you can paint right over"

And Dozens of other lies.

The truth is the use of ozone alone is never a complete treatment for mold.

The roots of mold will penetrate deep within a substrate up to 3/16ths to .5 inch.

Additionally even dead mold is still poisonous. So removing physically all of the structures of the mold organism is necessary. Just using a gas-out alone, will never accomplish this objective.

Molds reproduce by making spores that cannot be seen without magnification. Mold spores waft through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mold spores land on a damp spot indoors, they begin growing and multiplying, and soon the mold problem is out of control. Many types of molds exist. ALL MOLDS have the potential to cause health effects.

Ozone Kills Mold!

Ozone is a powerful gas and it will destroy mold spores and the mVOCs created by toxic bacterial or fungal organisms.

In fact according to a study conducted at Los Alamos National Laboratory (that's where they developed the atomic bomb) scientists discovered, that in order to truly complete the decontamination of a home school or commercial building that has been contaminated with a spore based pathogen, like mold it is absolutely vital to complete your decontamination process with the use of a gas-out that would flood the area with toxic levels of a reactive gas.

The reason given is that a building has so many nooks crannies crevices and cul- de-sacs; it has so many surfaces that interface between boards and in ducts and others inaccessible spaces where spore can hide and remain eluded by liquid based disinfectants. That's right no amount of HEPA vacuuming or air-scrubbing or manual clean up can ever achieve complete true de-con without a gas out due inaccessibility.

But a gas can over come this because at high levels the gas can penetrate right into all the nooks and crannies and even into carpets and fabrics and other porous materials.

While many gases were considered the winner was ozone hands down!

The reason is simple ozone is lethal to virtually all pathogens- yet it is made of O3 which is pure oxygen O2 %2B O a single free-radical oxygen molecule. The single oxygen can only last for a split second when it bonds with and adheres to other molecules. With viruses mold and bacteria it punches a hole directly into the cell wall and then begins to destroy the contents. A tremendous amount of ozone is required for serious remediation.

If a high parts per million concentration of ozone is not reached within a given area, all the bacteria will not be killed. Mold will then grow once again from any remaining live spores, and strong odors may return. That is why we use Bio3 Blaster commercial grade powerful industrial strength ozone air generators. They are chosen by only the best professionals for serious mold, mildew, odor and pollutant removals in homes, offices, motel rooms, clubs, pubs, basements, cars, boats, as well as for fire, flood and crime scene cleanup restorations.

What is then left behind is pure oxygen O2... Safe and healthy.

The only way for this process to be effective is to isolate an area and then to use powerful ozone generators known as cannons to generate ozone at very high levels to completely saturate the air in the isolated area.

The Way its Done is With an OZONE CANNON!

No people plants animals or fish can be present when this is done.
Each room of the house can be blasted with an Ozone Treatment to sterilize them of mold.

High powered ozone travels and kills mold and bacteria all through the room.

This process is known as High Ozone Shock Treatment.

It is not a substitute for mold remediation. If there is mold growing on sheet rock for instance ozone is not an answer. Mold will grow completely through sheet rock once the hyphal root penetrates the paper of the drywall it quickly permeates the gypsum as it is made of calcium carbonate a mineral rich food source for mold. The mold almost always penetrates the paper behind the wall too! If mold is growing in an attic, ozone alone is not an answer. For the same reasons the roots of the mold penetrate the boards to deeply for ozone alone to completely destroy the problem.

What ozone is great for is to get into the areas where the human or fogger or HEPA vac can't and to destroy the spores that were missed.
As humans, trained mold workers lack eyes good enough to see the mold they are combating once it goes airborne. You see ten thousand spores can fit onto the head of a pin.

They are that small!!!

In one square inch of flowering mold there can be anywhere from 1-5 million!!! What's worse is that when a mold worker begins to fog or spray the mold- the mold, has a built in survival mechanism called bursting or sporulation which allows it to send clouds of invisible spores into the air to escape the chemicals being sprayed onto them. This means that in a typical mold remediation job, millions and billions of spores are put into the air and are too tiny to see.
By saturating the area that the treatment has been performed in after the mold has been killed and treated only is one is assured of complete decontamination.

If you can stand to be in a room with an ozone machine it does NOT have the power to kill mold and bacteria. You can ONLY kill mold by the use of unoccupied room High Ozone Shock Treatments.Mold can ONLYbe killed by ozone levels much higher than meant for human occupation like our machines can produce.

This step should only be performed, after the gross removal of the porous building materials like drywall, after the stains have been removed and after the surfaces have been fogged and or vacuumed.

Ozone will also permanently destroy the mVOC's and musty odors.

Ozone oxidizes poisonous materials rapidly; sterilization ability is 600--3000 times stronger than Chlorine. Ozone kills E-coli 3125 times faster than chlorine. Some swimming pools/spas use ozone because it is a strong disinfectant, but it converts back into oxygen so it does not have harmful effects like chlorine. The proof of the efficacy of Ozone Shock therapy can be found in a study published in the Journal of the International ozone Association.

Many mold remediation companies use zero or no sporicidal products (things that kill spore or mold "seeds") to perform a mold remediation process. That means They always leave behind spore-contaminated structures.

Killing the spores is the most important part of a mold remediation process!!!!

Leaving the spores behind is like planting future mold problems which will inevitably develop or germinate later.

Safe Mold Solutions recommends no less than two sporicides (things that destroy spores) be used.

We have found the use of both Ozone and hydrogen peroxide to be ideal.

Both ozone and hydrogen peroxide work nearly identically. Both use free radical oxygen to destroy mold viruses bacteria and spores. Hydrogen peroxide leaves behind water, ozone leaves behind only pure oxygen.

No Residues... Safe and Effective!!!!!

What does all this mean?

If you have allergies to bacteria and mold or are suffering from contamination you can only sanitize, and truly destroy, these contaminants buy the use of an unoccupied room high Ozone Shock Treatment. Once you have shocked the unoccupied room or area you can then return an hour after the machine is turned off to breathe and sleep better in the room that has been sanitized. NO air purifier or chemical can do that for you!!!

We recommend the use of the machines that only Elite professionals use to kill mold spores in high humidity and flooding situations. The use of high powered ozone shock treatments is the ONLY way to reach hard to get to areas to kill mold spores.

If a competitor offers you a mold clean up protocol without Ozone Shock Treament- kick him out of your home!!! He obviously doesn't understand mold or its' complete and thorough clean up!

Charles Boday CMI, CMRC, CMLCC CALL 1-800-948-4947 NOW! http://www.safemoldsolutions.com

http://www.superdrybasement.com In the past we have worked for Ocwen , the Veterans Administration, Fannie Mae, HSBC/ Household, Countrywide, First Merit, Safeguard properties, American General, Westfield, Auto-owners, Nationwide, Allstate, Prudential and many others!!! Remember when mold is suspected or has been detected in a structure you owe to yourself to hire the very best .... FOR LESS!!!!

Get more for your money! You'll get immediate service turnaround - most inspections performed in 24-48 Hours.

You'll Get Complete Pre and Post Testing and Protocol Planning services available Now!You'll get the Best Mold Clean Up Contractors in the Midwest serving states east and west of the Mississippi. You'll get the best trained inspectors in the industry!

You'll get the most knowledgeable clean up experts!

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Call Now, 1-800-948-4947 To schedule an inspection and solve your problems permanently!

Proper Considerations When Selecting Vertical Blinds

Home improvement or decorating projects can come to a sudden stop when it comes time to choose the vertical blinds or window treatments. It can be a chore choosing between the wide variety of colors, fabrics, and other options available. In some cases, finding the right vertical blind can seem almost impossible. Fortunately, there are four easy-to-learn principals to help you select your blinds. Apply these principals, and you are likely to find just the right vertical blinds to fit your needs.

When buying vertical blinds, privacy is a very important element to consider. You may want more privacy in some rooms than you do in others. Kitchens, dens, and living rooms do not require nearly as much privacy as bathrooms and bedrooms do. This desire for privacy can, and should, be reflected by your vertical blinds. It is important to keep in mind that no matter how fantastic you may think the vertical blinds look on your bathroom window, if they aren't the right blinds, your neighbors may be the ones with the great view!

