Professional Advice on Home Building

If you're a do it yourself or or a homeowner who every once in a while, once to tackle a small or large project but doesn't know where to begin, can gather useful information from home building books. I have been using these books for years and may have been worth their weight in gold.

I started my career working for my father and my father worked for his father as a Carpenter. Our job was to frame the house and we built a Lotta homes. I learned how to frame and developed some great carpentry skills from my father and working with other skilled carpenters. Over the years, if you're paying attention, even a monkey can figure out, how to assemble almost anything.

The only problem that I faced, was learning how to build the rest of the home. I would often ask questions to other building trades like plumbers, electricians, roofers and construction superintendents. Some of these people were helpful and others were not. When I was in my early 30s, I purchased my first book on home building. This book lead to other books and soon I found myself with more home building knowledge that my father.

I had about 50 books on home building and soon found myself doing large home remodels, with no formal education. I would attribute almost everything that I learned outside of house framing to books. These books have proven invaluable to me over the years and with a relatively small investment. I couldn't have spent over $200 purchasing these books but have used the knowledge from them to save myself thousands of dollars.

One $20 home building books or home repairs, can save you lots of money, if you're willing to do a little research and the labor to complete almost any home building project.

By the way, if you're interested in learning how to repair a roof, build your own house, interior decorating, structural engineering, building a deck, gathering some more information about home painting or even remodeling your bathroom. An online home building bookstore can save you money if you're willing to do the work.

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 home inspection or home building ideas.

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Tips on Asphalt Driveways Resurface or Repave

Youre looking at your asphalt driveway and it appears to be in rough shape. What should you do? Will some repair work do the trick? Should the driveway be resurfaced, or does the whole thing need to be ripped up and redone from scratch?

Perhaps the best thing to do is to consult a few asphalt paving contractors and get their opinions, and (often free) estimates. This article can give you a general idea of whats going on, what to look for in an asphalt paving contractor, and what to include in your contract.

Maintenance is good medicine, but its not foolproof

Asphalt driveways dont remain smooth and black forever. You can take steps to maintain your driveway by sealing and protecting it, but often the effects of heat, ultra-violet rays, and substances such as salt, oil, gas and grease take their toll. And if those dont get you, then cracking and water penetration eventually will.

Your driveway may be corroded, worn out, or have cracks, which could all warrant a resurfacing job if the condition is severe enough. As a general guide, if repairs are needed on more than 25 percent of the surface, it is more cost-effective to do a hot mix asphalt resurfacing job over the entire driveway.

Say no to cracks!

Asphalt pavement is hard and brittle, and as a result, cracks will develop over time. Ranging from hairline to an inch wide or more, cracks are your driveways worst enemy because they let water in. In colder climates, freeze-thaw cycles can be very destructive, and can wreak havoc on your driveway if water penetrates the cracks, then expands as it turns to ice. And even in warmer climates, water penetration can cause serious damage. The larger the crack, the more serious the problem, and the sooner it needs to be fixed. Cracks that are left un-repaired will lead to serious deterioration of the pavement and even to the base layers, requiring complete replacement of the driveway - sooner rather than later in colder climates.

Can it be fixed or do you need a new driveway?

Whether youll need to rip out your existing driveway and install a new one, or if you can get away with resurfacing - or even some patchwork and crack-filling - depends largely on the condition of the base layers, or foundation. However, if cracking covers 3/4 of the driveway, the surface is too far gone to repair. The root of the problems may come from lower down, and a complete overhaul should be considered.

If your driveway has been resurfaced several times with hot mix asphalt and keeps deteriorating prematurely, it is likely a problem with the foundation, and you should consider installing a whole new driveway. Likewise, if there are areas that have depressions or mounds, they should be completely reconstructed from the base. If you have several of these areas, a new driveway might make sense.

Various factors may cause premature wear

Although a properly installed asphalt driveway can last 15 to 20, even 25 years if properly maintained, extreme weather conditions, extra-heavy loads and shortcuts taken during construction can all cause premature wear and failure.

Beware of traveling contractor scams

Beware of any asphalt paving contractor who rings your doorbell and claims to have some leftover materials from another job, and if you agree to the work right now, youll get an amazing discount. If this happens to you, call the police. It is a scam. Reputable contractors calculate the materials they need very carefully, and any small amount left over from a job would never be enough to complete an entire new job. If these con artists do any work at all before taking off with your money, it will most definitely be shoddy.

Tips for hiring an asphalt paving contractor

It is best to deal with registered, bonded, adequately insured and licensed (where companies. Many reputable paving contractors also belong to trade associations, such as the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA), the National Pavement Contractors Association (NPCA), or various state-specific associations.

When hiring a contractor to resurface or install a new asphalt driveway, always get a list of references and check them. Ask references about the quality of the contractors work, their attention to details, and if the work was competed on time. You can even go and inspect previous work.

What to include in the contract

Once you decide on an Asphalt Paving Contractor, consider these points when drawing up a contract:

Clarify who is responsible for re-hanging gates or other doors, if needed, due to raised pavement levels.

Who will raise any water valves or sewer inlets to meet the asphalt around them - you, a plumber, or someone else? Who pays?

Specify that the surface must be graded to provide proper drainage.

For new installations, specify that the sub grade will be compacted before the base layer is applied.

Specify how many layers are included in the job, a description of the materials that will be used for each layer (sub-base, base and asphalt), and the thickness of each layer when compacted. Two separate layers, or lifts, of asphalt is preferred, totaling at least 3 and preferably 4 inches. Sub-base and base should be at least 6 inches each, comprised of limestone rocks with 3-to-4-inch diameter and 2-to-3-inch diameter, respectively.

Include the payment schedule and a guarantee of the finished product.

Determine whether a building permit is required, and specify that it is the contractors responsibility to obtain one on your behalf, if needed.

Stu Silverman is a home improvement advice columnist and freelance writer for http://www.ContractorGuide.com . You can find this and many other articles in the Garage-Carport-Driveway category of http://ContractorGuide.com

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Does Home Improvement Still Make Sense In A Housing Slump?

Last night I watched a home improvement show in which a Florida couple had spent $50,000 updating their home. Now they were asking their realtor for a home appraisal. Amazingly, the realtor told them their renovation had increased the value of their home by $120,000 - more than a two-to-one return on their investment!

Cable TV is filled with shows like this that inspire homeowners to take on kitchen remodeling, bedroom makeovers or similar projects.

But many of these shows were filmed two or three years ago during the height of the housing boom.

As we enter 2008 we face a very different housing market in which nationwide home prices are stagnant and even declining in some markets.

In this sort of environment, does home improvement still make sense? The answer depends on what sort of home improvement you want to tackle.

Avoid Style Makeovers

First, it's time for a reality check. Even during the peak of the housing boom, the idea that remodeling your home produced a high return on investment was simply a myth.

According to 2004 survey by Remodeling Magazine, the average home renovation returned only 80% of its value at the time of resale.

So for every dollar you invested in a major renovation, you could expect $0.80 back in your pocket. And that was in 2004, when home values across the country were climbing at an unprecedented rate.

If you want a style makeover to make yourself happy, by all means you should do it. But you shouldn't expect it to dramatically increase the resale value of your home.

In fact, your taste could well end up driving away potential buyers. Personal tastes can be tricky. You may love red and gold walls in your living room, but some buyers will see this as a liability that needs to be fixed.

Even if your tastes are in step with current tastes, styles will change over time. Your choice of kitchen tile and countertops may be in line with current fashion, but if you don't plan to sell your home for another ten years, the style may well be dated when you sell.

Keep in Step with Your Neighborhood

Your home's location is still the biggest factor determining its value. With that in mind, renovations make the most sense if they bring your house up to the norm for the neighborhood.

If your 3,000 square foot home has only two bathrooms, adding a third bathroom makes sense. If all other homes in your neighborhood have a deck, then adding one to your home makes sense as well.

But this rule only applies to major items. Just because your neighbor added solid gold faucets and a sunken marble bathtub doesn't mean you should remodel your master bath to keep pace.

And if you are already the biggest house on the block, further home upgrades will do little to increase the value of your home.

Invest in Home Maintenance.

Home repairs and preventative maintenance are the best investment you can make in your house, and they make sense regardless of whether the housing market is in a boom or a bust. They won't necessarily raise the value of your home, but they can prevent your home from loosing far more value due to damage and wear.

Putting off repairs simply means they will cost more when you do get around to fixing them. A crack from a settling foundation will expand over time. Water damage from a leaky gutter will only cause further wear to your exterior walls.

When you sell your house these issues will almost certainly come up in the home inspection, and you may need to discount your home's price to allow the buyer to make repairs. Worse, too large a repair bill may simply scare a buyer away.

The Bottom Line:

Overall, the best advice is to invest in sound home improvements that keep your house in good shape and up to the standard of your neighborhood.

If you still want to make a style upgrade, that's fine. But do it for aesthetic reasons, not financial ones.

Wood Post In Dirt

Renovating a Home in Greece - DIY Or Project Management

Greece is well known for its abundance of traditional old village houses and ruined stone cottages that are in need of some or total renovation. These old houses are frequently set in idyllic friendly villages, where the locals are welcoming and often ply new home owners with gifts of wine and oranges. Although many of these dilapidated houses are in need of a little care and attention they are full of charm and characters and can usually be purchased at reasonable prices. This makes them an attractive purchase for prospective home owners.

Before buying an old property that is in need of renovation there are various aspects that you should consider. Some of the first questions you should be asking yourself include: Are you going to do the building work yourself? Will you be dealing with the work from another country? Or will you need to find somebody local to help you?

Normally, Greek people prefer to build new houses and do not understand why anyone would want to bother fixing up an old house. Consequently, Greek builders are often complete bewildered by the requirements, time scales and expectations of foreigners. It is hardly surprising then, that builders are generally reluctant to renovate old houses. It is also advisable to remember that Greek renovations standards vary considerably, so it is best to ask around for recommended builders. Dealing with the builders yourself can turned out to be a more daunting task than you first realised.

You may prefer instead to find someone in the local area to project manage the renovations of your house for you. This will ultimately give you peace of mind knowing that there is somebody close at hand at all times. Your project manager will be able to oversee the building work on a day to day basis, regularly reporting back to you and ensuring that all goes smoothly. Another important point is that he will also have valuable knowledge of local suppliers and tradesmen. A good level of communication between you and your project manager will make certain that you have plenty of involvement in renovating your home even though you live thousands of miles away.

In any case, it is wise to ask a builder to look at a property before you buy it. He will be able to give a rough estimate of renovation costs. This might prevent you from making a disastrous decision and save you a lot of money in the long run. Take a realistic look at the property you intend purchasing. It is easy to imagine that you have more money to spend on your dream property than you actually have. The cost of purchasing a house and costs of repairs can spiral dramatically without you being prepared for it. This statement is one that should be at the forefront of your mind when you are making your plans.

Providing you do your research prudently you can successfully renovate an old property in Greece. Good luck with the purchase of your dream home and you will soon be sipping wine with the locals. Enjoy your little piece of paradise after all you've earned it.

Claire May is a recognized author of articles about property in Greece and Messinia. An article of her successful undertaking was published in the Escape property magazine. For more information about Messinian properties come and view our website http://www.claires-messinian-properties.com/

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How to Prevent Kitchen Fires

Many love their kitchen. This is where most of the family gathers to bond every day. The kids patiently wait for mom to finish the toast while dad pours his coffee. This is a great way for a family to start the day. Aside from that, many spend a lot of time in the kitchen. When homeowners expect visitors, they spend extra hours in the kitchen to have something to offer for the guests.

There is no denying that the kitchen is one of the most useful areas of the house. However, it is also one of the common sources of fire. This makes it essential to have fire safety equipment there. When not used with caution, the following can cause fire:

Cooking stoves

Electrical appliances

Cooking oils and greases

Water and electrical wirings

Cooking stoves and cooking oils are not dangerous by themselves. Fire in the kitchen usually happens because of unforeseen yet avoidable circumstances. To avoid dealing with fire in the kitchen, here are some ways to prevent them:

1. Check all electrical devices. Check the cords. See to it that there are no liquid substances near the device. Check the wires for damages too. If there are broken portions, have it examined and fixed. A small crack on your electrical appliances, does not only lead to poor performance, but can also lead to a fire.

2. Turn off the burners after using them. This is very important because often, cooks are busy with what they are cooking that they forget to turn off the cooking devices they used. This can lead to a fire if not attended to right away.

See to it that nothing blocks the vents as well.

3. Do not place flammable objects near the burners. There are many flammable objects in the kitchen. Examples of these would be rags, holders, towels, alcohols, and oils used for cooking. When the flame from the burner gets to these devices, it can quickly start a fire.

4. Always attend to what you are cooking. It is boring to stay in the kitchen all the time while waiting for the meat to cook. Most family members who cook, leaves the pot on the burner and do something else. It is so easy to forget that you are cooking something when you so other activities. However, you can still leave the kitchen but see to it that you have a timer with you. This will remind you to return there to check the meat.

5. Wear appropriate clothes when cooking. You do not have to wear the clothes worn by chefs. When cooking, wear something comfortable. Short-sleeved shirts are better. If you wear clothes with extra fabrics, the cloth can catch flame. Not only will you incur some burns but the incident can also lead to a fire.

Having fire safety equipment in the kitchen will help you feel secure. However, it is still best to prevent fire from occurring. In order to prevent fire in the kitchen, check your devices. Do not place flammable objects nearby. Most importantly, attend to what you are cooking.

Having specialized in the fire safety equipment and its' trade for over 20 years, Brian now works tirelessly to promote affordable fire safety for home and for business.

Building Stairs With Old Concrete - Remodeling Ideas

What a great idea using your old side walk or driveway to build a nice stairway for your front or back yard. Using the old concrete instead of sending it to the landfill. Wow talk about earth friendly. Who would have thought that using recycled concrete would create a beautiful center piece in your landscaping plans.

That's enough about that lets get to the nuts and bolts of building the stairs. I came across the idea by visiting one of our favorite breakfast stops in Fallbrook. I had been walking down these stairs for quite a while when it dawned on me that the stairs where kind of jagged. When I took a closer look I couldn't figure it out, What kind of building materials did they use.

Then I realized it was recycled concrete in other words someone's old side walk. They even used the old concrete to make some nice planter boxes and retaining walls. The whole area really looks nice. The landscaping created natural look with a old world look to it.

How do I build the stairs using recycled concrete? Simply put first thing you need to do is get some recycled concrete. If you are going to be tearing up a old sidewalk, driveway or patio then you won't have to look far.

If not you can contact some local general or demolition contractors. They would love to have someone haul away their concrete. The reason for this is they have to pay around five hundred dollars for every ten tons hauled away from the jobs they are working on.

The more recycled concrete you need the easier it will be to get it. If you need a lot you will be able to contact a concrete recycling plant and get the phone number to a local contractor that hauls broken up concrete to their plants. These people can drop off a large load if you have a large area to drop it.

Remember that most contractors don't want to be bothered because they are busy working or planning on working. The easier you can make it on the contractor the more likely you will get what you want from them. They usually aren't interested in doing extra work just to make you happy. You can get a lot by being courteous from most people.

Now that you have the concrete you can start building. The concrete will be stacked on top of the other concrete to form the steps. Depending on how long of a stairway you are building you will have to level the dirt and stack the recycled concrete to make the stairs.

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

Visit us now for more great Home Remodeling Tips

Majorca Properties For Sale

Majorca, one of the beautiful jewels of the Mediteranean is now the most sought after real estate hot spot in the world. Many famous personalities have made this their permanent holiday home due to its spectacular and scenic topography. Properties in Majorca are in demand due to the reasonable rates coupled with the exoctic ambience of the island itself. Its location and excellent connectivity are an added advantage, as it is but a short distance from most of the major cities in Europe. If you are looking at buying a holiday home or planning a relocation to Majorca, it is the ideal choice as it has plenty of varied attractions to suit the tastes of almost everyone.

Majorca can compete with some of the most exclusive resort islands and is still reasonable enough when compared to other European holiday retreats. The weather conditions are favorable most of the year, so you can even settle for a holiday atmosphere permanently. Properties for sale here are in plenty and you can have a choice from a designer villa to an apartment with a panoramic view. The white and clean beaches are the biggest attraction along with mountains, along the coast and olive and lemon groves which make it a natural haven.

Properties in Majorca are priced according to their location and construction. The choice of having a sea side villa or a finca in the country can be a difficult one. Most of the properties for sale are listed on the net along with pictures that can take your breath away. You need to decide on where you would like to buy and the type of property, before venturing into the real estate market. It also depends on whether you are looking at investing or a home for yourself. The location can be chosen accordingly.

Majorca properties are a good and sound investment option as the demand for Majorca properties is a priority in the real estate market. It is advisable to go in for a new development if you are buying for investment purpose, as the rate of the property increases as soon as it is completed. Having your own villa designed to suit your taste and class can also be an option, provided you have sufficient funds to go about it. Your budget must always have a 10 percent buffer since the taxes and other legalities would cost you that extra premium.

The best way to get the best out of the Majorca properties for sale is to go through an agent who has the local knowledge and expertise which comes with experience. They would guide you through all the possible options within your budget and provide other legal help as well. Most of the reputed agents have plenty of properties listed and will be able to guide you on various issues when you decide to buy your home. With all the properties available for you to choose from, you can have a wonderful holiday home of your choice on this fantastic island in the Mediterranean.

There are different types of Majorca properties available, including apartments, old farmhouses, townhouses and villas. It is up to you to decide which of these apartamentos en mallorca that best suits your needs and your budget. Then you can start purchasing your dream property!

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Cutting Stair Handrailing Video

Stair building tips for installing lights and decking, handrail tips and some deck advice.