You need to know that many suppliers of vertical blinds charge extra for a valance to go with the blinds they supply. It is possible that when the supplier sends the blinds to you, these will arrive without anything to cover the control system or the plastic slat carriers. You will have little to no recourse if you are demanding a valance, since the product is technically functional. Make sure that you are looking at the complete vertical blinds, and ensure that they include a finishing valance, when selecting your vertical blinds.

While choosing your vertical blinds, another important thing to keep in mind is control of light. Most likely you would prefer to have various light control options for each room in your house. Additionally, you may desire more control of the lighting during various times of the day. An essential element for living rooms is light control. Over time, the sun's rays can cause considerable fading and damage to your furniture and upholstery. Reading and watching television can also become difficult when the sunlight is streaming into the room. So make sure you think about how much light control you require when choosing your vertical blinds.

Another thing to keep in mind while choosing your vertical blinds is how they function. You should be considering safety, among other things. Cords may create a safety hazard if you have children. Also, how will you get to those difficult to reach areas? Can you manually operate these vertical blinds or is a remote control required to operate them? Being safe and happy with your vertical blinds relies heavily on their functionality. Through normal use, expensive and high quality blinds can still break. You can experience some loss of function, whether from normal wear and tear or from the effects of weathering.

Lastly, there is the question of attractiveness. Indeed, you want the blinds to blend well with your overall home decor. The blinds you choose ought to accentuate your own style and taste, not look as if they don't belong. These four things should always be kept in mind while choosing your vertical blinds. Undoubtedly, you can make a choice that meets all of the desired qualifications. Do not just choose the cheapest option; you can find many high quality blinds online.

Judith Persit is certified as an interior decorator and gets her vertical blinds from blindsfactorydirect.com at blinds.

Top Of Stairs At Floor Framing

Bathtub Refinishing Fumes - How To Protect Yourself

Bathtub refinishing is being used more by hotels, apartment complexes and homeowners because of a housing downturn, a mortgage-meltdown, and overall depressed and depressing economy as a way to save money in their bathroom renovation. Another interest in re-glazing is being fueled by informed masses who have shown a continued interest in "greening" their homes, particularly in making them more energy efficient. Consumers are looking for ways to save money, and the environment and that is what bathtub refinishing does- provide savings of up to 80% over replacement while sparing the landfills.

But unlike other services like carpet cleaning, plumbing, pest control etc, where consumers know what to expect from their service contractor, tub re-glazing business is unknown to many. And because of this lack of knowledge, many don't know what the process involves, what to expect and what the the final outcome will be. Here is the bathtub refinishing process in a nutshell: A tub is cleaned, fully etched, cleaned, prime coated andtop coated.

The equipments used are a turbine, a sprayer and a big exhaust fan. The protective equipment is similar to what you'll see used in mold remediation or asbestos removal. If the fumes coming out of the bathroom are not healthy for the one doing the refinishing in the bathroom, do you think it is safe for you, your pets and especially younger and older ones in the home?

Many bathtub refinishing companies will tell you that they use a proprietary coating formulated by them and for them. Ask for their sacred MSDS. It contained enough toxic materials to make their technicians suit up as if cleaning a room full of asbestos. Water based coatings are getting better but water condenses in the bathroom and on the tub. Go figure. Every etching product contain some level of acid. The concentration of VOC's is high. Unfortunately, from the biggest bathtub refinishing companies to the small town bathtub refinishing company using exhaust fans to get rid of the fumes and their smell. They leave a lot of toxic fumes and smell that linger for days.

There are air scrubbers that can suck up those fumes and odors and still keep the environment?
These portable systems operate in a completely sealed off bathroom. They are quiet, so that guests and tenants that sleep on while bathtub re-glazing is done next room. In fact, some companies are using hospital grade air scrubbers while re-glazing a tub because of the importance these companies put on the health of their customers and the environmental impact of their work. These portable units are in the bathrooms where the re-glazing is done.

All the fumes and odors are captured and there is no hoses or cords coming out of the bathroom as a safety hazard. The technology is here. Next time you call your friendly bathtub refinishing company, ask them how they are going to mitigate the odor and fumes. If they are still using old technology with its environmental impact in this century, they are not your company. Ask questions, protect your health, and those of your hotel guests and apartment tenants.

The sluggish economy is forcing hotels and hotel chains, to find creative ways to save money and the environment as they remodel their bathrooms. Many are concerned about the effects of over-spray fumes on their guests and their health, the noise created by antiquated bathtub refinishing systems, the impact of old technology on the environment. Ask questions and lots of them before you hire your next friendly bathtub refinishing company.

Wilson Uche Ukah, is the President of Refinishing Stars, a bathtub refinishing company serving the bathtub reglazing needs of homeowners in Atlanta, Chattanooga, Nashville and Knoxville. Refinishing Stars, refinishes bathtubs, sinks, and countertops for hotels and motels nationwide. Wilson writes regularly on green remodeling and is a consultant to other bathtub refinishing companies. He can be reached at http://www.refinishingstars.com or sales@refinishingstars.com

Install a Wet Bar

Built in wet bars or butler's pantries serve as handy little entertainment areas that allow you to serve beverages and hors d'oeuvres without crowding the kitchen.

Bars aren't limited to rec rooms; they are commonly installed in dining rooms, next to kitchens, home theaters, or even outdoors on the patio. The only real requirement is access to plumbing in order to connect to a waterline.

Here are some of the more popular types of bars and some of the basic requirements for installation.

Butler's Pantry Bar

These are commonly built into buffets or cabinets, and camouflaged as a piece of furniture. They might hold glasses, ice makers, wine racks, and have a counter or preparation area.

Requirements

Access to electrical circuits and voltage capacity is key, especially if a small fridge, blender, or microwave is to be installed in the unit. Easy access to a waterline in the case of a small sink will also be needed.

The Pull-Up-a-Chair-Bar

This is your typical high counter bar with stools that can tuck away when not in use. They may contain a sink, fridge, and cupboards for glassware.

Requirements

Along with the plumbing and electrical, keep in mind that whatever you finish the outside with should stand up to shoe scuffs. You may want to cover with stone, wainscoting or brick. When making allowances for space requirements, allow two feet per stool with a bar height of 42 inches and a 12-inch overhang for the stools

The Wherever-it-Works Bar

Since you may be a slave to your waterline, this bar is an existing closet or cupboard that can be easily converted to a wet bar because of its convenient location. It should have a large enough counter to do some minor preparation and room for a small fridge or cooler, liquor storage and glasses.

Requirements

As above, ensure electrical capacity and availability, and allow for the ability to tap into an existing waterline and running of a waste line.

Portable Bars

These units are becoming more and more common, and as a result are available in a myriad of styles and price ranges. Designed for small spaces, you can place them wherever they conveniently fit. They neatly organize glassware, bar supplies, wine and liquor bottles, and have small preparation areas.

A member of the RE/MAX Hall of Fame, Bob Nachman is an award-winning Arizona REALTOR. To learn about buying or selling property in the Arizona real estate market, visit MoveToArizonaHomes.com.

Doors

Top 10 Secrets to Small Bathroom Designs

It's official. Small bathroom designs are making an inexorable leap to the frontline in the contemporary interior design firmament. No longer are homeowners treating small spaces with a sense of passive resignation, and are in fact, breaking free from the shackles of convention and weaving magic in small bathrooms.

These homeowners stop at nothing to ensure that their personal space resembles a work of art. Gone are the days when the thought of decorating a small bathroom could dim one's ardor. Today, things stand at polar opposites. One finds an earnest desire to liberate oneself from the constraints of claustrophobic eyesores, even at the cost of demolishing long-standing rules in design books.