For more helpful home improvement information visit: http://www.gregvan.com

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Home Elevators - Saving Money and Effort

When one of the Architects at my firm suggests to a client that an elevator might be the answer to some of the issues in their new home design, the reaction is often predictable: "An elevator? That doesn't make any sense, does it? Aren't they really expensive? Who puts an elevator in their house anymore?"

Residential elevators are found in more homes than you might think - and not always as an extravagance, but often as a practical and cost-saving design feature.

We'd Live Here Forever, But...

As American homeowners age, they're becoming concerned about their ability to remain in their homes. They'd like to stay well into the golden years, but most family homes have all of the bedrooms on the second floor, including the owner's suite. With sixteen or more steps between the first and second floors, the stair can quickly become a difficult (and often dangerous) obstacle for older homeowners. It's a major reason why empty-nesters move to one-level homes.

But while a one-level home design is more easily adapted to a changing family structure, a one-level home is more expensive to build. It can have nearly twice the foundation and roof area of a comparable two-story home without any additional space, adding greatly to the cost of the house. And so most families build a two-story when they're young, and move to a one-level home later in life.

It's cheaper to build a two-story house, but is the difference between a two-story and a one-level enough to offset the cost of an elevator? The answer is often a resounding yes, and with money to spare. If the cost of a one-level home is a 25% premium over a two-story, then an elevator can be a money-saving consideration in even a relatively inexpensive home.

Design And Lifestyle Considerations

What do you do when a family is still young, wants to live in the house forever, but can't justify the cost of installing an elevator they may not need for many years? A solution we like is to install the elevator shaft - without the elevator - and use the space for temporary closets.

As it happens, the area required on each floor for the elevator shaft is about the size of a walk-in closet...so that's what we do - put a temporary floor at each level and use the spaces as closets until they're needed for the elevator. Installing the elevator years later is a simple matter of removing the floors and installing the cab, doors, controls, and related equipment.

A second stair is frequently added to a design when a house becomes so large that a single stair is too remote to effectively serve the entire second floor. That second stair takes up a lot of space, however, and can be difficult to work into the plan.

But an elevator takes up much less space than a stair and can be much more easily worked into just the right spot in a house design. It can also be "hidden" in the plan - visitors are unaware that there's an elevator in the house.

Details

Elevators are operated either by a hydraulic piston or a cable-and-pulley and electric motor. Most residential elevators are the cable type and are quiet, safe, easy to operate, and relatively quick. There's no "machine room" as with commercial elevators - all the equipment is contained within the elevator shaft.

The interior of the elevator cab can be finished to match the rest of the house including the flooring and trim, and the door is indistinguishable from the others in the house. With the door closed, the only clue that there's an elevator in the house is the call button next to the door.

A typical residential elevator cab is about 4' by 5', large enough for two adults and two children, or an adult in a wheelchair and a caregiver. It will also hold boxes of holiday decorations, furniture, groceries...

A Luxury That Saves Money

A typical residential elevator adds $20,000 to $25,000 to the cost of a house. But since an elevator can allow you to build more efficiently, it can actually save money.

You'll save the cost of moving, and of building a new home at future prices. You may recover the cost of the elevator - and then some - at resale. And if the elevator becomes a medical necessity, you may be able to take advantage of tax benefits.

It's a small part of a house, only about two percent of the area of a 3,000 square foot house and just one percent of a 6,000 square foot luxury home. At current custom home costs that's less than four percent of construction costs.

But most important is the benefit of staying in the home where you raised your family; the home you've grown to love; the home with the memories. Is an elevator a luxury? Perhaps, but maybe one you can't afford to pass up.

Richard L. Taylor, AIA is a published author and recognized expert in Residential Architecture. He is President of Richard Taylor Architects, a 5-person firm in Historic Dublin, Ohio. Residential Architect Luxury Home Plans

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Home Remodeling Tips - Use Cabinet Knobs and Pulls

When many homeowners think about having to remodel their house, the first thought to come to their mind is that it is going to cost a lot of money to get the house to look the way that they want it to. However, that is not always the case. Homeowners to not have to have a very large budget to get the house to look the way that they want because there are a lot of project homeowners can do themselves in order to same some money here and there. A lot of do it yourself projects are cheaper then if you were to hire someone to do the job for you and if you do the project yourself you are sure to get the results that you are looking for.

The first step when you are going to remodel your house is to see what projects you can handle on your own. If you are a handy person and good at construction then there may be a lot of projects that you can do yourself. Once you have decided what project you would like to work on then next step is to search on the Internet to see if there are any home remodeling tips available for the specific project you are working on. There are many Web sites on the Internet that are dedicated to helping individuals with projects to work on around the house, therefore there is sure to be an abundance of tips available no matter what project you choose.

Even if you are not a very crafty person and do not have a lot of construction experience there are still plenty of projects that you can complete around the house by yourself to help with the remodeling project. Once task that is rather simple to do is to update the home hardware throughout the entire house. This may seem like a rather insignificant project in regards to home remodeling, however installing hardware such as new cabinet knobs and pulls in to the kitchen cabinets can make a big difference. Updating the kitchen and bathroom cabinet knobs is a rather cheap project and if you do it yourself you can save yourself a lot of money than hiring someone to do it for you.

In addition to cabinet and door hardware another simple project for homeowners to work on during a remodel is installing new lighting fixtures and accessories. Updated lighting fixtures in the kitchen, bathroom, living room or any other room in the house for that matter can make a big difference in the overall style and atmosphere in a particular room. In rooms such as the kitchen and bathroom, homeowners can install new faucets in the sink to help update that room as well.

When you are performing a remodel in the house it is important for you to make sure to take the necessary safety precautions before you begin. While smaller projects may not require safety goggles and hats, bigger projects that require tools will. The more safety precautions you make before you start the remodel, the better.

Tori works for Your Home Supply (YHS) the definitive website for home improvement tools, and gardening supplies. Your Home Supply offers a wide range of cabinet pulls. Visit them now at http://www.YourHomeSupply.com

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Home Improvement Expense - Check For Tax Break

The Question of Home Improvement Deductions

Every homeowner is looking for ways to reduce the amount of money paid to the government as taxes, so home improvement tax deductions have generated a lot of discussion among both those who own homes and those who prepare tax returns for them. Law change with some regularity so the homeowner cannot always be sure that home improvement deductions can be applied to their situation.

While taking a home improvement deduction seems to be a great goal, the truth is that home renovation and remodeling should be undertaken because it will increase the home's value and also improve the family's enjoyment of their home. A tax break should not be the primary reason for making improvements to the home.

In general, many home improvements will not have immediate tax benefits. But in the long term, significant renovations made to the family home will add enough market value to make the improvement a solid investment. This is really the major way that home improvements will work in favor of the homeowner.

Yet, a bit of research and some well-placed questions can uncover some situations in which deductions are possible. If home improvements are made for medical reasons or to improve conditions for someone with physical limitations, tax deductions may be possible.

If a family member is physically limited to the point that a larger bathroom is needed, or a completely new bathroom is called for, the costs may qualify for tax deduction. The same idea can work for a larger sleeping room, stair case modifications or other reasons. But it is always best to make sure by talking with a tax expert and doing some research. Medical expense, in many cases, is a primary reason for seeking tax deductions for home improvement costs.

According to some regulations, if a homeowner pays out more than seven percent of income for expenses related to medical necessities, the amount can be deducted from taxes. This amount can certainly be reached with significant home improvements. But it is always best to do some research and talk with a tax expert, rather than assume that home improvement costs qualify for tax deductions.

Home improvements made for business reasons may also qualify under current tax regulations. For example, if it is necessary to add a room for a work area or office, or to add a bathroom for the convenience of customers or clients, the costs of these home improvements may qualify under current tax regulations. Expenses from a home business are generally accepted as tax deductions, so it is quite possible that remodeling expenses incurred strictly for business reasons may be too. This could include equipment purchased such as a cordless air compressor. Again, it would be wise not to assume this when planning home renovation.

Good records should always be kept so that necessary receipts accompany the tax report. Only with good documentation can a tax specialist determine which expenses qualify. The bottom line, though, may be this: Make home improvements because the family wants and needs the changes, or because those improvements are necessary for a home business, for example. Major home improvements should not be made just to benefit from a tax deduction.

Vince Paxton usually makes detailed papers on subjects corresponding to 12 volt air compressors. You can find his articles on cordless air compressor at http://www.insidewoodworking.com and many different sources for cordless air compressor knowledge.

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Affordable Homes For Michigan Families: Michigan Modular Home Builders

With real state prices sky rocketing the atmosphere, many families in Michigan are looking for more affordable options to get their own house like modular homes.

Modular home builder Michigan represent around the 8% of house sales in the last two years in the state of Michigan. Other states where the demand of modular homes is increasing are North Carolina and New York.

Michigan modular home builders construct this type of houses in many parts at a factory. How come in a factory? Factories provide a secure environment against harsh climate conditions and acts of vandalism during the construction.

These houses are getting built much faster, and therefore, their prices are going down. A home builder is the one in charge of the construction of these homes. First of all floor plans and options have to be approved to pass then to a Michigan-approved third party inspection agency has to review the plans if they meet the Michigan code for building and monitors the manufacturing and building of the house. In addition to this, home builders are expanding their offers by giving you the possibility to have a customized house instead of the typical factory design house.

Once the modular home is finished, their parts and sections are shipped to the place where it is going to be assembled on flatbed trucks. The basic construction doe not take more then one day and the finishing just take a couple of weeks. The complete process, from the move-in order lasts 3 months, while the building of a normal house can take half a year at least.

A Michigan new home builder can save up to 25% when purchasing a modular home, which represent of course a very meaningful saving for the average Michigan family.

Find out more on modular home builders at our site: http://www.michiganmodularhomebuilders.com

Build Your Own Greenhouse, Sun Room, Or Conservatory

Greenhouses, Sunrooms, and Conservatories are more popular now than ever before. After all, who wouldn't want a room that has unlimited uses - everything from a family room, to a hearth room, a hot tub room to a room full of greenery - the uses are virtually endless.

When planning for a Greenhouse, Sunroom, or Conservatory addition to your home or yard, one of the biggest questions you face is whether or not you should tackle the project on your own. With so many options available at every price level it is important to establish a plan. Your plan must include budget, use of the addition, appearance, and performance among many other factors.

The room you choose must fit the character of your home by blending a room full of natural sunlight with characteristics of the home itself. A warm rich interior that allows for heating and cooling along with roofing and color options that match your home are very important. You don't want the addition to look like an afterthought.

If your plan includes building the addition yourself you need to be sure that you have a product that is easy to work with, has been structurally engineered, and offers the options you desire. Plans, designs and permit assistance for your project is very important as well, but the biggest factor to consider when constructing the room yourself is the difficulty of installation and the technical service available during construction for any questions you might encounter.

If you are considering a room addition you need to explore all options available, keeping with your original plan. Look for the perfect combination of all options, including function, price, ease of assembly, and customer service.

And remember that you are adding on to your home for you. Price is important but the overall quality and appearance is important as well.

This article was written by Bo Jones, Lancaster Conservatories

http://www.lancasterconservatories.com

Building Handrails Books

The Eco-Friendly Kitchen Remodel

The environment may be suffering from the endless barrage of technological advances, but your kitchen remodeling project doesn't have to contribute to the eco-unfriendly trend. Fortunately for the modern-day homeowner, there are many ways to remodel a kitchen without leaving behind a jarring impact on the world in which we live.

Late last year, Low Impact Living, a Web portal devoted to helping individuals lower the environmental impact of their home and their daily life, published an article titled "Low Impact Living: Green Your Kitchen." Therein, advice was given on how to reduce the "biggest resource hog" room in the house: the kitchen.

More specifically, the site offered the following seven suggestions to homeowners who are planning a kitchen remodel on how "to lower their environmental impact and also to live in a healthier home":

Tip #1: "Use energy-saving appliances." - In particular, the article recommends choosing appliances with an Energy Star label. Such appliances, the author points out, "can save as much as 50% of your energy and water use, and can cut your carbon footprint by 1000+ pounds, compared to standard appliances."

Tip #2: "Use compact fluorescent lighting." - These types of bulbs "use 1/4 the energy and last up to 10 times as long as standard bulbs," the author enthuses.

Tip #3: "Recycle and Re-Use." - Never throw away anything that can be used again. The world's landfills will thank you.

Tip #4: "Eat Organic, Eat Local." - Organic eating "keeps chemicals from running off into our oceans and rivers from non-organic farms" while local eating "means tons of carbon dioxide are not released into the atmosphere in the process of transporting food to you."

Tip #5: "Get green cleaners." - No more breathing "in a fine mist of harmful (to you and the environment) chemicals" every time you spray.

Tip #6: "Compost." - "Save landfill space and make your own rich potting soil using a composter," the author suggests

Tip #7: "Only run your dishwasher when you have a full load." - You'll save energy and water at the same time.

Tips # 4 through #7 are up to you once your kitchen has been remodeled, but tips #1 through #3 can be taken into consideration prior to your kitchen remodeling's commencement. To work maximum green friendliness into your remodeled kitchen, you'll want to consult an online provider of kitchen remodeling ideas and links to a wide array of recognized leaders in the world of cabinet, countertop, faucets, sinks, flooring, lighting, ventilation, window and appliance manufacturers. That way, you can pick and choose the kitchen remodeling options that are most environmentally friendly.

An environmentally friendly remodeled kitchen with Energy Star appliances, compact fluorescent lighting bulbs and recycle-encouraging furnishings is just a few mouse clicks away.

While you're at it, work these additional HGTV green kitchen ideas into your kitchen remodel:

Water-Saving Features - "Choose faucets with aerators, which inject air bubbles into the water stream to achieve the same pressure with less volume."

Flooring - "Linoleum is enjoying a comeback, largely due to its green properties."

Finishes - Look for "eco-friendly paints, stains and finishes that reduce exposure to harmful compounds."

Carmen Fontana is a Web Services Manger for Western Reserve Internet Services. She recommends visiting the SuperKitchens website for more information on remodeling your kitchen with green principles.

Pry Bar Removing Plywood

Protect Your Outdoor Floors - Homeowner Tips

Outdoor mats have many uses, and one of the most important is keeping your home safe from water, dirt, mud, and other debris. They stop people with dirty shoes from wrecking your carpet and other flooring by removing the dirt and grime before it has a chance to come in contact with your floors. Keeping your home clean is not a task most people enjoy and the right mat will help to minimize the amount you have to clean and give you more time to relax and enjoy your home. You can find outdoor mats made from many different materials and in sizes to fit any area. They are also great for use outside around pools and fountains to keep people safe as they walk around these slippery areas.

One of the most popular materials used for outdoor entry mats is fiber--natural fibers like coconut husk and jute, or synthetic fiber such as plastic. Fiber mats are excellent at removing dirt and debris. These mats use rough vertical fibers that scrape off dirt from shoes before it has a chance to get in your house. You can also find rubber mats with raised textured patterns that work in the same way. You can also find plastic versions that use different textures to clean the dirt off the bottom of your shoes before you enter your home. These types of mats are easy to maintain and clean. All of these types of mats--natural fiber, plastic, and rubber--work well outside the door to trap dirt. They are very durable and can withstand the harshest elements to provide many years of use and a clean home.

Vinyl is a popular material because of its durability, varying design, and ease of cleaning. Vinyl is a great material for multipurpose mats and it can be used in many places such as in front of doors, on decks and patios, and even around swimming pools. Vinyl is a great material for all of these places, especially around swimming pools because they can be designed to be non-skid which creates a safe surface for wet swimmers to walk on. Vinyl can also be made to be mold and mildew resistant which is great for damp areas. Vinyl mats are also great for use around fountains, container ponds, and other damp areas.

Outdoor Mats are also commonly used in high traffic areas to protect deck, patio, and walkway surfaces. Rubber is a good material for floor mats that are meant to protect high traffic entryways and other areas that are exposed to a lot of foot traffic. Rubber mats withstand the elements such as temperature extremes, rain, harsh sun light, and snow. They protect expensive wood or stone walkways and patios and keep them looking new for years. Rubber floor mats are very durable and will help to protect your outdoor flooring for many years. They are available in different patterns and styles from simple to elegant that will fit into any type of dcor. If you have invested a lot in your deck, patio or walkway, outdoor mats will help to protect your investment.

http://www.outdoorlightsandfurniture.com Julia is a professional landscape designer and gardener practicing in and around Boston. Helping people enjoy living life outdoors is a full time passion.

Redesign Your Home Into Your Dream Home

What could you do with $150,000? You could buy a small, modest home in some communities. You could sell your home and move to a larger home. Or you could redesign and personalize your current home so that, although it will appear average on the outside, looking undistinguished from the neighbours, there is absolutely nothing average about the interior once the work is complete.

Exactly what sort of project are we talking about? Interior renovations and redesign with minimal, if any, work being done to the exterior of the home. Most often such a project will include all the areas that make up the entertaining zones of a house kitchen, dining room, living room, entry, hallway, and a powder room or washroom basically just the areas that guests would definitely see. Sometimes these projects also include the staircase, and depending on the scope of the space planning changes and original layout of the house, some slight modifications to the bedrooms may come about as well. More often than not, these projects involve structural work, plumbing, electrical, and tons of finishing work.

Usually when such a major project is undertaken, part of the purpose is to create a more open-concept space within the existing exterior walls. Although it is easy to presume that fewer walls equates to fewer costs, this is a major misconception when it comes to renovations, because there are many more issues that have to be addressed:

Chances are that at least one wall to be removed is currently load bearing (structural). The load will have to be temporarily supported until the new permanent structural elements are properly in place. A consultant (structural engineer or similar) should be involved.