Secrets Finally Revealed

If a paucity of ideas to inject a dose of freshness into your small space is your constant gripe, it's time to unlock a few secrets. So shun that innate skepticism, and get ready to fire your imagination like never before. Here's how:

• If bathing luxury is your utmost concern, soak in a small but deep bathtub that does not occupy centre stage in the space.
• A transparent shower screen as against an opaque shower wall highlights your bathroom's intrinsic style quotient, leaving nothing much to imagination.
• Do not shelve plans of installing floating or recessed cabinets. Utilize the space on the wall to the fullest.
• Onlookers are sure to stand up and take note of space saving pedestal and wall-mounted sinks.
• Open doors to innovating space saving schemes with hinged or sliding doors.
• Windows in close proximity to the ceiling provide ample space on the walls for cabinets and shelves.
• Optical illusion is not something that only Chris Angel can perfect. Allow natural light to come gushing into the space through windows and skylights, and watch the extraordinary impact.
• The sparkle of under cabinet lighting and the shimmer of mirrors can take the space from dull and dreary to devastatingly dazzling.
• While vertical lines add inches to the space, the spectacular combination of identical wall and floor tiles creates that crackling chemistry.
• Don't remain in the dark about the colossal impact of light, pastel or neutral shades.

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

Extreme Temperature Building

What Is A Mortgage Contingency Clause In A Real Estate Contract

A mortgage contingency clause is a provision in the home purchase contract that stipulated that if the prospective buyer can not get a mortgage within a fixed period of time, this prospective buyer will be able call the whole deal off. In other words, the agreement is conditional on the buyer being able to obtain a mortgage on the property.

Be careful when dealing with contingency clause. Any real estate officer or loan officer will tell you that there is no universal "standard" mortgage contingency clause. The seller would prefer that the sale close no matter how high the interest rate and how awful the terms the mortgage carries for the buyer. But the buyer wants to be sure that if he cannot get the mortgage he is counting on, such as one with 90% financing on a 30-year loan, the mortgage at no more than a specific rate, he can stop the transaction and recover the down payment. Both the buyer and the seller need to get some security about the deal to happen. The seller may be too concerned that the buyer is leaving the transaction too uncertain. Therefore these provisions are often negotiated.

General contingency clauses are very often to a contract. You can find appraisal clause stipulating that the sale is conditional to a certain amount of the value of the house. House inspection clause stating contingencies that deal with the presence of insect and other toxic substances or with the tests to verify that a septic system or well is functioning properly. You will find thousands of contingencies clause. Everything comes down to your ability to bargain and deal with the seller. But the hardest to bargain is the mortgage contingency clause on the ground that it affects directly your financial commitment.

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Painting Metal Siding

Stair Building Books

Where do we go to buy stair building books? Do we go to the major retailers like Amazon or Barnes & Noble? I have found over the years the information in most of these books I have purchased from these stores has a lot of fluff with very little common sense stair building application.

I bought one stair building book that had information on handrails. The front cover looked great and I thought this was going to be a great book reading the reviews from Amazon. When I finally got the book in the mail, I would say about one third of it was math tables for building elaborate wooden hand railing's. These tables were not easy to understand along with the rest of the book.

Back when I bought the book on building stair handrails it dawned on me that most of the construction workers I have met during my 30 years of working in the field were not very good outside of basic math. Now I knew a lot of carpenters that could read a measuring tape and use a framing square pretty good. But when it came to advanced geometrical construction projects like a stair hand railing system this was out of our league.

Reading this book or should I say parts of it gave me an idea to write a book of my own, starting with basic stair building I took all the fluff or the hard to understand advanced stair building applications out of my book, How to Build a Straight Set of Stairs.

I put a lot of time into creating an illustration for every possible part of building a simple set of stairs. I have probably built over 2000 sets of stairs during my lifetime and have explained and taught basic and advanced stair building to other carpenters. Understanding what parts of the stair construction process they understood, I was able to improve my skills as a stair building teacher.

Most people do not need advanced stair building skills to construct a simple straight set of stairs. If you are building a straight set of stairs and would like a stair building book with lots of easy to understand illustrations along with simplified directions you have found it.

We're building more stair building books to help contractors, carpenters, handymen and homeowners understand the stair 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 is currently working on more building stairs books and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry.

Moisture Against Gravity - Destroying Walls

Well I'm going to start this article with a little information on a job I did once.

I had been repairing a rental house for one particular homeowner for about three years when all of a sudden I got a phone call from him telling me the rental house was destroyed and he had never seen nothing like this. He sounded so upset over the phone I told him I would meet with him immediately.

On my way to the house I was trying to get an idea in my head what the house was going to actually look like. Since I have been repairing rental properties for over 20 years at this point of my career, nothing really shocked me. I had pretty much seen everything that could possibly be done to rental property by the tenants that lived there. There is a lot to be said about taking care of it as if it were your own.

He was waiting for me at the front door and he looked thoroughly disgusted. As I approached him he was shaking his head and yelling at the same time can you believe these people, can you believe what they did to my house. I was expecting to see the front door ripped off and all the windows broken out of the house but this wasn't the case.

As he led me through the home and I could see the usual clothing on the floor, broken cabinets, a few holes in the walls and of course that awful smell of mold and mildew. All of this stuff was nothing new to me because I'm the guy they call to fix it when a renter moves out of the property.

As I entered one of the bedrooms I got my first glimpse of something I had never seen before but heard stories about and could not believe my eyes. Looking at the walls in the bedroom about 3 feet from the floor all the way around the room, the plaster was soft. It actually looks like someone shoved popcorn into the wall somehow.

The homeowner wasn't even looking at this because of the rest of the damage in the home. I started to explain to him I'd never seen nothing like this but I could guess it was water damage somehow since the plaster was soft. I could actually stick my finger into the wall, that's how soft the plaster was.

My first thought was to examine the carpeting a little closer to see if it was wet. Well it was damp but it wasn't as wet as I would've expected it to be with the amount of water in the walls. With a little more home inspecting I had found the culprit, it was a broken water bed. The water bed was now in the backyard looking innocent.

I couldn't believe a broken water bed could do this much damage so I looked around for broken or leaking water pipes and could not find any. The other bad news I had to inform the homeowner was that the water had damage the bathroom and closet walls also. These walls of course were on the other side of the bathroom walls that were damaged.

Well the point of this story is that water will actually wick its way up or worked its way up into a wall. I had to remove 4 feet of drywall all the way around the room. The plaster or drywall actually acts like a sponge pulling the water into the walls. Hard to imagine that gravity in this case seems to reverse. I would've never thought that water would've traveled so far up the walls creating that much damage.

To repair the rental property I had to remove the damaged drywall, remove the carpeting, dry the wood framing out and put the whole thing back together.

I'm still amazed and will remember that project for as long as I live.

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 House Water Damage

Structural Shear Wall Inside

New Versus Old Lumber - Structural Failure

During my 30 years of remodeling and building new homes. I have ran across quite a bit of structural framing failures. I find myself answering this question a lot when explaining to a homeowner about the structural failure I am repairing on their home, "Why Didn't They Use Better Lumber" or " Why Didn't They Use Larger Lumber." I really have a hard time answering these questions because I honestly don't know the answer.

However I can try to use some logic and reason to give these people an answer that seems to make sense to both of us. Why didn't they use better lumber, quite simply because, with most older homes that were built before the 1970s they actually do have better lumber. Now you're probably thinking how can these homes have better lumber when the lumber is old versus the new lumber used in a brand new house.

Most of the structural repairs I have made over the years has nothing to do with the lumber and whether it was new or old. A large number of these repairs were caused by neglect and poor maintenance.

The lumber in most older houses are from older growth trees. Some of these trees were extremely large and only the premium parts of the trees were used. The premium lumber is cut farthest away from the center of the tree. Now the larger the tree it makes sense that there will be more premium lumber.

A large majority of the newer lumber used in home construction comes from trees about 6 inches in diameter. Now you're probably wondering how can they cut a 2 x 8 piece of lumber out of a 6 inch tree. Of course they cannot, the larger lumber comes from larger trees.