In many municipalities, a permit is not required for a simple renovation, but the minute you start touching anything structural a permit becomes a mandatory acquisition and expense not to mention a potential delay if the application was not submitted early enough. Check with your municipality for specific details concerning timing, cost, necessity, and other pertinent information.

When you demolish a wall, you are left with a damaged area of flooring which usually necessitates replacing the entire floor. On occasion you can get away with installing a coordinating or contrasting inlay of another flooring material, but this tends to cost in labour alone what a whole new installed floor would cost.

Demolishing a wall also creates the need for repair on the ceiling and on any adjoining perpendicular walls. Although not an expensive fix, it is certainly costlier than just plastering a few nail holes or other imperfections.

Electrical wiring, outlets and light switches all have to be rewired and relocated.

Pipes, plumbing stacks, ventilation conduits, ducting, and the like, all have to be relocated to be concealed within floor/ceiling constructions and within walls that will remain.

As with any renovation project, labour accounts for approximately 30% of the total budget. Consultants fees (designers, engineers, etc.) and contingencies (unforeseen circumstances) are both higher for this scope of work than for a simple renovation project.

What motivates homeowners to go to this extreme with interior redesign and renovations? There is actually no typical homeowner profile for projects of this scale. Sometimes a house has been purchased inexpensively and putting a large amount of money into renovations would still be within the purchasers budget and not bring the total too far over the market value. Other times a family has lived in the home for many years, the mortgage is either paid off or now quite low, and they just cant imagine moving, so major renovations are the best solution to meet their changing needs. Sometimes such projects come about due to physical needs; major renovations are often required to make a home fully usable to someone in a wheelchair who wants to maintain their independence. It is also common that an older parent moves in with his/her adult child and their family in this case renovations would be done to facilitate both added privacy and improved family space. The reasoning behind investing so much into a home is completely based on personal and/or family-life lifestyles and dynamics, budget and finances, changing needs, a love of the home and its location, and so much more.

The implications of such a major redesign on a home vary as much as peoples reasons for taking on such projects in the first place. Depending on both the specifics of your project, and the community in which your home is located, the value of your home may increase by about as much as the budget of the project, or as little as about 25% of the value of the renovation. Property values could be discussed with a knowledgeable and experienced local real estate agent prior to commencing the project. It is important to remember which information the real estate agent can provide that is of value to you it is not in a real estate agents field of expertise to counsel you concerning wood species for cabinetry, and his/her personal opinions should be taken exactly as such. However, you will want to listen to his/her point-of-view concerning the benefits or negative implications of things such as creating a huge washroom vs. a walk-in closet for the master bedroom, or a home theater room vs. a larger kitchen with a cozier family room. But in the end, it is your needs from your home and space that should have the final word on how the project unfolds. Possible implications extend beyond resale value. Also on those lines though, are property taxes and ease of sell-ability. Even if you are increasing your homes value by $75,000, there is a chance that it will take longer to find the right buyer should you ever decide to sell it is sometimes a bit of a challenge to sell a home priced significantly higher than others in a neighbourhood, no matter the justification for the price.

One implication of large-scale redesign projects, which has to be taken into account during the design phase, is temperature control. Especially if you are opening-up the floor plan, you will want to keep in mind that the walls you have now play a role in stopping cold air from the front door from blowing straight through to the back of your home. In summer months, the walls prevent hot sunlight from reaching areas from all sides. How sound travels through your home will also be affected with fewer walls present. Your requirements from your kitchen ventilation might also have to be reevaluated. If you have any young children, or pets, you may find it more difficult to restrict them from certain areas (such as the kitchen when the oven is hot) without walls or doorways. At the same time though, you will have better visibility of your home from almost any given area. Communication with a family member from the next room will be effortless. The sense of isolation that often comes with being in the kitchen to prepare a meal will be a thing of the past.

With little effort, you can prepare a list pages-long of the pros and cons of open concept floor plans, and major redesign projects in general. Everyone you speak to will have strong opinions about your project, its goals, and the alternatives available to you. Keep in mind that others preferences do not affect how you and your family use your home; some of us function at our best with smaller but more numerous rooms, while others thrive in open space. The only way to ensure that a project of this scale will be all that you dream of and more, is to hire the proper professionals interior designers, engineers, general contractors, or others, early enough in the planning phases. Before committing yourself to a contract with anyone whom you will have to work closely with, make sure that the right chemistry exists between you your input and questions should be welcomed by them, and their responses and reactions to you should give you a sense of confidence.

Karen S. Weiner is the owner and principal interior designer of Idealspace Design in Montreal, Quebec (Canada). http://www.idealspacedesign.com

Choosing The Right Replacement Windows And Doors

Homeowners around the LA region are always looking for ways to save on heating and cooling bills as the price of gas and electricity skyrocket. One of the best ways to lower your monthly bills is by giving your doors and windows a face lift. In fact, changing your door and window frames can also translate into significant savings.

Replacing old frames is helpful due to the harsh conditions that this old wood has supported. Constant changes between heat and cold, rain and sun, and wind combine to destroy older wood. Nowadays, many businesses in the LA area offer a UPVC replacement frame. UPVC is an alternative to wood frames for your doors and windows, and last longer under harsh conditions.

UPVC window and door frames are also much easier to maintain. Wood frames must be cleaned and painted, often each year. However, UPVC window frames can be cleaned in minutes, and require no painting or heavy cleaning. Using UPVC on your window and door frames allows you to save money on upkeep and electricity bills.

For aesthetic purposes, many homeowners decide to change all frames at once. Combining UPVC frames with traditional wood frames can be distracting to the overall look of your home. If you change your door frames to UPVC, make sure to change your window frames as well.

This type of frame is weather resistant, sealing your windows and doors from the elements. When combined with an energy efficient glass, these types of doors and windows can significantly reduce the amount of energy wasted and lower your bills. While the initial investment may be a bit high, homeowners will immediately begin to receive that money back in the form of lower bills, and soon the new doors and windows will pay for themselves.

When deciding on the right kind of window and door frames for your home, it's important to determine the kind of style you want. Homeowners who want to maintain the original faade of their home may want to use a high-quality wood frame. However, if you want to avoid the upkeep time needed to maintain a wood frame, switch to UPVC frames. Discover the options available to homeowners looking to renovate their old doors and windows today. Homeowners all over the LA region are already benefiting from the savings and convenience of modern advances in doors and windows.

Need more on windows and doors? Cal Windows and Doors specializes in windows and doors in Irvine, CA and anywhere else in California. Learn how to prepare your home for sale with upgraded windows and doors and other great tips on how to get beautiful windows for your home.

Home Improvement Books

The other day, I was surfing the Internet and came upon an online home building bookstore that put together a website with the best-selling home building books on the market today. These books range from basic carpentry to advanced structural engineering and everything else you could possibly think of that could be related to the home building, selling, remodeling and construction process.

I couldn't believe the simple and easy to use. Here's a list of some of their books selections.

Photo Guide to Home Repair - The most up-to-date, complete, and useful guide to home repair a homeowner can have. With more than 350 projects and 2300 photos, virtually every home repair challenge.

Exterior Siding, Trim & Finishes - This first ever compilation by Fine Homebuilding on the popular subject provides builders with ideas for choosing the correct finishes for home exteriors, plus solid how-to information.

Flipping Houses - This book is designed for realty investors who want to profit from buying below market, making cosmetic improvements to add value, and then quickly reselling.

Bathroom Remodeling - Remodeling a bathroom is a challenge - it's action-oriented and requires extra energy and stamina. But you, undoubtedly, realize it's a challenge you want to take on.

One $20 home building books or home repairs book, can save you lots of money, if you're willing to do a little research and the labor to complete almost any home building project.

By the way, if you're interested in learning how to repair a roof, build your own house, interior decorating, structural engineering, building a deck, gathering some more information about home painting or even remodeling your bathroom. Our online home building bookstore can save you money if you're willing to do the work.

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 House Remodeling Pictures or home building ideas.

Architecture Books

Free Basement Remodeling Plans

Finding the right basement remodeling plans can be as simple as visiting your local home improvement center. Wintertime is a perfect time to remodel your basement. Perhaps you've been putting off this project for sometime because you're not exactly sure what you want to do. This article will look at some good ideas for you next remodeling project.

Head to the Home Depot

If you have a local large home improvement center in your area like a Home Depot or Lowes. You may find it extremely helpful. When looking for the perfect basement remodeling plans just visit your local store and see what they might have the offer in the perfect plans for your project.

When you have the ideal plans you want to make sure that you have the proper tools for the job. This is where you can save a lot of money, if you're smart to plan ahead. There's no need to go out and buy expensive tools just to complete one project. If you know for certain that you'll only be doing a basement remodeling project this winter -- perhaps you could rent a couple of those certain tools that you will need to do tricky jobs.