Most 2 x 4's that are less than 8 foot long can be cut from these trees. This scrap or waste that comes from cutting these two by fours will now go into engineered building materials like particleboard, oriented strand board and engineered beams. Another name for an engineered been would be a paralam.

I hope you're starting to get the picture now when it comes to using new or old lumber. There are companies that are going into old logging rivers and retrieving old growth lumber. These were logs that sank to the bottom of the river's and were never retrieved because it was too costly.

The old growth lumber is quite expensive. Who's to say what problems we will happen in the future from the newer products created with modern day technology. When it comes to building houses it is not an exact science and as contractors we have been repairing the damage from poor engineering for years.

When I use the word poor engineering I am not pointing fingers at engineers. We now have more knowledge about home construction then we had years ago.

New versus old lumber, who wins the battle. Only time will tell.

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 Structural Repairs.

Top Of Stairs At Floor Framing

How to Replace your Broken Oven Element

The oven element in your electric range can burn out at any time. Unfortunately it always seems to happen at the most inopportune times, such as the week before Christmas or Thanksgiving.

Most elements do give warnings before burning out. They will often have a bright spot that will be noticed by the homeowner, just prior to burning out. If your element has a bright spot replace it as soon as possible. Waiting for the element to burn out is inadvisable because the oven thermostat or other electric components can be affected.

In all aspects of this job safety must come first. Use only the manufacturers original parts, not a cheaper substitute. Only attempt this repair when you have enough time, and patience, to do it properly. Remember, you will be dealing with 240 volts - thats twice as much power as flows through your regular household circuits. Only attempt this repair with another adult present.

If you feel confident in your ability to safely replace an oven element then try the following method:

1 Disconnect range from electrical power, either by unplugging or turning off breakers. Pull range away from wall so all sides can be accessed.

2 Remove rear panel of range to expose the element wiring. Identify which element you suspect being burnt out.

3 Carefully remove the element wiring. They are usually screwed on connections. Avoid breaking the connections or stripping the screw head with your screwdriver.

4 Go to the front of the range. Locate the screws securing the element within the oven cavity. This may require a flashlight because they are usually covered in debris. Again use caution not to harm the screw heads. The screws may be very tight and will require patience to remove without harming. If the screws will not turn they will have to be drilled out using a high-speed drill. If this becomes necessary use caution not to chip the oven interior.

5 Remove the oven element. If its broken avoid touching the pieces with your bare hands. The pieces can be very sharp. Plus, the white powdered insulation contains harmful chemicals.

6 Proceed to a parts store to obtain a replacement. Make certain you have your make, model, and serial number. Manufacturers use a vast variety of elements. Each model, type, configuration, and wattage requirements will determine which element was installed in your range.

7 Install the new element and secure it with the screws. If the holes in the mounting plate dont align you will have to drill holes in the cabinet interior. Carefully drill holes in the cabinet using a high-speed drill. Use caution not to let drill slip to avoid damaging or chipping the interior liner.

8 From the rear of the range reconnect the element wiring. Dont bent the electrical connections or allow the screws to strip the threads. If the wiring is burnt the insulation must be cut back to expose undamaged wire. Cut the insulation back using a knife or wire-stripping tool.

9 With the new element installed plug the range back into the electricity. Start the oven and allow to run for five minutes. Disconnect the electricity and quickly feel the wiring insulation at the element connections. They should feel slightly warm, but not hot. A hot connection indicates a poor connection, or the possible failure of other components associated with the oven. If hot, it will be necessary to remove it and redo. Once satisfied with connections replace the rear panel and reinstall into counter.

10 Test the oven operation. All elements should go off and on as per normal.

11 Final step is to do a test run of the oven temperature. If you have an oven thermometer allow the oven to cycle off three or four times at a regular baking temperature. The thermometer should indicate same temperature at which the oven dial is set. As a confirmation bake something such as muffins or cookies as your test substance.

As the preceding has shown, replacing a burnt element is not a difficult repair. But, it is certainly one that should only be attempted by someone who is confident around electricity. If you are uncertain about your ability around high voltage, telephone an appliance repairperson for help.

An appliance repairperson can have your element replaced, tested, and operating in less than an hour. Less time than it will take you to find the part. Also, they will have all the tools and testers required to do the job quickly and safely.

Copyright 2006 Donald Grummett. All rights reserved. Need answers about repairs and maintenance of Household Appliances? With 35 years experience Donald Grummett can help. Visit http://www.mgservices.ca to learn much more invaluable information.

Hiring Contractors Books

Tips For Dealing With a Manufactured Home Builder

If you are considering buying a prefabricated or manufactured home then you will be dealing with a manufactured home builder. They are much easier to deal with then your average building contractor is, but all the same you will want to get the best deal that you can get.

A Lot of Design and Decorating Choices to Make

One quandary that you will face is the astounding number of choices and options that you will encounter prior to your home being built. It's just not like it used to be, because todays manufactured home builders are all out to offer more then the next guy in design and decorating options.

Take Your Time and Study Your Options

The secret to making the right decisions is to first get yourself acquainted with the information. Also, do your absolute best to avoid any snap decisions that you may regret later.

Choices in Fireplaces

For instance, you will be offered any number of choices in custom fireplaces and mantels. If you have never owned a home with a fireplace then you must take into consideration whether you want a gas or wood fireplace, so give it some thought beforehand.

Take a Virtual Three Dimensional Tour

Another new marketing trend for todays manufactured home builder is three dimensional computer software that allows a prospective client to actually take a virtual tour of their home before it is even built. It's a great tool for helping a buyer to make the right choices when selecting out their options.

Study Up and Ask Questions

So study the process well and don't be afraid to ask some questions. Can they install speakers in each room of the home your are considering buying? Also, what types of security features can you get with the manufactured home that you are considering buying?

Written by Jayden Jefferson. Come visit my website for more info on modern modular homes as well as modular manufactured homes.

Advantages of Framing With Steel Studs

I have heard all sorts of stories over the years of the advantages in framing with steel versus wood studs. One time I even heard you could build an entire house with the amount of recycled steel from a large automobile such as a Cadillac. I find this hard to believe unless you're building a very small home.

My personal favorite for framing with steel studs is that they are extremely straight. I have built nonbearing partition walls using 12 foot 3 1/2 inch wide steel studs and after the drywall you can lay an 8 foot level to check it for straightness on the wall with amazing results.

If you use 3 1/2 inch wide steel studs with 5/8 of an inch drywall you will get an extremely durable and sturdy wall. Framing was steel studs is common in office renovations or remodeling. Most of the steel stud framing is done via the drywall contractors.

Steel studs and termites do not mix. You'll never have to worry about these little buggers or other uninvited house pests damaging your walls.

Over the years I have heard stories that steel framed buildings are earthquake and fire proof. They might be more resistant to fire than wood but keep in mind when metal is hot enough it will bend and warp making it unusable.

When I hear people talking about a fireproof building built with metal framing components my first thought is all of the other materials used in building the house that are not fire resistant. Don't get a false illusion when buying a house framed with steel studs and think it is 100% fire proof.

As far as steel framed buildings being earthquake proof this is another story. I really can't comment too much on earthquake damage to a steel building. The problem with earthquakes is they seem to create fires. So even if you're building does survive an earthquake it could get damaged by a fire in the area.

I have framed more wood homes than steel homes over the years and my steel stud construction is limited to nonbearing partition walls usually located in office buildings. I love framing with metal because of its light weight and ease of construction.

I still love framing with wood. There is something about what framing that I have always loved and always will.

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 House Framing Ideas

Construction Estimating Institute - An Excellent Learning Destination

If you are a foreman, estimator, superintendent, project manager, or any other worker related to the construction industry, then you can augment your skill by joining institutes such as the Construction Estimating Institute. If you want to join the construction industry, then too the institute is an excellent destination for pursuing vocational education.

The institute was founded in 1982. It offers training and continuing education seminars in project management, field supervision, blueprint reading and building and sitework estimating. The training that is imparted is of the highest quality and can immensely benefit all those working in the construction industry.

Further, amongst the different courses on offer are a variety of online courses as well. These include courses such as construction cost strategy, course in financial basics, a course in Florida construction regulations, advanced 2004 FBC building/structural summary course, as well as courses related to estimating, bidding and on-site safety.

However, if there is a requirement for private, onsite construction training, it can be very easily arranged. Those who seek such a service need to simply put in a request for an onsite personalized training course. The chosen personalized course can even include areas that you want to specifically work upon.

There are many construction training institutes in the market. Some examples of such institutes are American Society of Professional Estimators, AGC Online Institute, RedVector.com, Construction Experts, Inc., Contractors Institute, and Jade Electric, Inc. However, what sets Construction Training Institute apart from all such institutes is its non-profit motive that drives the institute's educational endeavors.

Indeed, Construction Training Institute is a non-profit organization, working to impart high-end skills in estimating and management. There is only a nominal cost of the courses involved. However, it is chiefly intended to take care of the costs incurred in the design and distribution of the courses.

Further, for those who do not intend to join any course but would still like to profit from the knowledge accumulated by the institution's minds, doors are open to its bookstore. Amongst a variety of literary resources on offer, the 2008 Construction Cost Guide with CD ROM is the most popular one.

Apart from it, the bookstore also has some titles for various state-level general contractor examinations as well. Some such titles available are Residential Contractor Complete Book Package, General Contractor Complete Book Package, Building Contractor Complete Book Package, Roofing Contractor Complete Book Package, and Underground Utility Complete Book Package. A budding contractor can read books for whichever examination he/she is taking.

Institutes like the Construction Estimating Institute can help any contractor or any other personnel related to the construction industry with improving his/her estimating and managing skills. For a small price, this learning destination gives you an excellent opportunity to learn how to improve your services.

Read more information on Construction Estimating including software and calculators at => http://www.construction--estimating.com

Home Organization Books

Stair Lighting Problems

Walking up and down the stairs in the dark could become a safety issue. If the stairs in the house are not that old, there should be a light switch at the top and a light switch at the bottom of the stairway. This is a three way switch and is designed to allow you to turn the stair lighting on as you walk up the stairs and then turn the stair lighting off, once you've safely reached the top of the stairway. And vice versa as she walked down the stairs.

If you don't have a light switch, there are motion sensor lights that are battery operated and can be installed easily in the stairway. These lights can provide you with peace of mind, while protecting your family from accidents.

Stairway accidents are nothing to joke about, I lived in a two-story house with four other people and was the last one to fall down the stairway. None of us got seriously injured and the stairway was built to meet local building codes and was inspected by a building and safety inspector. The stairs were built correctly and the stair lighting was no problem, but people still fell down the stairway and it always happens in the evening.

During the day time there were two windows that let plenty of light into the stairway and in the evening the stairway became quite dark, rarely was the stair lightning ever turned on. This could have been outright laziness but nevertheless, it was rarely used and eventually became a safety issue.

Lighting your stairway might not end all of your problems but it can and some of your problems. There are plenty of stair lighting systems available on the market today and some of the battery operated stair lighting systems can be installed by most homeowners.

Think safety always and do your best to solve your stair lighting problems as soon as possible to prevent injuries or accidents.

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 building stairs or home building ideas.

Remodeling Costs: How Do I Pay For It?

To keep remodeling costs under control, there are four key remodeling cost drivers: The design of the remodel, the materials you use, who manages the project, and how you pay for it.

Lets review common ways to pay for your remodel and the pros and cons of each.

1. Loan against retirement account (e.g. 401k)

Pros: You pay yourself the interest on a loan against your 401k.

Cons: You lose the interest you could be making if it was invested. If you lose your job, most loans require you to pay the loan back immediately, and there can be significant income tax consequences.

2. Home Equity Loan

Pros: Usually tax deductible. Lump sum is paid to you at the start so you have flexibility of what you do with the money.

Cons: A second loan to manage. Shorter term than a standard mortgage. Requires that you have sufficient equity in your home. You have to pay interest on the entire loan amount even though you may not need the money to pay for remodeling right away.

3. Home Equity Line of Credit

Pros: You only borrow the money you need at the time, so finance charges are lower at the beginning.

Cons: A second loan to manage. Shorter term than a standard mortgage. Requires that you have sufficient equity in your home.

4. Construction Loan

Pros: Good for larger remodel projects and if you don't have enough home equity to qualify for a loan to cover construction costs.

Cons: Higher interest rate than home equity loans. Not tax deductible. Usually short term until construction is complete and then is replaced with a new first mortgage, which may have processing fees or closing costs.

5. Loan from the contractor

Pros: Available to most homeowners.

Cons: High interest rates. Not the best terms. Can lock you into working with a specific contractor. Not recommended.

6. Refinance and cash out

Pros: You only have a single loan for your home. Usually tax deductible interest. A single larger loan will usually have the lowest interest rate.

Cons: Requires that you have sufficient equity in your home. You have to pay interest on the entire loan amount even though you may not need the money to pay for remodeling right away. May have significant closing costs.

7. Credit Cards

Pros: Most homeowners have this as an alternative.

Cons: High interest rate, not tax deductible.

8. Your savings

Pros: The least expensive way to pay for your remodel.

Cons: Make sure you don't use all of your savings. Always have some available for emergencies.

For free expert advice on the best way to pay for a remodel based on your specific situation simply complete the form at http://www.remodelormove.com/forms/goapply.cfm. Or you can visit http://www.remodelestimates.com to find out how much a remodel project may cost.

About the Author
Dan Fritschen, founder of www.remodelormove.com, a homeowner advocacy organization, speaker at Home and Garden shows Nationwide, author of the award winning, best selling book Remodel or Move? and The Complete Remodeling Workbook and Organizer (available at www.remodelingorganizer.com) has recently been interviewed on CNN, in Better Homes and Garden Magazine and in Newsweek.

Do you have remodeling or moving questions? Email Dan directly at dan@remodelormove.com.

Copyright 2005 ABCD Publishing LLC

Home Remodeling Books

Planning the Perfect Bathroom

Everybody gets bored of how their room is decorated at one time or another, and so everyone will wish that they could redecorate their room. You don't actually need to spend a fortune to make your home look like new again, you just need to be aware of a few great tips.

Kitchen Renovations

The kitchen is the hub of any modern home, even if you don't cook you will still use this room on a daily basis. Whenever friends or family come over you always seem to meet in the kitchen! Kitchens get a lot of use, and so they can show the signs of age very quickly. With a few tips you can preserve your budget whilst also letting your kitchen look brand new.

If you have florescent lighting in your room then it can make the whole room look very dated. The easiest solution to this is to replace them and install something which makes your room warm and lighter. There are many different options which you can use here, including track lighting, ceiling lighting, or recessed lighting.

The second thing that you should look at renovating are your cabinets, these get dirty very quickly. Just a simple lick of paint might be enough to breathe extra life into them.

If however you have solid wood cabinets then you might not want to paint over it, you could simply sand the wood down and refinish it. You might also want to remove the centre panel and replace it with something more fashionable like a piece of clear glass.

Renovating other Rooms

The living room or family rooms are the two places that could do with a lot of renovation as they get a lot of use. If you don't have enough money to buy furniture then you could buy covers to put over your existing furniture and make it look new. New drapes can also give an old room a new look.

If there are any stains on your carpet then replacing a carpet would be a very expensive option. You could use some strategically placed rugs to hide the stains. You could also replace the carpet with laminate flooring.

Bathroom Renovations

Bathrooms also get a lot of use, and so need careful attention when renovating them. You should start by looking at your sink and bathtub, as these often start to look grubby very quickly. You can change what the whole bathroom looks like by just replacing these fixtures.

You could also paint all of the walls, but make sure you choose a paint which will cope with the steam in the bathroom.

Other Rooms

Other things which you will need to consider are storage space, nobody seems to have enough room in their house for everything that they need. This can cause many rooms to look dull simply because there is so much clutter. There are many different storage solutions which may be of interest to you, including colorful plastic bins for children's toys, or attractive wicker baskets.