Before you spend any money renting though you might check around and see if any of your neighbors have the tools that you might need. Perhaps only than have some experience in doing the same project or similar project that you're planning. By going out and asking your neighbors for some help this is a great way to make some new friendships and get your project done much faster than what your first thought.

There are so many great basement remodeling plans on the Internet and also in your home improvement stores that there's really no need to pay to have your plans design. The only exception to this would be if you have a certain project that absolutely requires detail beyond anything that you're finding out there.

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 Basement Remodeling Plans

Acoustic Ceiling Water Damage

Add Value to Your Home - Home Tips

Basement bathrooms are possible, but be prepared for a sizable project.

Basement bathrooms can be installed in the same manner as any other bathroom with a few wrinkles. Since there are no windows, although an exhaust fan is usually a good idea to handle the moisture and special arrangement may be needed if your basement bathroom is below the level of the utility lines.

Basement bathrooms can be a real pain in the neck without the proper insulation. Let's just say that the toilets can get really cold! Basement bathrooms are possible, but be prepared for a sizable project. Basement bathrooms tend to be large, busy places with a dozen or more stalls and no place for your partner to hide. Bathrooms on upper floors tend to have less traffic. Basement bathrooms can be a real source of mold and mildew buildup. Clean the bathroom regularly and properly ventilate the room so the moisture doesn't have a chance to collect.

Suspended tile basement ceilings are easier to install, surprisingly cost-effective, and their removable tiles allow continued access to HVAC ducts, plumbing and wiring. Easy access to these important systems in your basement ceiling will be important over the years. A suspended ceiling is another option, especially if you need access to shut offs such as gas and water valves and if you can install this under pipes and have your 763 finish height.

A bathroom wall that won't encourage mold and mildew, or be damaged by condensation, is hard. Because concrete in contact with the ground is always cool, it can become a condensing surface for water vapor in the warm air escaping from a finished basement bathroom.

Installing tiles is a long, tedious, and involved project. After installation, they will need to sit for at least two days without being used in order to seal correctly on to the floor. Installing a basement bathroom is a great idea, and it pays back for itself by 80% or more when the home is sold.

DiCicco Building Company has been a Macomb Township Home Remodeling Contractor for over 20 years. We are also leaders in Bathroom Remodeling along with being an award winning custom residential home builder. We also specialize in Finished Basements and home additions.

Parts to Repair Your Electric Kilns

Many people do not have a great deal of skill when it comes to repair work. The United States has become a "throw away" society. The meaning is simple; it is cheaper to throw a DVD player away then to have a broken one repaired. There are some special people out there, though. Some of them work in their own art and pottery studios. They know how to repair the tools necessary for their trade. These special people realize they can live an artist's lifestyle of little money because they have the ability to repair the many items in their shop or studio.

A necessary tool in a pottery studio is a kiln. There are a few unique individuals who have kilns that are heated by burning wood. Most artist depend on electric kilns. Either way a wood burning kiln or electric kiln will need to have brick. The kiln brick holds and radiates the heat of a kiln around the ceramic pieces inside. Artists who are able to identify damaged bricks should be able to replace them with little difficulty.

Replacing a controller on a kiln is a little more difficult. The kiln controllers manufactured today are high tech pieces of equipment. They are made to fit and work on a kiln so the kiln is able to reach and hold exact temperatures. These controllers are computerized devices; thus, replacing a controller needs to be done with care. The artist who replaces his or her kiln's controller should have some electronic and computer skill.

The electronic skill that is useful when replacing a controlling unit of a kiln can also be helpful when elements are replaced. The kiln elements directly power the kiln. Because these are electric pieces of the kiln, and artist who works on his or her own kiln should have some someone who has experience with electric heating elements looking over his or her work after the work is completed.

The American Art Clay Company has many experienced employees. They have been working with artists and schools for over eighty-seven years. For the artist looking to do repairs and replacing parts on his or her electric kilns AMACO is the place to contact. The kiln controllers they sell are the controllers a good artist needs. AMACO knows to offer their customers controllers that will accurately fire a kiln each time. Kiln elements must be fit into a kiln with precision. AMACO is an Indiana based corporation that is the right place to look for the do-it-yourself person who is also an artist.

Diagonal Roof Truss Brace

Eliminate Shower Leaks

INSTALLING A COMPOSITE SHOWER PAN IS FAST AND EASY. Before discussing the simple steps to install a composite shower pan, I felt that some clarification and definitions are necessary because not all shower pans are alike.

WHAT IS IN A NAME? A roof is a roof, although there are many different roofing systems and roofing materials. Not true with shower pans. They are often interchangeably called a shower pan, shower pan liner, shower pan membrane liner, waterproof barrier, shower base, shower tray, or shower receptor. Yet, each has a different meaning depending on context and each are available in a variety of materials.

Bob Vilas web site defines a SHOWER PAN as The base, containing a water drain, of the shower enclosure. And a SHOWER RECEPTOR as A one-piece base (floor) unit used as a shower, for example, to catch water and direct it to a center drain.

For the sake of clarity, I offer the following definitions.

SHOWER PAN & SHOWER BASE A finished area that is capable of retaining and directing water to the drain plus it doesnt require tiling once installed. The shower pan or base has a drain hole, sloped floor to properly direct water to the drain hole, sidewalls, and a threshold (entrance to the shower that forms a curb to keep water from running out onto the bathroom floor). A shower pan is synonymous with a shower base.

SHOWER PAN LINER, MEMBRANE LINER, & WATERPROOF BARRIER A barrier, usually a plastic sheet or membrane, that is intended to trap water that penetrates the shower floor tile, grout, and mortar under the tile and force the water to flow to the drain. As long as it doesnt leak, it prevents water from reaching the sub-floor and surrounding wall enclosure. The liner is a component within a constructed shower pan. A shower pan liner is synonymous with a shower pan membrane liner and a waterproof barrier.

SHOWER TRAY & SHOWER RECEPTOR A shower tray is synonymous with a shower receptor. Both are used in place of a liner. They serve the same function as the liner, but are pre-formed to eliminate some of the installation steps necessary when using a liner.

Shower pan liners, shower trays, and shower receptors are all used in conjunction with the construction of a shower pan that has a tiled floor as well as a tiled wall enclosure.

Commercially available shower pans are complete, ready-to-install units. They eliminate the need to create a mud sloped floor, a shower liner or tray, and tiling of the shower floor.

COMPOSITE SHOWER PANS. As composite shower pans are made from a number of different materials and constructed differently. I wanted to touch on each of the most common types. Composite shower pans fall into several material groups; cultured marble, fiberglass, acrylic, and solid surface. Generally all are made by fabrication of flat sheets, thermal-formed from a single piece of material, or molded or cast to form a one piece unit. The one-piece construction eliminates seams, which in turn eliminates potential leaks. Each has their pluses and minuses. Because beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I will not comment on appearance. All composite shower pans install on a flat, level floor and do not require the creation of a sloped mud base. Also, the cast or molded pans generally do not require the use of a plastic membrane.

Cultured marble and dressier versions, like cultured onyx and granite, tend to be the least costly. Cultured marble is made by spraying a gel-coat onto a mold. This coating is about 1/64 or less in thickness. The gel-coat is covered with pigmentation and then backed with calcium carbonate. The calcium carbonate gives the finished part its strength. Also, in the casting process it is infused with air pockets to lower its density and weight.

The cultured marble floor is cast separately from the sidewalls. Thus, the incorporation of a shower pan liner is essential to insure a watertight, leak free installation. Although widely used, the down side of cultured marble is that other than the gel-coat layer, the calcium carbonate is highly porous. Any crack or scratch through the gel-coat will allow water penetration. Other gel-coat characteristics include; yellowing, even without UV exposure; clouding from hot tap water; staining; crazing (fine hairline cracks); and it is not reparable when cracked or chipped.

Fiberglass is widely used as well. Fiberglass is strong, light weight and inexpensive. Many fiberglass manufacturers make one-piece shower pans and enclosures and one-piece combination tubs and showers with the wall enclosures. Similar to cultured marble, fiberglass is made with a gel-coat, then backed with pigment and chopped strands of fiberglass in a resin mixture. Generally the finished product is about 1/8 to 1/4 in thickness. The underside of the shower pan floor has webbing added to provide support to the floor. As the floor is not solid, the unsupported space between the webbing can flex. This flexing is especially noticeable with heavy loading or where one is standing between to the webbing. Over time, the flexing can cause material fatigue and cracking. Once a crack develops, the pan has failed.

Acrylic sheets are used to vacuum form shower pans, bathtubs, spas and many other items. The vacuum forming process begins with a 1/4 sheet of pigmented acrylic that is heated to a temperature that makes the acrylic ductile. The sheet is placed on a mold and stretched over the form to create the finished shape. The heating and stretching of the sheet causes a reduction in wall thickness. The reduction is directly proportional to the amount of stretching that occurs. With shower pans there is far less material reduction than with creating a tub or spa. The heating, stretching, and cooling of the material could also introduce stresses to the finished pan.