The room which doesn't get much attention is the garage, this could benefit from a few of these tips! Especially the storage tips! Garages would benefit from peg boards to store tools, and possibly racks and shelves to store other tools and big bulky items such as bikes.

Being especially interested in discount drape fabric and drapery hardware, John Bakers wrote large numbers of detailed reports on this specific matter. Through his reports on drapes and discount drape fabric the author demonstrated his knowledge on the subject.

Iron Gates - As Good As It Gates

Gates are pretty simple they must allow anything that is worthy of passing through and must block anything that is not. And it can't get any simpler. That is why, today, we design gates that do just that or probably a bit more. Just the thing that must be kept in mind is - that they must be sturdy. So sturdy that a gate is a guard, all by itself, all the time.

When the matter comes to sturdiness, there is, probably, no element to match the goodwill of iron. Iron gates have been in use since ages. And they will be, until a better element is discovered. Iron gates are made, pretty obviously, of iron. The choice of iron is made because of its sturdiness, ability to resist weathers of any season, and its visual beauty. Iron gates stand all extreme conditions and come out as winners all the time.

Cast iron is obtained by melting pig iron, along with considerable amounts of scrap steel and scrap iron. Various steps are then taken to remove any unwanted contaminants like phosphorus and sulfur. Later on, other elements are mixed into the melt before finally obtaining a form that is a produce of casting. This process, as is obvious, provides iron of a very superior quality. Such superior quality reinforces the trust needed to build iron gates. Due to its low melting point, excellent match inability ,cast ability and good fluidity, cast irons are famous with a wide range of applications, that include gates pipes, car and machine parts. Nowadays, cast iron gates are a common sight everywhere.

Wrought iron is commercially pure iron, with a tiny amount of carbon , but it generally contains some amount of slag. Wrought iron gates can be easily welded together and are very tough, malleable, and ductile. This however comes with a price. Wrought iron is quite soft, and hence, wrought iron gates are not a common sight today. Wrought iron is so called as it is wrought from a mixture of porous iron contaminated with slag. Wrought iron is not as strong as compared to its counterpart and is, hence, less used than cast iron. Although there may not be a visible difference between the two different types of irons, their differences in sustaining various conditions are obvious. Hence care must be taken in deciding upon the type of iron to be used for the iron gates. Generally, wrought iron scores a couple of brownie points over cast iron in terms of endurance.

Gate fences too are similar in nature they compliment the iron gates. Gate fences provide added security and more power to the iron gates. Generally gate fences are made out of iron, although whether to use cast iron or wrought iron solely depends upon the owner. Both cast iron and wrought iron gate fences are a common sight. These Iron Gate fences are generally barb-wire fences that are put around the iron gates to provide extra level of security.

Rob Hargreaves - An American Locksmith, living and working in New York City, for NYC Locksmith company - Mr-Locks Inc. To learn more about iron gates and other types of security gates - please visit: http://www.mr-locks.com and browse through our catalogue of iron work, call or email for additional inquiries about Iron Gates.

Flipping Houses Books

Tips in Remodeling a Small Bathroom

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bathtub Refinishing - Do It Yourself

Bathtub refinishing is a popular choice when it comes to renovating or remodeling a bathroom. Instead of taking the time and expense of removing an existing bathtub, old bathtubs are looking new once again by refinishing the tub.

The concept of making an old tub look new has caught on for homeowners who like the idea of saving money on a bathroom makeover project. Bathtub refinishing allows people the option of applying different substances on an existing tub to bring back the shine of a new tub.

The cost of replacing a bathtub can be a huge expense and the demolition that is sometimes required for removing an old tub can be very time consuming. The process of refinishing a bathtub can take as little as two days for completion without the added cost and time.

When considering restoring an existing bathtub, there are several products to choose from. Bathtub refinishing products range from less expensive do it yourself kits available at the local home goods store to the more expensive materials that a bathtub restoration professional uses. Although the entire process can be done by most people, hiring a professional may be worth the extra expense.

When a professional refinishes a bathtub, the supplies used are usually a superior quality and the result often shows. The professional uses a spray on type application that gives a nice smooth even coat on the entire bathtub. Most do it yourself refinishing kits have roll on applicators, which do a good job for most bathtubs, but may lack the superior quality of a professional application.

Consider bathtub refinishing if you are planning a bathroom renovation. It is less costly than replacing a bathtub and the final results have proven to make homeowners very satisfied with their old but new bathtub.

Be sure to read more about bathtub refinishing where we show you the benefits of refinishing a bathtub. Also learn more about bathroom renovations including installation of luxury bathtubs such as clawfoot bathtubs, walk in bathtubs, steam showers, and more by clicking on the link today at: http://www.bathtub-depot.com/bathroom_renovations.html

Brick And Siding Wall

4 Reasons You Need a Pet Door and Which Kind to Get

If you have been toying with the idea of getting a pet door installed in your house, it's time to stop toying. There are a number of reasons why it is wise to have a pet door installed for your furry friend. Here's a look at four of them:

Fewer Accidents

Just like sometimes you have to go and can't hold it any longer, the same thing can happen to your pet. If you happen to not be home when this urge comes, you are going to come home to an accident. This is especially a problem in younger dogs in training and older dogs that can no longer control their bladder as well as they used to. If you had a pet door installed, it would not be a problem.

Pet Independence

Want to teach your pet to think for itself and not be a puppy, get a pet door. This allows your pet to make decisions on when he or she needs to go out to the bathroom. This is also healthier for your pet. While many pets will wait until you get home to be let out when they have to go, if they wait too long, it could lead to longer-term health problems.

Fewer Interruptions

Have you ever had one of those nights when you have just been able to finally sit down after a long day and the dog then lets you know he needs out? Maybe you're right at the most dramatic point in the movie when this happens. Either way, it's inconvenient. With a dog door your pet can let himself in and out and you don't have to worry about it.

Less Home Damage

Many pets do whatever they can to get out when they need to go. They may start by barking then turn it into scratching and even biting on things trying to get a door to open. If you're not home to hear their cries to go out, you won't be there to stop the damage that a pet door could have prevented.

Selecting a Pet Door

Once you know you need a pet door you may wonder which is the best for you to get.

First, you need a door that is just going to fit your dog through it. Remember, this is a door that will have to go to the outside, so there may be some hot or cold air getting in. You want to make it as small as possible of an open space. If your dog is young, make sure the door will be large enough for him when he is full grown.

Second, many people worry about safety when they install a pet door. They don't want a door that is open to the outside where an intruder can get in. Thankfully, you can look for a pet door that thought about this. Look for a door that is electronic that can only be opened when your pet gets close to it. You will have to put a signal collar on your pet so the dog knows it is your pet at the pet door and not an intruder.

Author Jennifer Akre is an owner of a wide variety of online specialty shops including that offer both items and information on pets. Whether it is dog supplies for your dog, or even your cat supplies for your cat, there are many tips you can use to help you make your home a better place for your pet.

Electrical Panel Remodeling

Insulated Earthbag Houses

Energy performance on most buildings can be improved with insulation, including those made of earth such as adobe and earthbag structures. Although most earth structures are located in hot, dry climates, there is increasing demand for low-cost, eco-friendly earth building techniques in cold climates. This article explores three innovative methods for insulating earthbag buildings, which extends their building range to cold regions.

Most earthbag buildings use polypropylene grain bags filled with soil. The bags are filled, stacked in level courses and then tamped solid. One or two strands of barbed wire between courses bond the bags to each other and add tensile strength. The building process using earthbags filled with insulation as described here would be nearly the same, although the bags would weigh significantly less and speed construction considerably.

Unlike other earth building methods, earthbag building has the unique advantage of providing either thermal mass or insulation, and therefore can be adapted for cold climates with an insulated fill material. Scoria, pumice, perlite, vermiculite or rice hulls are all suitable insulating materials. These materials are natural, lightweight, easy to work with and non-toxic. They will not burn or rot and do not attract insects or vermin. In addition, scoria, pumice, perlite, vermiculite are not adversely affected by moisture and can be used as part of earth-bermed structures.