Like fiberglass pans, acrylic pans need support elements under the pan floor. A commonly used support element is polyurethane foam. The foam fills the void and eliminated the flexing of the pan floor. Acrylic sheet material is susceptible to crazing, minute surface cracking, and cracking when cleaned with many common cleaning chemicals. Should crazing occur, over time these cracks can lead to a pan failure.

Acrylic sheets have very different physical and chemical properties than acrylic solid surface materials. In addition to the acrylic resin used in solid surface, the solid surface material receives additional physical and chemical characteristics from the addition of alumina-tri-hydrate, or ATH. The ATH causes cleaners that adversely affect acrylic to have no affect on solid surface.

Solid surface shower pans are the top-of-the-line in physical and chemical characteristics as well as performance, reparability and a myriad of other features and benefits. The primary features of solid surface are it is non-porous, will not support the growth of mold, mildew, or bacteria, is available in a large variety of looks (some like natural granite) and colors, and is 100% repairable should chipping, scratching, or even cracking occur. Health departments throughout the country have approved solid surface materials for use in hospitals and food preparation areas for its resistance to bacterial growth, ease of cleaning and maintenance, and resistance to staining and contamination.

Some solid surface shower pan manufacturers fabricate their pans from sheet goods in a similar fashion as the acrylic shower pans. That is, they thermal form the pan floors by heating and stretching the material and then bond sidewalls and a threshold to the floor.

The Royal Stone brand of solid surface shower pans are the pans that I manufacture and will use to illustrate the simplicity and ease of installation that can be had when installing a composite shower pan. Unlike fabricated solid surface shower pans, the Royal Stone shower pans are a cast one-piece solid surface product. By casting the pan as a one-piece unit, there are no stresses introduced in the pan, and there are many other features engineered and designed into this pan.

The most obvious features are the large radius transition between the pan floor and its sidewalls. Secondly, the flange (also called a weep edge) is 1-1/2 tall. I have seen pans that do not incorporate an integral flange or have flanges 1/2 to 1 tall. The added height is designed to minimize, if not eliminate, any water being drawn up behind the wall surround panels that could cause water damage to the shower sub-structure.

Royal Stones pans have a minimum wall thickness of 1/2 and the webbing elements have a wide foot with large stress relieving radius corners between the pan floor and the webbing. All shower pans are engineered to support the weight of 3/4 thick (2 cm) granite slabs as well as all other commonly used wall materials like tile, fiberglass, acrylic, and solid surface panels. Finally, regardless of floor loading, the Royal Stone pan floor is so solid that it feels like one is standing on a rigid concrete floor. There is no perceptible flexing or oil-canning of the pan floor. Thus, there is no possibility of floor fatigue and cracking over time and the potential for pan failure is eliminated.

INSTALLATION IS FAST AND EASY. As I have already stated, composite pans install on a flat sub-floor. The following installation information may not apply to all types of composite shower pans. Specifically, I have direct knowledge of installing the cast one-piece solid surface shower pans that Royal Stone manufactures. Thus, the following directly applies to Royal Stones standard and custom shower pans. The same steps should also apply to other types of composite pans and other materials, however, follow the manufacturers recommended installation instructions.

As a manufacturer, I do not install pans. The photos included within this article were provided by a local installer. They were supplemented by photos of a different pan, for clarity of the installation process. Thus the different pan color and shape. Further, most of the photos were from a unique plumbing situation. The home had all of the plumbing above ground. Thus, a particleboard platform was built above the plumbing for the shower. The following installation information applies to concrete, plywood, particleboard, wood, etc. sub-floors at, above, or below grade.

Step #1 SUB-FLOOR PREPARATION: Using the template provided with the shower pan, place template on the floor and verify that the drain is in the correct location. If the drain is NOT properly located, relocate the drain. NOTE: Relocating the drain is usually far less expensive than having a custom pan cast to accommodate your existing drain location.

The hole in the sub-floor needs to be larger than the drain pipe. About a 6 round or square hole (about the size of a coffee can) is recommended. This larger opening allows room for the drain assembly that extends below the bottom of the pan. Most drain pipes are 2 PVC. The PVC pipe allows for some flexing within the 6 opening in the sub-floor. This flexing is desired and makes the pan installation easier. The PVC pipe should extend above the finished sub-floor by a minimum of 1/2 to about 3 to 4.

The sub-floor can be wood, plywood, concrete or any other rigid or well supported surface. The sub-floor must be level and free from debris. To assure a level floor, check the floor with a long level as shown in Fig. 1. The longer the level, the more likely that the sub-floor will be level at its greatest dimensions. Check front to back at the left and right sides and at the center. Do the same from side to side. Finally, check the diagonals. Fig. 2 indicates the location of the 8 readings that should be taken.

Depending on the results of the level measurements, some additional prep may be necessary. If the sub-floor is relatively flat, shims may be used to make the shower pan level. If the floor is uneven and out of level, pouring self leveling thin-set material may be necessary.

Once the sub-floor is level and the opening for the drain is correct, the setting of the shower pan is next.

Step #2 ATTACH DRAIN ASSEMBLY TO PAN: A standard 2 part Brass Drain Assembly is recommended, as shown in Fig. 3. This type of assembly should be readily available at any plumbing supply store or home improvement store. Royal Stone also sells this drain assembly. Disassemble the drain assembly. Keeping the components in order makes reassembly faster and easier.

Place the pan on saw horses or any raised platform that allows access to the top and bottom of the pan. Spray the drain opening with rubbing alcohol, Fig. 4. With a clean rag, wipe the surface and interior edge of the pre-cut drain opening, to remove any dust or other contaminants from the pans drain area. Around the drain opening apply a generous bead of 100% silicone, Fig. 5.

Insert Brass Drain Body, Part #5 of the Brass Drain Assembly into the drain hole, Fig. 6, and press firmly into place, Fig. 7.

Step #3 REMOVE EXCESS SILICONE: Remove the excess silicone from the Drain Body, Part #5. Spray an alcohol mist over the drain area and the silicone, Fig. 8. With a Dap-Cap, scoop away the excess silicone, Fig. 9. This step may have to be repeated several times to completely remove the silicone. Last, spray a mist of alcohol and wipe remaining film away from the Drain Body, Part #5, with a soft cloth.

Step #4 MOUNT DRAIN LOCKING RING: Attach the Drain Strainer, Part #1, to assure that the Drain Body, Part #5, is centered within the drain hole, Fig. 10. From the bottom side of the shower pan, attach Parts #6, 7, & 8 to Part #5. Tighten the Locking Ring, Part #8 until snug. DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN. Over tightening may crack the shower pan. Remove the Drain Strainer, Part #1, and set aside.

If any additional silicone has been squeezed out from between the shower pan drain and the Drain Body, Part #5, repeat Step #3 until all excess silicone has been removed.

HANDLING TIP: Using a set of glazers grips allows for easier handling and moving the pan into the proper location. If these are not available, brute force also works.

Step #5 DRY FIT THE SHOWER PAN: Lower the shower pan into place. Make sure that about 1/8 space exists between the shower pan flange and the studs. With the level, confirm that the pan is sitting flat on the floor as shown in Fig. 11 & 12. If additional shimming is required, lift pan and place shimming material where required. Lower the pan into place and check for level. Repeat until the pan is level.

CAUTION: When leaning and handling the shower pan, handle carefully to prevent damage to the shower pans flange.


A LEVEL PAN IS ESSENTIAL FOR PROPER DRAINAGE.

Step #6 SILICONE THE BOTTOM OF THE PAN: Lift pan and lean against one of the studded walls. Apply 100% silicone caulking to the webbing, Fig. 13, on the underside of the shower pan . Also, apply a thick silicone ring around the drain opening in the sub-floor, Fig. 14. If shims were used, silicone all shims into position on sub floor as required.

Step #7 SET SHOWER PAN: Lower shower pan into place. Check the pan for level. Press down as necessary to re-level the shower pan. Apply a silicone bead along the front edge of the threshold to seal the threshold of the pan to the sub-floor.

Step #8 CONNECT DRAIN PIPE TO DRAIN ASSEMBLY: Inject silicone completely around and between the drain pipe and the Brass Drain Body, Part #5, as shown in Fig. 15. Place the Rubber Gasket, Part #4 of the Drain Assembly, over the PVC pipe and slide down until the top of the Rubber Gasket, Part #4, is completely seated and is below the top of the Drain Assemble, Fig. 16. Screw the Locking Ring, Part #3 of the Drain Assembly onto the Drain Body, Part #5. Tighten the Locking Ring, Part #3, with the Tightening Tool, Part #2 until the Rubber Gasket, Part #4, is seated and tightly in place.

Step #9 TRIMMING THE PVC: The top of the PVC drain pipe MUST NOT extend above the Brass Drain Body, Part #5. If it is at the top of the Brass Drain Body, Part #5, or extends above the top, trim the PVC so that it is about 1/4 lower than the top of the Brass Drain Body, Part #5 but is taller than the top of the Rubber Gasket, Part #4. Cut the PVC pipe with a Dremel and a cut-off wheel.