The table below compares the approximate R-values of three sustainable insulating materials that could be used in earthbags. (The first column in the table is the insulative value per inch; the second column shows the R-value for a typical 15" thick earthbag wall.)

Material -- R-value/inch -- R-value/15"
Rice hulls -- R-3 -- R-45
Perlite -- R-2.7 -- R-40
Vermiculite -- R-2.13 -- R-32 to 36
(Source: Wikipedia Encyclopedia.) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R-value_(insulation)

1) The first method for insulating earthbag buildings uses bags filled entirely with insulation. The main advantage of this method over the other methods described below is ease of construction. Walls are one bag wide and filled entirely with insulation. Thick earth or lime plaster on the interior provides thermal mass to help stabilize indoor temperatures.

A demonstration home using this method was built in Crestone, Colorado with scoria-filled earthbags. Scoria also is known as volcanic rock or lava rock. Due to its volcanic origin, scoria is filled with tiny air spaces, making it a good insulator. Although the R-value of scoria is debatable, the owner claims these earthbag walls are comparable to straw bale walls of around R-26 to R-30. This estimate includes 5" of papercrete at approximately R-2/inch.

2) Another method for insulating earthbag buildings uses tube sandbags, also called traction tube sand bags, typically used to improve automobile traction on snowy/icy roads. (The bags are sold to add weight for vehicle traction.) This method involves stacking tube sandbags filled with insulation on the exterior of earthbag walls, thereby creating a double wall.

Filled tube sandbags provide about 10" of insulation, which is perfect for many climates - not too much, not too little. Again, scoria, pumice, perlite, vermiculite or rice hulls could all be used for insulation. Perlite would be my first choice due to its high R-value (R-2.7x10"=R-27) and resistance to moisture damage, although the final decision needs to be weighed against other locally available and inexpensive natural materials.

3) A third possibility is to add a seam lengthwise down earthbags to divide them into two compartments. The outer part could be filled with insulation; the inner part with soil. Like the other systems described here, this would create an insulated wall with thermal mass on the interior. For many situations, especially structures in moderately cold regions, this is an ideal wall system.

The placement of the seam could vary, depending on the climate. In a mild climate like New Mexico, about 4"-5" of insulation on the outside would suffice. This would provide about R-10 insulation. In a slightly colder climate the seam could go down the middle (50% insulation / 50% soil). In extremely cold or extremely hot climates I would fill the bags with 100% insulation (or all earth in a hot climate if insulation is not available).

Owen Geiger, Director of the Geiger Research Institute of Sustainable Building at http://www.GRISB.org has co-authored http://www.EarthbagBuilding.com to better focus and keep track of the rapid growth of this novel building method.

Simple Layout And Framing

Home Remodeling in a Weak Economy

Over the years, I've talked to thousands of homeowners considering a remodeling project. They are at a decision point. The questions are often similar, often complex, and always cover many facets of life. One of the biggest issues is economics, and the five most common questions on that front are:

1. What do we need?
2. What do we want?
3. What will it cost?
4. What will it be worth?
5. What should we do?

The Big Shift

The way people answer these questions is changing along with the changes in the housing market and economy. Does this mean people won't remodel? No. In fact, I think it means more people will remodel (since less will be building new homes!).

Merge the economic factor with the Green Movement and you get some pretty interesting changes in the answers to these five questions.

What do we need?

Old answer: "More space, more storage, more garage bays...MORE!"

New answer: "Better use of the space we have; better storage, creative solutions, well designed nooks-and-crannies, better flow...BETTER!"

Areas like a small home office are going to be a big part of the future. Not only do people want to make better use of less space, but the trend toward working from home marches on. Home offices are a great place to get creative with design. You can use built-ins to take advantage of even the smallest areas of open space.

What do we want?

Old answer: see "MORE" response above. People haven't always been all that interested in trying to differentiate between wants and needs.

New answer: "We want to create an environment that has great design and feels great to be in! We want to eliminate clutter without giving up amenities. We want to live in a space that speaks to who we are and what we love. We want to vacation in our own home!"

American homeowners are willing to give up some space, but they aren't at all interested in giving up quality!

Words like environment, design, and feel weren't a big part of the ideas of ten years ago. At least not for the masses. That's different now.

The growth of places like Starbucks and Panera show that people want to be surrounded by a thoughtful design.

What will it cost?

Old answer (homeowner): "As long as I can refinance and the cost will be less than $____ per month, let's do it!"

Old answer (contractor): "It's not going to be cheap!"

New answer (homeowner): "It can't cost more than $________ because that's how much cash I have to put into this."

New answer (contractor): "It's not going to be cheap, but it will cost less than it would have last year, and I am willing to work creatively to get you more for your money."

Times have changed, though surprisingly the cost contractors pay to get work done really hasn't changed much. Amazingly, all the price increases attributed to the high price of fuel remain exactly as they were. Labor rates haven't dropped and workers don't work faster.

But budgets have changed. People have less to spend or at least less they are willing to spend. It will be interesting to see how these forces meet. I think we'll see an increase in people going the D.I.Y. route.

What people must be careful of in a time like this is to NOT hire unlicensed contractors or worse! Even a complete beginner would wish they had just done the job themselves if they end up in a serious mess as a result of bringing in the wrong help to save a buck.

What will it be worth?

Old answer: "It's gonna be worth at least __% more than I pay for it!"

New answer: "Unless I buy this extremely well, it's going to take at least ___ years before I can get my money back."

This does not mean people won't remodel. It just means that they will remodel for themselves, for what they want and need, not for some future, "maybe, maybe-not" ROI.

What should we DO?

My answer: Create a retreat; make an environment that makes you feel amazing when you're home. Be sure it encompasses both indoors and out. Don't let economic worries or budget concerns stop you from making the most of the place where you spend so much of your life.

Whatever the budget, there is a solution. Especially if you're willing to do a little research and get your hands dirty!

Tim Layton

Remodeling Guy

Visit The Remodeling Guy Blog - Helping you build your dream, without losing your mind, your money, or your marriage!

http://www.remodelingguy.net

Floor Decorating Ideas - Bamboo For Flooring

When I was growing up the choice of floor decoration was oilcloth [a thin type of linoleum], or linoleum [lino] in the bedrooms and, in the living rooms downstairs, lino covered with a large rug or, if you had a better budget, herringbone hardwood flooring with a large rug in the middle. A stair runner lined the center of the stairs held in place with a brass stair-rod. These ideas moved on into the 1970s with fitted carpets which had large swirly patterns: you were really somebody if you could afford fitted carpets! Fitted carpets came and stayed, the only real changes being the textures and fabrics, the colours and whether the carpets were plain or patterned. These all changed according to fashion. Cork tiles made a brief appearance as being the must-have flooring options in the bathroom and kitchen. They never really went out of fashion as they are practical and warm underfoot.

However, the late 1990s was when laminate flooring made its appearance and hardwood flooring came back with a vengeance. Floors to aspire to are now hardwood floors, with the whole of the living area having the same kind of flooring. Gone are the days of the unhygienic carpeting in the kitchen: this has been replaced by a multitude of flooring options, from recycled rubber to slate, stone, hardwood, laminates, and tiling. Many bedrooms are also finished with laminate or hardwood flooring, brightened up with scattered rugs. In my own home, however, I have retained deep-pile carpets in the bedrooms and, in all the downstairs rooms I have installed hardwood flooring which has been stained and varnished to give it a deep timbre to bring out the beauty of the wood. It is so much easier to keep clean and I believe this is far more hygienic than fitted carpets everywhere which can harbour germs deep down in the fibres.