If the Tightening Tool, Part #2 has not already been removed, remove it and press the Drain Strainer, Part #1, into place. The installation is complete. Excluding any sub-floor preparation, the installation should take about one hour or less.

Step #10 CURING: Let the shower pan set for 24 to 48 hours to allow the silicone to properly cure. Once cured, the wallboard and wall panels can be installed.

CAUTION: When attaching solid surface shower pans and wall panels, ONLY use 100% SILICONE. Other adhesives or caulks may harden. The loss of the elastic bond between the solid surface and other materials can cause stresses in the solid surface. In turn, these stresses may cause fractures of the part and void the manufacturers warranty.

Milton Lemberg is President and Marketing & Sales Manager of Royal Stone Industries. He holds a degree in mechanical engineering and is the engineer and designer of the shower pans Royal Stone offers. Any questions should be directed to Mr. Lemberg at milt@royalstoneind.com or to Royal Stone Industries, Inc., 2949 N. 31st Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85017. For further information on Royal Stones 22 standard shower pans, custom shaped shower pans, wall surround kits and accessories, and 48 standard colors, visit Royal stones web site at http://royalstoneind.com/products_Shower.asp

Achieving Exterior Home Renovations Yourself

If you are focusing upon DIY renovations around the home then one place which you might be reluctant to touch is your home's exterior. However, when it comes to DIY exterior projects, they really don't have to be as challenging as you would first imagine. As long as you have the right tools and a good level of knowledge on the job in hand then that is all that matters.

It all really depends upon how much you know about exterior home improvements as to what you can actually do yourself. So it could be that you can install new guttering, do a window trim or add new sliding to the home. Or perhaps you would love to add a patio or a pool to the garden? Whatever you want to achieve you can do it yourself just as long as you take the time to learn how.

How to Remodel the Exterior of Your Home

The first step to getting any DIY project right is planning. You need to understand the task in hand and you also need to look at every angle of the project. Break it down into steps and ensure that you understand exactly what it is that you will be doing. Remember to get all of the tools that you will need. If you are not sure what tools to purchase then it would be a good idea to pop into your local DIY store and ask a member of staff. They will be able to give you advice on the job you are planning to complete and point you in the right direction with what you need. If you find that the equipment needed is a little on the expensive side then you could always rent the equipment instead of purchasing it.

Generally painting the outside of your home is one of the easiest jobs you can do. However before you can paint it you will first need to prepare by cleaning it. As long as you take the time to prepare the wall before you apply any paint, you will end up with a nice, smooth, even finish.

One of the biggest mistakes which people tend to make with exterior home improvement projects is that they try and do far too much too soon. Ideally you will need to break everything down into small steps. That way the task will not seem impossible to finish and it will be a lot more enjoyable to complete. So set up everything well before you start and try and complete everything in baby steps. This will save you time in the long run and it will also be a lot less hassle.

Overall exterior home renovations really don't have to be overly difficult. Just as long as you do not try to attempt to do more than you can handle, you should easily be able to complete basic remodeling jobs by yourself.

Vince Paxton's long articles can be found on many online sites tied to information on vinyl garden windows. His comments on garden replacement windows can be encountered on his webpage and also different websites.

Plumbing Repair Advice from a Professional Contractor

If you've owned a home for over 20 years, there's a very good chance, that you've had a water pipe break, a drainpipe clogged, a toilet that wouldn't flush right, or a water leak that damaged part of the home. If you don't know, what you're looking for and you have no idea what damage can be done, over time, this could mean trouble for the homeowner.

Plumbing problems like these have been around and will be around for many years. Knowing what to do about them, how to repair them and what materials will be needed, can be found in plumbing repair manuals for books. How would you like to have a professional plumber to advise you on your plumbing repairs. What if I told you that you could have a plumbing professional on hand at all times. Is this something that you might be interested in.

Well I can't guarantee that, so let's forget about what I just said and go to the next best thing. Plumbing repair manuals are full of tips and advice that when needed can sometimes be priceless. If water is leaking from the ceiling in your home and you have no idea, where the water is coming from or how to stop it from leaking, any information could be priceless and I mean priceless.

Plumbers, usually charge over $100 an hour for emergency service. I've seen plumbers come to peoples homes, turn the water off to the house, stop the water from leaking and now it is no longer an emergency. The plumber quickly pulls out an invoice for the plumbing repairs and it could be over $1000, if you decide that this is ridiculous and choose not to pay it, the plumber can hand you a bill for stopping the water leak. Some of these bills are what I would consider quite ridiculous, for just shutting the water off.

You're not paying the plumber for the amount of time it took him, you're paying him for his knowledge. If you knew where to shut the water off, you wouldn't have an emergency situation and could contact a plumber during normal hours. This could save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars.

With a simple home repair manual or a home plumbing book, you could prepare yourself for a situation like this and other plumbing problems. Most home repair manuals have general solutions and advice and can solve most of the problems around your home. If they can't solve all of the problems, they can probably save you from major catastrophes like a water leak.

Most of the time it's not the water leak that will cost the most money, it's the damage the water will do to your furniture, carpeting, wood flooring, walls or ceilings. A little information and preparation can save you a lot of money in the long run.

Home Plumbing Books

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:

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.

Activities Grandparents Can Do With Kids

Time spent with grandparents is special for kids. There is something about the role that a grandparent plays in a child's life that just cannot be duplicated anywhere else. Time together can mean anything. There are all sorts of fantastic activities that are sure to be a good time and make some meaningful memories. Don't sit around the house when you've got your grandkids. Get out and do something you will both remember for years to come.

Go to the zoo. This is the kind of experience that never gets old. All children love to look at the animals and learn more about them. Take a trip to your local zoo. It gives you a great opportunity to get some fresh air and spend time with your grandkids while admiring wildlife you would only otherwise see on television. There is something about seeing those animals in real life that can't be beat. Just watch the wonder and joy it brings to your grandchild's face.

Take a lot of pictures. No matter what it is that you're doing when you spend time with your grandchildren, pictures are a must. It's the best way to capture and cherish memories indefinitely. Photos remain for a very long time when well cared for. Have some fun and get camera happy. It's also a nice idea for creating the ultimate personal Christmas card. Pictures can be used for fun crafts too like scrapbooks or in home made picture frames.

Go out to a movie or do some shopping together. Taking the kids out is a great way to give their parents a well deserved break. But that doesn't mean you have to sit around. Go to the park for a nature walk or see the latest movie the kids have been waiting for. You might just fun that these activities do wonders for helping you to stay young at heart.

We can all relate to times when we learned something valuable from our grandparents. They lived through times that most of us can only imagine. Take the grandkids out to a historical museum where you may have personal experience with the content inside. It's a great way to introduce them to a world they would otherwise never know. Take the opportunity to leave them with something significant, a learning lesson that came straight from someone who lived it.

Play games with your grandchildren, even video games on occasion. The best thing about it is getting on their level and being part of what they enjoy. It also will be great fun for them to have you play. Watching Grandma play Guitar Hero is something many of their friends can't claim. They will be delighted to see something so unexpected.

Let yourself feel like a kid again and try something that you would normally not do. You may be pleasantly surprised by how much fun you have. Grandchildren have a way of keeping you young and high spirited. Embrace their world and have a good time doing so.

Find helpful and creative ideas for parents and grandparents while you shop our great selection of kids furniture (including our popular safe toy boxes) and classic toys. Visit http://www.TheMagicalRockingHorse.com today!

Keep Your Windows Sliding - Home Tips

If you're having problems with your Windows opening and closing, you can apply a little wax on the tracking. It's been a long time since anyone has used this trick, I thought I would share it with homeowners and professionals alike. My grandfather was a master Carpenter and he always had a small candle in his nailbags or toolbox.

I personally have tried wax, grease, silicone lubricant, oil, vegetable oil and wax seems to work about the best. I sprayed silicon lubricant on my windows and within a few months there was a nice collection of dirt, where I had applied the lubricant on the tracking and it was gummed up around the operating parts of the window. The dirt eventually made the window harder to slide and needed to be disassembled, cleaned and reassembled.

I've used silicon lubricant on quite a few things and had the same results. Wax can also attract dirt but somehow doesn't seem to collect as much of it as oil, grease and other lubricants.

Wax used as a lubricant often works best on horizontal sliding windows, these are windows that slide right to left and you will need to lubricate the tracking that the wheels roll on. Some windows have teflon inserts on the section of the window that slides. Either way you can apply the wax to the bottom of the window track and soon you will have a window that slides back and forth with ease.

If you apply the wax and it doesn't help the window slide easier, you could have a problem with the rollers on the window, teflon inserts or the tracking. Sometimes the window tracking and rollers just need to be cleaned in order for the window to slide effortlessly.

Home Window Ideas

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:

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 advice to take some of the frustration out of home shopping.

Toilet Seat Damage