The number of DIY shops that sell both hardwood and laminate flooring is amazing when, if you think about it carefully, fitting flooring effectively so that it looks good and lies properly, is an experts' job. It is certainly not something I would consider doing. After all, if you mess it up, hardwood is not a cheap option - if you are paying out that sort of money, as far as I am concerned, it is better to pay a bit more and employ an expert to fit it properly. In this case, the end result well justifies the means! So, if you are choosing laminates or hardwoods, what are you going to be looking for? Good hardwood flooring will add value to your property and will last a lifetime. If it does start to look a bit tired, it just needs to be sanded down, re-stained and given a new coat of varnish. Solid hardwood flooring planks are available in cherry, walnut, maple, and oak. Also available are other woods such as teak and bamboo which, although not a wood but a grass, is very popular in these economically sustainable times.

Home Decorating Ideas offers quick cheap tips on how to decorate your house. Includes tips on decorating the office, living room, bedroom, kitchen and more.

Sauna Or Steam Bath Which Is Healthier?

A Sauna is a Finnish hot air bath. The word sauna is derived from the Finnish word for dry heat bath. The terms steam bath, steam shower and steam sauna often get confused with one another, yet they do not mean the same thing. The first difference begins with how they are heated.

The traditional sauna uses electric, wood or gas-fired heaters. The second type of sauna is the infrared sauna. The infrared sauna uses radiant heat which heats the occupants rather than the air. In the traditional sauna the air is heated but it is a dry heat. This is why the sauna is also called a dry hot-air bath.

In a steam bath it is moist heat. The steam bath uses a steam generator. The sauna has very low humidity, whereas the steam bath has high humidity. In a steam bath the steam builds up to create a humidity level of around 100%. Because of the humidity factor the heat in the sauna is far higher than that of the steam bath. The difference in temperature can be anywhere from 40C to 60C.

The health benefits of either depend upon what you want. Both steam baths and sauna are good to unwind and relax. They both help to cleanse by sweating. They are both good for blood circulation.

The dry heat of the sauna can make it uncomfortable for some people to breathe. Those with respiratory problems may prefer the moist heat of the steam bath. The inhalation of steam is often used for treating bronchitis and allergies. Therefore those who wish to treat respiratory problems will benefit more from steam baths.

A sauna detoxifies but it also refreshes and revitalizes your body. In general saunas are easier to build and require less material and labor than a steam bath. Both can be affordable and may add monetary value to your home.

Paul Hegarty is the owner of All-About-Saunas.com your guide to Saunas.

Learn more about the difference between Steam Bath or Sauna. Read more about the infrared sauna.

What You Need to Know to Get Perfect Ceramic Tile Installation

Ceramic tile installation is usually left to the pros. That often is a good idea too because there are quite a few tricks to laying ceramic tile. But people having been installing tile for many hundreds of years. Tile setting isn't exactly rocket science. If you get the general idea right, most anyone can complete a tile project.

Tile installing is mostly the same no matter what the project. If you can lay floor tile, you can set wall tile or tile a counter top for that matter. The really trickiest project is building a ceramic tile shower pan. But even that just requires an understanding of a few tricks. Getting started on a tile project just requires getting the basics done right.

Often the first stumbling point is the base itself. The surface on which the tile is laid must be right. Now there are many surfaces that are a fine base for tile. Why you can even lay tile over tile itself. But whatever the base, it must be solid. That means no moving around is allowed. If the base moves, the tile or grout will crack. So a solid foundation is the place to start a tile project. Once you have a solid base you can lay that first tile.

Before the first tile gets set though, do some careful measuring and marking. Decide where you want the tiles that will be cut so they are least visible. That may determine where the first tile goes. Then you'll want a way to mark lines to guide you in setting the tiles. Straight tile joints are key to a professional installation. Get the tile started right and half the job is done.

Pros hurry because time is money, but you can take your time. With care you can carefully align tiles and get an installation that's straight and level. It just takes time and care to put each tile in exactly the right place. There are quite a few tricks for cutting tile and getting the spacing just right. Plus there are several tricks to help you keep tiles aligned just right.

Ceramic tile installing may be a project that you want to do. With the right tools and some instruction, you can install tile like a pro. Tile installation depends on getting a few basic steps right. Get the basics right and the only thing separating you from a pro is speed. If you can learn a few tricks even the speed will come with practice.

Get access to video tutorials showing the professional tricks of ceramic tile installation on our ceramic tile website.

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

Basement Finishing Projects

Basement Remodeling Pricing, Cost Estimates and Research

Transforming an undecorated basement into a stylish living space is not as difficult as some may think. In fact, with a few inexpensive interior designs techniques, you can have your basements shining in no time. However, be sure to make all necessary repairs to existing problem areas (insulation, drywall, waterproofing) before tackling the interior design.

Basement Lighting

The first area of design that you want to focus on with a basement is the lighting scheme. Most basements are known for being dark, gloomy environments. Unless you plan to turn your basement into a movie theater or photography studio, light is the way to liven up the atmosphere. Certain basements are equipped with windows to the outside. Taking this natural light and letting as much of it in as possible is a great start. Use simple window treatments instead of treatments that block out light.

If natural light isn't available in your basement, using artificial light is also a wonderful way to open up the room. Placing lights on the ceiling will create the illusion that the room is larger and more open. To keep a warm setting in your basement, consider using floor and table lights.

Finishing Your Basement

Aside from lighting, bringing color to your basement will definitely bring it back to life. You want to be sure to stay away from dull, boring colors. The best way to make your basement look inviting is to integrate bright, dramatic colors. Some ideas include blue, green, yellow, red, orange, and purple. For the best coloring scheme, you may want to hire an interior decorator that can take your favorite colors and use unique design techniques to compliment your style.

Last but not least, you want to accessorize! The basement can be made to feel like a comfortable, safe haven. Take that comfort and security and use it to your utmost benefit by incorporating your favorite things. Maybe music and movies are your cherished past times. If so, bring that entertainment system downstairs. Perhaps your family enjoys game nights, or you have children that need a play room. Try adding a pool table, card table, or miniature kid kingdom!

This is also the time to decorate walls with your favorite artwork and accessorize tables with loved pictures and collectibles. Also, try making a clear distinction between the areas of the basement where you will be entertaining, and the area where you will be storing your belongings. Separate storage rooms, closets and shelves are recommended for optimal use of space.

Looking For More Information On Basement Remodeling?

Basement remodeling is a great investment. You'll want to make sure you are choosing the right basement remodeler for your house and your budget. We offer Free Basement Remodeling Price Quotes and Designs!

Visit: The Basement Finishing Company

About the Author: Eddie Case

Since 1992 Eddie Case the owner of the The Basement Finishing Company has remodeled hundreds of basements in the local Harrisburg PA region. Eddie is an expert in 3-D basement design work and high-end construction techniques.

A Few Pointers on Doing Your Own Residential Construction

If you are like a lot of other homeowners out there you may have lost some, if not all of the equity in your home due to the current recession. The plans to build a new home haven't disappeared, just the money to pay a private contractor.

One Set of Residential Construction Blueprints

The fact is that you can build you own home just as many people used to commonly do generations back but it will take some planning. Thus the first thing you will need is a set of plans.

One Good Tip on Building Plans

One real good tip if it is to be your first home building project is to get a hold a set of plans for a home of someone you know that is already built. In this way you can use the built home for references as you build.

Go Climb in the Attic for a Look

For instance, if you have never cut in a conventional roof before, being able to climb up in the attic and see how it is actually cut and put in place will be a great help.

Residential Construction Work to Sub Out

If you have never done cement work, plumbing, electrical and roofing you would be well advised to sub these projects out to an experienced professional. These are all crucial areas where even one mistake can bring disaster.

Have You Ever Hung Doors?

You are going to make your labor savings on your residential construction job on framing, insulation, sheetrock, texture and paint as well as all of the finish work including cabinets and appliance installation. Try to buy your doors from a door company that will also hang them if you have never hung doors.

Doing Your Own Trim and Crown Molding

Buy a compound miter saw and then look online for information material on doing trim work. It will be time consuming but with patients, a steady hand a compound miter saw and a nail gun anyone can learn to install trim by trial and error and lots of sandable caulk.

Written by Marta Dreamheisen. Visit my internet site for the freshest articles on Bathroom renovations edgewater and even some about Edgewater home remodeling